AVSS Drone Parachute for DJI Matrice 4 Gets FAA Approval

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially approved AVSS’s PRS-M4S parachute recovery system for Category 2 “flight over people” operations on the Matrice 4E and Matrice 4T drones. In plain terms, if you operate a Matrice 4 with this parachute, you no longer need to beg the FAA for special waivers to fly over bystanders. That’s one less regulatory headache for you and a big win for drone safety.You can focus more on your project instead of paperwork.

FAA Green Light

In the past, you would have needed a Part 107.39 waiver (a hard-to-get FAA permission) to legally fly over anyone not directly involved in your operation. Those waivers were rare – between 2016 and 2020 the FAA granted only about 175 waivers for flights over people, with rejection rates once as high as 99%! 

Fortunately, the rules evolved. The FAA introduced “Categories” of drone operations over people, and Category 2 is the focus here. Under Category 2, a drone can routinely fly over people if it meets strict safety criteria – notably, limiting impact energy to under 11 foot-pounds (about 15 joules) and having no exposed sharp parts. So the drone must be designed so it can’t cause worse injury than a small falling object of that energy.

AVSS stepped up to the plate by engineering a parachute that makes the Matrice 4 meet those criteria. The FAA’s approval means the Matrice 4 with AVSS parachute is officially recognized as Category 2-compliant. No more time-consuming waiver applications are required. This is huge for public safety teams, infrastructure inspectors, delivery services – anyone who needs to fly in populated areas. You can now legally do jobs that were previously off-limits or bogged down in red tape.

Related Reading: Key FAA Drone Regulations Every U.S. Pilot Should Know

Meet the AVSS PRS-M4S Parachute System

So, what exactly is this parachute system that’s unlocking Category 2 flights for the Matrice 4? The AVSS PRS-M4S is a bolt-on Parachute Recovery System tailor-made for the DJI Matrice 4 Series. It’s a compact hardware kit that attaches securely to the drone without interfering with sensors or GPS. Despite weighing only about 149 grams (0.33 lbs), it’s packed with safety tech. Here’s what you get with the PRS-M4S:

• Internal Rechargeable Battery: One of the PRS-M4S’s coolest innovations is its power system. It has an internal battery that recharges in-flight from the drone’s power. That means as long as your drone has juice, the parachute’s battery stays topped up. Unlimited flight time on the parachute – no more worrying that your safety device might run out of power mid-mission. This is a first for many drone parachute systems, which often only have a fixed runtime. With AVSS, you can fly all day and the parachute is always ready.
• Complete Kit & Rugged Case: AVSS sells the PRS-M4S as a complete package. It includes the parachute pod, the electronic module, the flight termination tie-in, the triggering system, all necessary brackets and batteries, plus the compliance paperwork to satisfy regulators. Everything comes neatly packed in a tough Nanuk hard case (great for tossing in your truck on the way to job sites). Basically, you get everything needed to install and operate the parachute system out-of-the-box – no DIY tinkering required.

All these features come at a price of $1,700 USD (MSRP) For a commercial drone outfit, $1,700 is a reasonable investment to dramatically boost safety and open up new operational possibilities. The kit is already shipping to authorized resellers, and new orders are expected to deliver by August – so you won’t have to wait long to get your hands on one if you’re eager. Considering the potential cost of an accident (liability, damaged equipment, lost business opportunities), many would say this parachute pays for itself the first time it prevents a disaster.

Key Specs at a Glance

Let’s talk performance numbers – because at the end of the day, a drone parachute is only as good as its ability to slow its descent. According to AVSS’s data, the PRS-M4S brings down a Matrice 4 with an average descent rate of ~3.8 m/s (12.5 ft/s). To put that in perspective, that’s like dropping your drone about as slowly as a gentle parachute jump, rather than a stone. This reduced descent speed translates to a dramatically lower impact energy. 

The average impact energy with the parachute is only ~9.9 joules (≈7.3 ft‑lbs). That’s comfortably below the FAA’s 11 ft-lb injury threshold for Category 2. In fact, it provides a safety margin – even if the drone fell from a substantial height, the parachute keeps the impact energy in the single digits of joules. The PRS-M4S effectively cushions the Matrice 4’s fall to a level that bystanders can walk away from.

Another spec that stands out is the 0.5-second deployment time. This is the max time it takes for the parachute to fully unfurl once triggered. A fast-opening chute is critical – every tenth of a second of free-fall means more speed and harder impact. AVSS’s system uses a pyrotechnic “energetic” deployment mechanism (a tiny controlled explosive charge) to shoot the parachute out instantly. It’s a proven method that ensures the chute catches air right away. 

Additionally, the parachute itself is built into a Parachute Pod™ which is designed for quick re-packing and re-use after deployment. The whole system has been engineered to meet not just FAA standards, but also European safety standards (like EASA’s requirements) and the ASTM consensus standards recognized globally. So this isn’t a jerry-rigged hobbyist gadget – it’s a professional-grade safety device designed to satisfy aviation regulators and real-world conditions alike.

Why Drone Parachutes Matter

You might be thinking: “I’ve been flying drones for years without a parachute, do I really need one now?” The honest answer: if you’re flying over people, absolutely yes. No matter how skilled you are or how reliable your drone is, things can go wrong – and when drones fall, they fall hard. 

In the United States, between 2015 and 2020, roughly 4,250 drone-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms. Among those injured, 21% were kids under 18. Drones have struck bystanders in all sorts of incidents – a toddler on a playground swing was hit by a falling drone, a man downtown had a drone smack into his face, and a woman was knocked unconscious by a drone during a parade. Most of these incidents involved small consumer drones, and luckily almost all victims recovered (in fact, 95% of injured people were treated and released without hospitalization). But these examples show the risk: a drone is a flying object with spinning blades and a battery – if it drops on someone from above, it can cut skin, break bones, or worse.

Now scale that up to an enterprise drone like the DJI Matrice 4. The Matrice 4 is a serious piece of equipment used for public safety, inspections, and mapping. When falling it could pack enough punch to seriously injure someone if it hit them directly. This is why regulators are so strict about operations over people. The FAA’s 11 ft-lb energy limit for Category 2 was chosen as a level that greatly reduces the chance of severe injury. To meet that with a multi-kilogram drone, you need a mechanism to slow the drone’s descent – enter the parachute.

Drone parachutes have proven to be an effective last line of defense. By deploying a canopy, they slash the drone’s fall speed and energy on impact exponentially. Over 90% of drone pilots who applied for FAA waivers to fly over people (pre-Category rules) used parachute systems to mitigate ground risk. I\The physics are straightforward: without a parachute, a drone that loses power or has a critical failure becomes a free-falling projectile. With a parachute, it becomes a gentle descender. Instead of a high-velocity crash, you get a controlled drop with much less force.

Think of the parachute as an insurance policy – one that protects both the people below and your expensive drone. It might not deploy often (and you hope it never has to), but if the worst happens, you’ll be incredibly thankful it’s there. Modern drone parachutes like the AVSS PRS-M4S are also designed to minimize any added risk. For instance, they trigger a flight termination so the rotors won’t keep spinning, and they deploy even if the drone loses power completely (thanks to their independent battery and sensors). In other words, they’ve got your back when all other systems fail. Using a parachute demonstrates to regulators, clients, and the public that you take safety seriously and you’re prepared for the unexpected.

View: Popular Drones for U.S. Public Safety Agencies

Guide For Using the PRS-M4S Parachute with Matrice 4 Drones

Getting Started: Registration and Installation

Registration

• Register your PRS-M4S online at AVSS Registration Page before you fly.
• Use only the most current version of the user manual—always check the AVSS Wiki for updates.

Installation Steps

1. Ensure your drone and PRS-M4S are both powered OFF before attaching or detaching the system.
2. Open the forward gasket door on the Matrice 4.
3. Carefully slide the PRS-M4S mounting bracket over the frame, aligning the USB-C connector.
4. Push the connector gently into the USB port until it clicks.
5. Secure the PRS-M4S with the provided screws.
6. Power on your drone—this powers on the PRS-M4S automatically.
7. Check the system status on your drone controller’s screen before flight.

Operation: Pre-Flight, In-Flight, and Landing

Pre-Flight Checklist

• Inspect the PRS-M4S and drone for any visible damage.
• Make sure all parts are securely connected and no errors show on the system display.
• Confirm the PRS-M4S is armed and sensors are enabled.
• Only use Normal Mode—never switch flight modes during flight.
• Take off and reach at least 40 meters (131 ft) altitude before flying over people.

In-Flight Tips

• Fly in a safe, controlled manner. Avoid erratic movements.
• Monitor the PRS-M4S status throughout your flight using the controller.
• You can deploy the parachute manually via the Manual Triggering Device (MTD) if needed. Hold the deploy button for three seconds if you spot a hazard before the automatic system kicks in.

Landing & Post-Flight

• Land gently on a level surface and wait for the PRS-M4S to disarm (look for “DISARMED” on the controller display).
• Always power off the drone before moving it after a flight.
• Check both the drone and parachute system for damage after landing.
• Never approach the drone from above while it is armed or disarming.

Maintenance and Firmware Updates

• Repacking: The parachute must be repacked by AVSS or an authorized dealer every 12 months, or after any deployment.
• Inspection: Regularly check the mounting, connectors, and USB port for damage or dirt.
• Storage: Store the system dry, indoors, and within the temperature limits. For long-term keep it between 22°C and 28°C.
• Firmware: Update the firmware regularly via the AVSS Assistant tool (Windows required). Never unplug the PRS-M4S during an update.
• Cleaning: Only clean when the unit is off, dry, and cool.

Dos and Don’ts for Safe Drone Parachute Use

Dos

• Do register your PRS-M4S and keep your user manual current.
• Do inspect the system before every flight.
• Do fly at or above the minimum safe altitude (40 meters).
• Do use only Normal Mode for all flights.
• Do send your system for repacking every year or after deployment.
• Do check for firmware updates and install them promptly.
• Do power everything off before moving or handling the drone and parachute.

Don’ts

• Don’t fly in automated or sports mode, or switch modes mid-flight.
• Don’t hand-launch or hand-catch your drone with the parachute installed.
• Don’t use the parachute below the minimum safe altitude for operations over people.
• Don’t attempt to repack or repair the parachute yourself.
• Don’t approach the drone from above while armed.
• Don’t ignore error messages—always resolve them before takeoff.
• Don’t store the parachute system in extreme hot, cold, or humid places.

Troubleshooting & Support

If you run into problems or see error codes on your controller:

• Do not fly until all errors are cleared.
• Reach out to AVSS support at customersupport@avss.co for help (Monday–Friday, 10 AM–4 PM EST).

Warranty and Compliance

• Your Matrice 4 drone parachute comes with a 12-month warranty, starting from the date of purchase.
• Warranty covers up to two deployments, and the system must be shipped to AVSS for analysis after use.
• Always keep your system compliant by following the AVSS repacking and maintenance instructions.

Expanding What You Can Do with Your Drone (Deliveries, Inspections & More)

With the AVSS parachute on a Matrice 4, operations get more value, such as:

• Emergency Response and Public Safety: Police, fire departments, and search-and-rescue teams often need to fly drones over crowds or responders during emergencies. Whether it’s monitoring a large public event, tracking a suspect through city streets, or surveying a disaster scene, time is of the essence. Before, even public safety agencies had to be cautious about flying over bystanders without a waiver. Now, a Matrice 4 with a parachute can legally hover over a crowd to give eyes in the sky during, say, a festival or a fire scene. This means quicker deployment and more effective responses. You can fly directly over the action to drop a radio to a lost hiker or to assess a hazardous situation, with confidence that you won’t cause harm if the drone fails. It makes drones a more reliable tool for saving lives when every second counts.
• Infrastructure Inspection and Construction: If you’re inspecting cell towers, bridges, power lines, or high-rise buildings, you know the challenge – these structures are often near or over places where people live and work. A routine bridge inspection drone flight might inadvertently be over moving traffic or pedestrians below. With the parachute-approved Matrice 4, you can perform inspections over active roads or populated sites without shutting them down. Utilities and engineering firms can survey critical infrastructure in busy areas without the huge logistical hassle of clearing people away. This improves efficiency dramatically. Imagine being able to inspect a city skyscraper’s facade on a weekday without cordoning off the sidewalk – now possible because your drone can legally overfly people below as long as it’s parachute-equipped. Fewer road closures and work stoppages mean quicker drone inspections and less cost. It’s a boon for industries maintaining our power grids, railways, and construction projects.
• Media and Entertainment: Covering outdoor concerts, rallies, or sports events with drones is much easier now too. Broadcasters and filmmakers can capture aerial shots over crowds with an approved parachute system in place, rather than relying on ultra-zoom lenses from a distance. This means more dynamic footage for live events and creative projects – all while complying with regulations. Event organizers will likely start requiring parachute-equipped drones for any over-people flights, and now they have a concrete solution to point to.

In all these scenarios, the common theme is flexibility and peace of mind. You can take on missions that traverse populated areas without jumping through regulatory hoops each time. The FAA approval essentially gives you a blanket OK, as long as you stick to the Category 2 operating rules (which mostly boil down to “use the approved drone+parachute combo and don’t intentionally loiter over open-air assemblies of people”). This can translate to significant time and cost savings. No more months-long wait for a waiver, no more hiring special mitigation teams to secure a site – just do your standard risk assessment, ensure your parachute system is armed and functioning, and fly the job.

From a business perspective, this could be a competitive advantage. If you adopt parachute-equipped Matrice 4 drones, you might be able to offer services your competitors can’t, or deliver results faster. Clients in utilities, construction, or public safety will appreciate that you can get the job done without excessive red tape while still upholding the highest safety standards.

Drone Parachute FAQs for DJI Matrice 4 and AVSS PRS-M4S

What is the FAA-approved AVSS drone parachute for DJI Matrice 4?

The FAA-approved AVSS drone parachute for DJI Matrice 4 is a dedicated safety system (PRS-M4S) designed to slow down the drone’s fall in emergencies. This compact kit attaches directly to the Matrice 4 series and meets strict Category 2 safety standards, making routine flights over people legally possible without extra paperwork.

Why did the FAA approve this drone parachute system?

The FAA gave its approval because the AVSS drone parachute system passed all the latest industry safety tests. It met the ASTM F3322-24a standard, which requires the parachute to deploy reliably in 49 test drops, all observed by an independent party. This compliance proves the system works under pressure and reduces injury risk to people on the ground.

What does Category 2 approval mean for drone pilots?

Category 2 approval means you can fly your Matrice 4 with an AVSS drone parachute over people, as long as the setup keeps the potential impact energy under 11 foot-pounds and avoids exposed sharp parts. In simple terms, you don’t have to jump through hoops to get special waivers for most populated-area flights anymore.

Do I still need a waiver to fly over people with the Matrice 4?

No, you don’t need a waiver if you’re using the AVSS PRS-M4S drone parachute. As long as your drone and parachute combo is FAA Category 2-compliant, you’re cleared for routine flights over people. This means less paperwork and more flexibility for your operations.

What are the main features of the AVSS PRS-M4S drone parachute?

This drone parachute is packed with smart safety features. It automatically deploys in less than half a second when a problem is detected. There’s also a manual trigger you can use anytime. The system instantly stops the drone’s rotors to prevent further harm, and the internal battery recharges itself during flight so you’re always protected. Everything comes in a tough carry case and includes all the hardware you need.

How much does the AVSS drone parachute system cost?

The full AVSS PRS-M4S drone parachute kit retails for about $1,700 USD. It’s already available through authorized sellers, and new units are set to ship soon. For commercial operators, this is a practical investment—especially when you weigh it against the cost of a drone crash or legal issues.

How heavy is the AVSS drone parachute, and will it affect my drone’s performance?

The AVSS PRS-M4S drone parachute weighs just 149 grams (0.33 lbs). This lightweight design means it won’t throw off your Matrice 4’s handling or drain your batteries quickly. The system is specifically engineered so it doesn’t interfere with sensors or GPS.

How fast does the drone parachute deploy in an emergency?

The AVSS drone parachute deploys in under 0.5 seconds when a malfunction or free-fall is detected. This rapid response is crucial for slowing the drone’s descent before it gathers dangerous speed, making a big difference in preventing injuries or damage.

What happens when the parachute deploys—do the rotors stop?

Yes, the moment the parachute launches, the system cuts power to the drone’s rotors. This helps prevent the rotors from tangling in the parachute or posing extra risk to people below.

Can I reuse the AVSS drone parachute after deployment?

You can. The parachute is built into a Parachute Pod™ for easy repacking and reuse. After deploying and saving your drone, you simply repack it according to instructions and you’re good to fly again.

Will the AVSS drone parachute work if my drone loses all power?

Yes, the AVSS drone parachute is powered by its own internal battery, which recharges from the drone while in flight. Even if your drone completely loses power, the parachute can still deploy and protect your equipment—and more importantly, people on the ground.

What are the performance specs for the AVSS drone parachute?

In testing, the AVSS PRS-M4S drone parachute brings the Matrice 4 down at an average speed of about 3.8 meters per second (12.5 feet per second). The average impact energy with the parachute is just under 10 joules, which is well below the FAA’s injury threshold for safe operations over people.

Why do drone parachutes matter for safety?

A drone parachute can be a literal lifesaver if things go wrong. Even with a skilled pilot and a reliable drone, unexpected failures happen. The parachute system catches your drone before it hits the ground hard, greatly reducing the risk of injury or property damage. It’s a simple, effective insurance policy for both people and your equipment.

Will this drone parachute fit other DJI drones?

The AVSS PRS-M4S is made for the Matrice 4 series. AVSS also offers parachute systems for other DJI models, but you’ll want to double-check compatibility and approvals for each model..

How do I install and maintain the AVSS drone parachute?

Installation is straightforward, thanks to the complete kit and clear instructions. Maintenance is minimal—just inspect it regularly and follow the repacking guide after any deployment. The rugged case keeps everything safe when you’re on the move.

How often should I service or repack my PRS-M4S parachute?

Once every 12 months, and after any deployment. Only AVSS or an authorized dealer should handle this.