It's actually Cirrus who took the idea from the microlight community.
BRS (Ballistic Recovery System) has been producing rocket launched parachutes for hang gliders and microlights since the mid 80'.
Aside of that, if you crash in the trees (and survive it) and are trapped onto the canopy without a proper rope, your dorsal (or seat) parachute is the best mean to go down from your ship : not base jumping, but unfolding it to use the lines...