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On Monday, February 4th, we planned an intentional deployment of a Phantom parachute system. The purpose of the deployment was to test the product’s effectiveness and the ease of being able to re-pack the parachute and continue flying if necessary.
While we were familiar with the manufacturer (we also sell and have tested the parachutes for the Matrice line) we had not yet tested the Phantom parachute. Knowing that there are probably more Phantoms out flying than any other DJI aircraft, we wanted to give everyone the comfort that they required to know this is a worthwhile accessory for their aircraft.
The test was done in a wide open area - void of people, traffic, etc. We were approximately 2 miles from a small, un-towered airport and were monitoring the airport frequency for traffic.
The test began at 300 feet - but it took some altitude to get the DJI Phantom 4 Advanced to full power off while in flight. Our exact deployment height is unknown.
We filmed the deployment with drones and ground based cameras as well as a couple of action cameras we attached to the Phantom (which added weight to the aircraft - specifically the landing gear).
Our first test was a complete success - no damage to the aircraft or property and no person was injured.
We then re-packed the parachute onsite and sent it up to deploy again
Our second test was nearly a complete success as well; the only difference being some very minor damage to one side of the landing gear at the point it meets the aircraft frame.
All in all, having powered off a Phantom twice at approximately 300 feet and walking away with extremely minor damage on one side of the landing gear - we are satisfied that the parachute works as advertised and is a good value at $299.
While Parazero (manufacturer) was involved with the FAA as the parachute standards were written, this parachute alone will not get you a “flight over people” waiver. In addition to all of your other safety mitigation factors, you would need to get the ASTM standard kit - which is currently only offered through Parazero. We have been told the kit contain all of the written documentation the FAA needs, the audible buzzer that is required (this is standard on an M200 parachute) as well as a way to manually deploy the parachute by the pilot.
At Florida Drone Supply we like to test and review all of the products we sell - and while testing parachutes means risking aircraft we think it is worth it. We hope you find it useful and consider making your parachute and any other drone or accessory purchase from us.
The video below is a documentation of our initial testing, re-packing the parachute and the second test.
Thanks - enjoy (and share)!
While we were familiar with the manufacturer (we also sell and have tested the parachutes for the Matrice line) we had not yet tested the Phantom parachute. Knowing that there are probably more Phantoms out flying than any other DJI aircraft, we wanted to give everyone the comfort that they required to know this is a worthwhile accessory for their aircraft.
The test was done in a wide open area - void of people, traffic, etc. We were approximately 2 miles from a small, un-towered airport and were monitoring the airport frequency for traffic.
The test began at 300 feet - but it took some altitude to get the DJI Phantom 4 Advanced to full power off while in flight. Our exact deployment height is unknown.
We filmed the deployment with drones and ground based cameras as well as a couple of action cameras we attached to the Phantom (which added weight to the aircraft - specifically the landing gear).
Our first test was a complete success - no damage to the aircraft or property and no person was injured.
We then re-packed the parachute onsite and sent it up to deploy again
Our second test was nearly a complete success as well; the only difference being some very minor damage to one side of the landing gear at the point it meets the aircraft frame.
All in all, having powered off a Phantom twice at approximately 300 feet and walking away with extremely minor damage on one side of the landing gear - we are satisfied that the parachute works as advertised and is a good value at $299.
While Parazero (manufacturer) was involved with the FAA as the parachute standards were written, this parachute alone will not get you a “flight over people” waiver. In addition to all of your other safety mitigation factors, you would need to get the ASTM standard kit - which is currently only offered through Parazero. We have been told the kit contain all of the written documentation the FAA needs, the audible buzzer that is required (this is standard on an M200 parachute) as well as a way to manually deploy the parachute by the pilot.
At Florida Drone Supply we like to test and review all of the products we sell - and while testing parachutes means risking aircraft we think it is worth it. We hope you find it useful and consider making your parachute and any other drone or accessory purchase from us.
The video below is a documentation of our initial testing, re-packing the parachute and the second test.
Thanks - enjoy (and share)!
