Parachute Recovery and Flight Termination System for the DJI Mavic 3

[rjwmorrell]

I don't understand why this would be so expensive. I purchased two recovery systems for my Mavic 3 Cine from Flyfire. I just checked and they are currently $361, each. I felt they were inexpensive enough to have a back-up for long operating situations where I couldn't be waiting to recharge a depleted unit. Manti 3 Plus Drone Parachute DJI Mavic Series

The Flyfire is not Transport Canada compliant for thr Mavic 3 Cine you cannot fly over people with it in Canada, where you appear to be based.

The only compliant parachute for your drone here is made by ParaZero.

 

[Phantomrain.org]

As stated in 2022 I was one of the first to have one of these, but the DRIFT was the downfall for me and had a pretty good scare as my flight started over the River and tree but when I engaged the bot , drifted on to the highway. Be interesting to see how they solved the winds.

Phantomrain.org
Gear to fly in the Rain, Land on the Water,

 

[JavaJack]

The Flyfire is not Transport Canada compliant for thr Mavic 3 Cine you cannot fly over people with it in Canada, where you appear to be based.

The only compliant parachute for your drone here is made by ParaZero.

 

[JavaJack]

Sadly you are correct and thanks for alerting me to this. At the time I purchased these units it was because they were certified on the Transport Canada list of drones. Unfortunately it appears they have been removed.

 

[rjwmorrell]

Sadly you are correct and thanks for alerting me to this. At the time I purchased these units it was because they were certified on the Transport Canada list of drones. Unfortunately it appears they have been removed.

That's so odd. Perhaps reach out to TC and ask what happened? They're usually pretty responsive, every time I've emailed they've gotten back to me fairly quickly.

 

[JavaJack]

Good idea. I’ll do that.

 

[kowabundant]

I don't understand why this would be so expensive. I purchased two recovery systems for my Mavic 3 Cine from Flyfire. I just checked and they are currently $361, each. I felt they were inexpensive enough to have a back-up for long operating situations where I couldn't be waiting to recharge a depleted unit. Manti 3 Plus Drone Parachute DJI Mavic Series

Any updates on the Manti 3 now? Since it is Chinese company the new FAA covered list most likely prohibits this product. This is a major shame since it costs $259 now but a Safeair for Mavic 3 listed only is $1600! In theory the Chinese tariff is 170% meaning the true cost of Manti 3 could be more from 10-40% making the cost anywhere from $285 - $440. Still much cheaper. I have heard that they did not get their ASTM documentation so flying over people or cleared by FAA is not possible making this not viable for any commercial work, still it is handy though if you can even get one in the USA. Canada I am sure it is easier. I am reaching out to the company as well to see if I can get any answers on ASTM documentation.

 

[jaja6009]

Any updates on the Manti 3 now? Since it is Chinese company the new FAA covered list most likely prohibits this product. This is a major shame since it costs $259 now but a Safeair for Mavic 3 listed only is $1600! In theory the Chinese tariff is 170% meaning the true cost of Manti 3 could be more from 10-40% making the cost anywhere from $285 - $440. Still much cheaper. I have heard that they did not get their ASTM documentation so flying over people or cleared by FAA is not possible making this not viable for any commercial work, still it is handy though if you can even get one in the USA. Canada I am sure it is easier. I am reaching out to the company as well to see if I can get any answers on ASTM documentation.

The higher pricing is because to obtain ASTM 3322 the PRS must go through and pass testing. This costs money.

Without the ASTM 3322 certification, the system cannot get an FAA DOC which means the drone using the system will not be a Category drone. Not being a Category drone means you cannot fly OOP/MV.

Side note: Category drones can only be used by Part 107 RPICs. (For those reading through this thread)

Unfortunately, you have to pay to play here.

 

[kowabundant]

The higher pricing is because to obtain ASTM 3322 the PRS must go through and pass testing. This costs money.

Without the ASTM 3322 certification, the system cannot get an FAA DOC which means the drone using the system will not be a Category drone. Not being a Category drone means you cannot fly OOP/MV.

Side note: Category drones can only be used by Part 107 RPICs. (For those reading through this thread)

Unfortunately, you have to pay to play here.

I was given a doc by Flyfire (makers of Manti) team that said they complied. Is there a public list to verify or is this enough? See enclosed PDF for review.

 

[jaja6009]

It is not enough.

All Category drones will be listed on the FAA DOC (Declaration of Compliance) database.

UAS Declaration of Compliance

UAS Declaration of Compliance

uasdoc.faa.gov

The only drone PRS listed are all from AVSS in Canada.
Parazero doesn't have any listed and they were once the forefront of PRS systems.

The ASTM 3322 rating can make it eligible for a waiver though. You could explore submitting a waiver through FAA Drone Zone.

If you need a PRS system for a Mavic 3 series (Mavic 3, Mavic 3 Classic, Mavic 3 Pro) to make it a Category drone, unfortunately you are out of luck. Only the Mavic 3 Enterprise series (Mavic 3 Enterprise, Mavic 3T, Mavic 3M) have AVSS PRS with ASTM 3322 and FAA DOC. Another item to note is that if you use the AVSS PRS on a Mavic 3 Enterprise series drone, you lose the RTK module for precise mapping since the AVSS PRS connects via the PSDK USB C port.