Failing to secure necessary permits and waivers when operating drones over populated areas poses significant legal risks. With the monumental approval granted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the right tools, it’s possible. What’s likely to stand out as the most essential item on your list? A drone parachute.
The FAA has permitted the use of specific hardware for flying drones in certain circumstances. The {hardware} at hand? A high-performance parachute manufactured by Aerial Car Security Options Inc. The AVSS combines a DJI drone with a DJI Dock, a drone-in-a-box solution optimized for enterprise use cases. The new regulations allow for greater ease in operating drones near people, eliminating the need for extensive documentation and paperwork.
The FAA’s 107.39 flight-over-people waiver is that paperwork. While intended for a general audience? Corporations often outsource legal work to specialized firms or freelance attorneys to handle tasks such as document preparation and contract review. While that approach might prove too expensive, especially for fledgling companies with limited teams.
The approval was launched by AVSS, a Canadian company that has collaborated on aerial expertise with us since 2017. Surprisingly, the manufacturer produces the approved parachute.
Following the latest regulatory approval, drone operators employing the DJI Dock 2 in conjunction with specific parachute systems from AVSS are now authorized to fly over people without requiring submission of a waiver under FAA Part 107.39 for such operations. Additionally, the FAA document allows for enhanced wind limits when operating under specific circumstances?
In order to legally operate drones and fly them safely over people without requiring FAA approval under this specific ‘Declaration of Compliance,’ you must possess certain essential tools.
The Advanced Vertical Spiral Stabilizer (AVSS) parachute system has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its remarkable capacity to stabilize and control paratroopers’ descent. Designed for military and special operations purposes, this innovative technology enables soldiers to land safely and efficiently in a variety of environments? Its unique spiral design allows the parachute to maintain stable air pressure around the canopy, thereby reducing turbulence and vibrations during deployment. This results in a smoother, more controlled descent, making it ideal for situations where precision is crucial?
In the event of a mid-air drone malfunction, advanced parachute systems, such as those offered by AVSS, can automatically dissipate the drone’s energy through controlled descent mechanisms. Upon deployment of the parachute, the drone will gently descend back to earth. To ensure minimal harm to both the drone and potential bystanders, including individuals or property that could otherwise be impacted by a drone crash.
AVSS supplies a range of parachutes specifically designed for popular drones, including the DJI M200, DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise, and others. The platform seamlessly integrates with prominent players in the DJI ecosystem, including Skydio and Brinc. The company supplies parachutes to drone manufacturers, as well as a network of around 50 authorized resellers.
The PRS-M3DT parachute is designed to integrate seamlessly with the DJI Dock 2 and either the DJI M3D or M3TD drone models.
How does it work? This attachment bracket securely fastens the parachute to the drone, integrating seamlessly into a convenient “plug-and-play” setup. A digital module drives the operation of a ‘Parachute Pod.’ The onboard system’s automated triggering mechanism deploys the drone’s parachute in under 0.5 seconds, if required.
The entire equipment contributes just 145 grams (0.32 kilos) to the overall weight of the drone.
The system also meets the stringent requirements of EASA MOC 2511’s Enhanced Containment standards, a crucial compliance necessity for business aviation operators flying within the European Union’s airspace.
The Class 2 and Class 3 Declaration of Compliance (DOC) system is a regulatory framework that governs the manufacturing process of certain medical devices, with the primary goal of ensuring their safety and effectiveness. Key takeaways from this system include:
Devices classified as Class 2 or Class 3 must comply with specific regulatory requirements, which are outlined in the relevant laws and regulations.
Surprisingly, obtaining a DOC proved to be anything but straightforward. The arduous process of securing ASTM approval required a significant investment of time over several years. AVSS has a long-standing collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), having conducted extensive testing of its parachute technology. In 2022, the AVSS laboratory collaborated diligently with NUAIR, managing operations at Griffiss International Airport in Rome, New York, to complete ASTM F3322-18 testing requirements for the DJI M300 RTK unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
While ASTM standards aren’t specific to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), they do set global benchmarks for quality, ensuring a level of consistency across various industries and applications. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is a global standards organization that establishes and disseminates voluntary consensus technical standards, widely adopted by industry and manufacturers alike, covering an array of products including drone-related supplies, including those for drone parachutes.
Multiple drone parachutes, including the Nexus developed by an Alaskan company, have undergone rigorous testing through NUAIR.
Notwithstanding the significance of this milestone, the FAA’s approval to AVSS represents a major breakthrough in authorizing commercial drones for flight over people. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted various types of approvals to distinct drone parachute companies under specific circumstances. The Common Council has granted permission to Hensel Phelps, a reputable construction company and development administration firm, to operate a drone carrying a small load in the vicinity of populated areas.
The purpose of Class 2 and Class 3 Drone Operation Certificates (DOCs) is to outline specific requirements for drone equipment, dependent on the nature of the flight.
There exists a crucial factor known as Class 1 drone operations. However, it specifically pertains to drones with a weight of 0.55 grams or less. Studies suggest that lightweight drones are significantly less likely to cause damage if they were to crash. And with certainty, drone flights – provided they’re compliant with Distant ID regulations – may operate freely above individuals under Class 1 operational parameters.
Drone flights categorised as Class 2 or 3 under normal circumstances require a separate waiver in all cases. From the moment this document arrived on my desk. These two classes encompass a comprehensive learning experience.
- Drone technology enables prolonged flight periods above public events.
- Imposes further security limitations. Below Class 3 airspace, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prohibits drone operations over groups or teams of individuals. Notably, these operations take place within or above designated areas that are off-limits to the general public, with individuals properly informed of impending drone activities. Staff on our job website may benefit from this feature. It also relates to situations where drones fly over people who are immediately affected by the flight. Alternatively, it comprises individuals who unexpectedly discover themselves beneath both the drone’s flight path and another protective structure – think of the drone hovering above while you’re sheltered by a patio cover.
Additionally, there exists a Class 4 certification that enables drones weighing under 21 kilograms to operate safely above people, provided they hold an airworthiness certificate.
What’s next for those with the capability to fly drones over people without needing a waiver?
The FAA currently allows up to two DJI drones to operate simultaneously with the DJI Dock 2, under their existing regulations. Offering a touchdown and charging station specifically designed for drones. Additionally, they provide a secure and convenient landing site for drones to recharge their batteries autonomously, eliminating the need for human intervention.
Although the corporation has announced its intention to supply additional drones pending DOC approval. These features showcase the Skydio X10 and Brinc Responder drones.
