The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved the use of a parachute-equipped drone for operations over gatherings of people without requiring waivers. This marks the first such approval for drones, with the key feature being the parachute developed by Aerial Vehicle Safety Solutions. The parachute is integrated into DJI M3D or M3TD drones, allowing them to fly over people without restriction.
The company is now working on expanding the list of drones that can be equipped with this parachute technology to gain similar operational flexibility.
This approval is significant as it permits flying over individuals who have not given their consent to having a drone overhead. Previously, drone operations over people were restricted to closed or limited access areas or required direct involvement of those under the drone's flight path.