Phantom Parachute Deployment Test Results and Video

Joined
Dec 8, 2016
Messages
619
Reaction score
277
Location
Southwest Florida
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)!

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.
 
A very nice presentation...and looks like a nice neat chute deploy system.....i see that you have a "red parachute"........is that the FAA requirement as i really think a "day Glow Orange" chute would be much better to find it in a distant tree or field of crops or HIGH weeds.
 
A very nice presentation...and looks like a nice neat chute deploy system.....i see that you have a "red parachute"........is that the FAA requirement as i really think a "day Glow Orange" chute would be much better to find it in a distant tree or field of crops or HIGH weeds.
You might be right on that...but red is the color provided by the manufacturer. We were able to see it very, very well - but we had blue sky and green grass as the background...
 
  • Like
Reactions: MotorCycle-Man
Very nice presentation and product. Since this was a controlled test, the cap and inner stage was somewhat easy to find for repacking. I was wondering if there is anything in the future design updates to somehow keep the cap and inner stage from completely separating in a real emergency where you may not be able to easily find them, or will they be parts that can be purchased separately if needed after an actual deployment?
 
Very nice presentation and product. Since this was a controlled test, the cap and inner stage was somewhat easy to find for repacking. I was wondering if there is anything in the future design updates to somehow keep the cap and inner stage from completely separating in a real emergency where you may not be able to easily find them, or will they be parts that can be purchased separately if needed after an actual deployment?
Great question - that's one I will need to check with the manufacturer on. I would imagine it is more likely they will just sell us the spare parts before they change the design (even if it were a simply safety tether connecting the main chute to those components).

Thanks!
 
Over on the Inspire Pilots Forum, there were some questions about the effect of having the 2 action cameras on the bottom of the landing gear. Our thoughts are that there was definitely some change to the descent rate - simply due to the added weight that the parachute was supporting. Without the cameras, their cases and the miscellaneous velcro strips, tape and zip ties the aircraft would have weighed less and come down a little slower. We think it might have further reduced the damage to the aircraft - but because there was so little to start with its really more of a guess on our part.
 
Great informative video, certainly a product I'll seriously think about buying in the future.
 
I was able to see one of such at my local seller just in the day when he got the official certificate from our FAA in Slovenia for use on Phantoms. This parachute device is very light (4 dag or 4/100 of kg) and has almost no influence on flying performance. The seller said me that It has no effect on satellite locking capabilities as it has almost no metallic parts. It will be used mostly at circumstances where flying without parachute is prohibited so it is fine that can be easily attached to or put off the Phantom.
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
143,066
Messages
1,467,358
Members
104,936
Latest member
hirehackers