Elevating Drone Safety: How a New Parachute System Unlocks Flights Over People for the DJI M400

As drone technology continues to evolve, so too do the regulations and safety expectations surrounding their use—especially in densely populated areas. One of the most significant challenges for enterprise drone operators has been the ability to legally and safely conduct flights over people (OOP). While drones have become more capable, reliable, and intelligent, aviation authorities around the world still require additional safety systems to mitigate the risks of mid-air failures during such operations.

A new parachute recovery system, specifically engineered for the DJI Matrice 400 (M400), is poised to change that. This plug-and-play safety solution not only enhances operational security but also helps operators meet the stringent requirements of global aviation regulators. With its rapid deployment capabilities, integrated flight termination system, and full compliance documentation, this system is unlocking new possibilities for commercial drone missions in urban and populated environments.

Image: AVSS

The DJI M400: A New Standard in Enterprise Drones

Before diving into the safety system itself, it’s important to understand the platform it supports. The DJI M400 is the latest flagship enterprise drone from one of the world’s leading drone manufacturers. Designed for industrial-grade applications, the M400 boasts a maximum take-off weight of 15.8 kilograms and can carry payloads of up to 6 kilograms. This makes it ideal for a wide range of use cases, including infrastructure inspection, public safety, mapping, and logistics.

The drone features a 59-minute maximum flight time, IP55-rated weather resistance, and advanced obstacle avoidance powered by LiDAR and millimeter-wave radar. It also supports multiple payload configurations, allowing operators to mount up to seven devices simultaneously. These capabilities make the M400 one of the most versatile and powerful drones in its class.

However, despite its robust design and advanced features, the M400—like all drones—faces regulatory limitations when it comes to flying over people. In many jurisdictions, such operations are either prohibited or require special waivers and safety mitigations. That’s where the new parachute recovery system comes into play.

Bridging the Regulatory Gap: Why a Parachute System Is Essential

Flying over people presents a unique set of risks. In the unlikely event of a mechanical failure, a falling drone can cause serious injury or property damage. To address this, aviation authorities such as the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Canada, and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have established strict guidelines for OOP operations.

In the United States, for example, FAA Part 107.39 outlines the conditions under which drones may fly over people. One of the key requirements is the use of a safety system that can mitigate the risk of injury in the event of a failure. Similar rules exist in Canada and Europe, including EASA’s MOC 2511 and 2512 standards and the JARUS SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) framework.

The new parachute recovery system for the M400 is designed to meet these requirements head-on. It is fully compliant with ASTM F3322-24a, a widely recognized standard for drone parachute systems. This compliance ensures that operators can obtain the necessary waivers and approvals to conduct OOP missions legally and safely.

Inside the System: Features and Capabilities

The parachute recovery system is a comprehensive safety solution that includes both hardware and software components. At its core is a lightweight, compact parachute pod that can be mounted directly onto the M400 without interfering with its GPS modules or payloads. The system also includes an electronic module that powers the parachute and manages deployment logic.

One of the standout features of the system is its automatic deployment capability. In the event of a critical failure, the parachute can be deployed in less than 0.5 seconds, allowing the drone to descend safely and minimize impact force. This rapid response time is crucial for protecting people and property on the ground.

The system also includes an onboard flight termination mechanism, which is integrated via DJI’s Payload SDK (PSDK). This feature allows the drone’s motors to be shut down automatically when the parachute is deployed, preventing further propulsion and ensuring a controlled descent.

Additional features include:

• Manual deployment option via remote control or software interface
• Smart triggering logic that detects free fall, excessive tilt, or loss of power
• Attachment bracket designed for easy installation and removal
• Full compliance documentation for FAA, EASA, Transport Canada, and ASTM standards

These features make the system not only effective but also easy to integrate into existing drone operations.

Operational Benefits: Unlocking New Use Cases

With this parachute system in place, the M400 becomes a far more versatile tool for enterprise operators. One of the most significant benefits is the ability to conduct legal flights over populated areas, which opens the door to a wide range of new applications.

Public Safety and Emergency Response

First responders can use the M400 to monitor crowds, assess disaster zones, or provide aerial support during emergencies—all without being restricted by OOP regulations. The parachute system ensures that these missions can be carried out safely and in compliance with local laws.

Infrastructure Inspection

Utility companies and infrastructure firms often need to inspect assets located in urban environments. With the ability to fly over roads, buildings, and populated areas, the M400 can now perform these inspections more efficiently and with fewer logistical hurdles.

Mapping and Surveying

Surveyors can use the M400 to capture high-resolution imagery and LiDAR data over construction sites, city blocks, or agricultural fields. The parachute system provides peace of mind, knowing that the drone can be safely recovered in the event of a malfunction.

Last-Mile Delivery

As drone delivery services continue to expand, the ability to fly over people becomes increasingly important. The M400, equipped with this safety system, is well-positioned to support last-mile logistics in urban and suburban areas.

Streamlined Certification and Deployment

One of the challenges with safety systems is the time and effort required to certify them for use. Fortunately, this parachute system builds on a proven platform that has already been certified for use with other DJI drones, including the M30 and M350 RTK. This continuity allows for faster development, easier integration, and quicker regulatory approval.

The system is expected to be available in Q4 2025, aligning with the broader rollout of the M400. It will be distributed through a global network of authorized dealers, ensuring that operators around the world can access the technology and receive support.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Safe Drone Operations

As drones become more deeply integrated into commercial and public sector workflows, safety will remain a top priority. Systems like this parachute recovery solution represent a critical step forward in making advanced drone operations both legal and responsible.

By enabling safe flights over people, this technology not only expands the operational envelope of the M400 but also sets a new benchmark for what’s possible in enterprise drone missions. It reflects a broader trend in the industry: the move toward scalable, compliant, and risk-mitigated drone deployments.

Whether you're a public safety official, infrastructure inspector, or logistics provider, the combination of the M400 and this parachute system offers a powerful, future-ready solution for complex aerial missions.