AVSS CEO Discusses Drone Parachutes and Regulatory Compliance

Parachutes for Operations Over People — Josh Ogden, AVSS

In today’s episode of the Pixel Drone Show, hosts Greg Reverdiau and Haye Kesteloo interviewed Josh Ogden, CEO of AVSS, a Canadian company that specializes in manufacturing regulatory compliant parachute recovery systems for drones. The discussion covered various topics, including the role of drones in AVSS’s business, differences in drone regulations between Countries, and the future of the Drone Industry.

The Role of Drones at AVSS

AVSS, founded in 2017, primarily focuses on building parachute recovery systems that meet regulatory standards. As Ogden explained, “We really specialize in dropping things from the sky, whether it’s unguided or guided, we’re really good at dropping things out of the sky and making sure it’s a reliable, safe, accurate landing.”

The company’s interest in drone safety was sparked by concerns over potential accidents, such as a drone landing on a car windshield. AVSS recognized the need for reliable backup devices and set out to create parachute systems that were more than just “hobby level solutions.”

Differences in Drone Regulations

Ogden discussed the varying drone regulations in different countries, highlighting the differences between Canada and the United States. In Canada, AVSS works within a self-declaration system, which has opened up the market but also led to some false declarations by competitors.

In contrast, the U.S. has a more rigorous process involving a Means of Compliance (MOC) and a Declaration of Compliance (DOC). Ogden noted that the U.S. rules are far more strict, with kinetic energy thresholds being the most conservative.

The Future of AVSS and the Drone Industry

Looking ahead, Ogden emphasized the importance of predictability and consistency in drone regulations. He stated, “We want to see them saying, these are the rules, these are the consequences for not following the rules, and these are the fines for not following the rules.”

For AVSS, the goal is to become the go-to component manufacturer for autonomous landing systems, similar to how companies like T-motor and Grepow are known for their motors and batteries in the drone industry. Ogden also hinted at the company’s expansion into larger aircraft, such as 150-kg drones and potentially air taxis.

The interview with Josh Ogden provided valuable insights into the world of drone parachutes and the challenges of navigating varying international regulations. As the drone industry continues to evolve, companies like AVSS will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and compliance of these unmanned aerial vehicles.