Its a parachute. Any software we purchase requires lengthy documentation by their IT/Security. That is part of the certification process. It is also the price of doing business. Call it what it really is; you taking advantage of your customers.
That's what it seems like to me. It even says it in the article
"UAS operators that purchased the ParaZero SafeAir Phantom ASTM Professional Kit, received the documentation required to demonstrate the compliance of the system "
Soooo, who paid how much to the FAA for them not to universally recognize this system is good to go if somebody purchases it but has to require paperwork that they already have on file proving that it works?
"This waiver represents the first time the FAA has collaborated with industry in developing a publically available standard, worked with an applicant to ensure the testing and data collected acceptably met the standard, and issued a waiver using an industry standard as a basis to determine that a proposed sUAS operation can be safely conducted under the terms and conditions of a waiver under Part 107. "
Except it's not publically available unless you pony up almost 2k. I could see paying for the device at 300. I cannot see paying for paperwork that the FAA already has on file and I can only guess that you ( the company ) put it in your contract with the FAA when "collaborating" that they won't approve any waivers without specific paperwork from you which you are selling at a premium.
"According to the FAA: This process is scalable and available to other applicants who propose to use the same drone and parachute combination. The FAA will require each applicant to provide the testing, documentation, and statement of compliance listed in ASTM3322-18 in their applications using the same drone and parachute combination."
FAA already has this information because you had to give it to them to get the waiver for your parachute. Again it points toward you having a contract with the FAA that they will require paperwork only available from you ( that the FAA already has on file ) which you are selling at a premium.
"“The FAA has demonstrated a truly collaborative approach, through which they help develop the ASTM standard, work together in the UASIPP and provide feedback on the waiver applications and documentation. “said Avi Lozowick, ParaZero’s Vice President of Policy and Strategy."
Well of course you are going to praise them. They gave you license to sell what should be public documentation from the FAA ( since they already have it ) at an exorbitant rate.
"ParaZero CEO, Eden Attias comments: “The approval of this waiver is the goal ParaZero has been striving to achieve for the past two years. A replicable process is key to enable the growth of the UAS industry.” "
What's next for you guys to collaborate with the FAA on and then charge thousands of dollars for? Two stacks of paperwork that the FAA already has on file?
At $1800.00
Issue is ROI.
How many flights are you planning over people annually?
How long is the chute guaranteed for?
Waiver is good for how long, 2 years?
You have to pass the costs to the customer, that's an extra $100.00 if you fly once a month for 18 months.?
Not worth it!
At $1800.00 dollars you can purchase another drone, for a backup.
Don't forget that it's basically a one time use item as the law requires that it's repackaged by the manufacturer as posted by the person selling it in an earlier post. They send you instructions to repack it BUT if you were to get inspected by the FAA or, heaven forbid, it has a malfunction after you pack it yourself and get in the media you are going down big time for breaking the rules i'm sure.
I would have no issues paying 300 for the parachute system since it's already been approved to meet standards by the FAA if that is all that was required to get a waiver to fly over people. It's the paperwork requirement that costs 1500 bucks that is the issue. It seems like you guys are doing what many others do with emerging markets and try to take advantage for that short term pay day. It's sad that the FAA even requires this paperwork since they already have proof that it works due to your collaboration with them.
uasweekly.com
