GRS Ballistic Chute

After purchasing the aircraft I did a Weights and Balance check only to discover that the aircraft was tail heavy and required about 10Kg of lead to be fitted under the front of the engine to bring it's Centre of Gravity in to the specified range. Rather than adding dead weight I decided to add a Ballistic Chute, the other contributing factor was that as I purchased the aircraft built and I didn't know how good the structural integrity was. The insurance of a Ballistic Chute has given me (and my wife) piece of mind.

I chose a Galaxy Ballistic Chute GRS 5/450 as that was the biggest available when I purchased it, now I would buy the next size up. Information on it can be seen on http://www.galaxysky.cz .  It weighs 14.7Kg and I fitted it against the fire wall next to my engine mount, the cowling has been modified and it sticks out the bottom as seen below (I intend to fare it in later, after first flight). If I was building from scratch I'd fit it behind the seat and fare in the straps and cables.

Galaxy Ballistic Chute GRS 5/450 fitted beside old Hirth engine