We Are Here To Keep You Flying!
Butler Parachute Systems, Inc. maintains a full-service parachute loft focused on parachute repair and repacking. In particular, we would like to service every parachute that we make at least once per year. This gives us the opportunity to track any wear and tear on the system and to check on the quality of service other parachute riggers in the field are giving our products. We will make every effort to ensure that your parachute is serviced in a timely manner and returned to you with a minimum of downtime. The following policies and procedures will help to ensure that when you send your parachute to us for servicing, the process will be a smooth one. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Shipping Your Parachute To Us
Please pack your parachute in the carrying bag that was originally supplied with it. Also, please take a minute to enclose a note that includes your name, return shipping address and telephone number, as well as instructions for the service you would like performed. A package that arrives without instructions can slow the process of servicing your parachute considerably. We recommend that the package be insured for full replacement value. In the unlikely event the package is lost, a fully insured parachute can be replaced without any financial burden to you.
Please do not ship packages to us using the US Postal Service. When shipping rigs to us for service via UPS or FedEx use the following address:
Butler Parachute Systems, Inc.
1820 Loudon Avenue NW
Roanoke, VA 24017
While It’s Here
Butler Parachute Systems will repair everything required for airworthiness and safety. Non-essential but recommended items will be noted on your invoice. If the estimated total cost of the service will exceed $200.00, we will notify you for authorization to make the repair before starting the work. We will routinely perform most appropriate updates on our own products at no charge to you.
Priority of Service
We may, at our sole discretion, charge an extra fee for rush services as follows: the 2-day service is an additional 50% of the normal service fee; the 1-day service is an additional 100% of the normal service fee.
Return Shipment to You
Unless otherwise indicated, the parachute will be returned to you by the same method used for inbound shipping. All packages are shipped by a traceable means and are insured for full replacement value unless otherwise directed by you in writing. Parachutes that include hazardous materials (such as signal flares, oxygen bottles, CO2 bottles, etc.) must generally be shipped by FedEx or Yellow Freight with a HAZMAT classification and will require additional handling and fees.
Charges and Payment
Routine inspection and repacking on most manual bailout emergency parachute systems is $95 (although some are higher). We require payment when the work is finished and before it is shipped.
Service Life and Repack Interval
All personnel parachutes manufactured by Butler Parachute Systems, Inc. are manufactured and certified under the Technical Standard Order (C23) process of the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Our products have been sold all over the world, and thus may fall under many other sets of operating regulations. The following guidance is provided to determine the allowable service life and repack interval under the specific circumstances listed:
The Following Information Is Provided As Guidance Only
When used in civil aircraft in the United States of America, our products have a recommended service life of 20 years from the date it is placed in service or 25 years from the date of manufacture. However, this parachute must be inspected and repacked in accordance with the applicable Federal Aviation Regulations, every 180 days. If more than 180 days has passed since the last inspection and repack, then the parachute is considered unairworthy until such inspection is completed.
When used in civil aircraft outside the United States of America, our products have a recommended service life of 20 years from the date it is placed in service or 25 years from the date of manufacture. The local regulations pertaining to parachute inspection and repacking (if any) may be applied, but in no case longer than two years between inspection and repack.
If the parachute equipment is subjected to any unusual or severe conditions such as dust, moisture, impact damage, etc., it should be serviced on a more frequent basis. Please review all information in the User Guide and service manuals before extending your repack cycle.
