Does AAD require any licensing to use?

[voidlizard 0]

Hello, we have a great discussion on the russian skydiving site about AADs. The matter is that AAD's are absolutely required on all russian dropzones. But it seems like none of populars AAD has no any russian licences (except, may be, russian archaic mechanical military-styled AAD).
So, how it going in USA or other countries? Does Cypres and FXC have any USPA licence and does any licence required for AAD's at all?
If tomorrow appears, for example, Japanese company which will offer a modern ADD priced in half of Cypres, will skydivers free to use this hypothetic AAD?
Thank you,
Dimitri

[PhreeZone 20]

In the USA you are free to use what ever if any AAD you want. You are not required to use any one brand. If a AAD came out tommorrow that was as good as a CYPRES and was half the price, a lot of people would probally switch, but only after seeing it last.
If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will....

[Jimbo 0]

I think he was asking if the Cypres and FXC products needed to be 'licensed' or certified. Anyone know if the Cypres is a TSOd product? Who, besides AirTec has certified the Cypres and other AADs?
-
Jim

[voidlizard 0]

Thank you for response.
I've discovered some info about this subject:
--
taken from http://www.diverdriver.com/Regulations/Supplements/supplements.htm
Automatic Activation Devices. A jumper may have a tendency to feel more at ease if equipped with an automatic activation device (AAD). However, experience shows that such devices may not be completely reliable and should be used only as a backup to proper training and procedures. Skydivers who use an AAD on their reserve/auxiliary parachute should ensure that the installation of such a device has been approved by the parachute manufacturer or the FAA (see paragraph 8). The FAA does not approve AAD's. They do approve the installation which is submitted with the manufacturer's TSO paperwork. The manufacturer's instructions for installation should be followed. The installation of an AAD to a TSO or military specification (MIL-SPEC)-approved parachute constitutes a major alteration to that parachute. A jumper who uses any type of AAD should be aware of its level of reliability and become fully proficient with the device. A prejump check should be made for proper setting, arming, and operational reliability to ensure proper functioning of the AAD. When the situation requires use of the reserve parachute, the jumper should always manually pull the reserve/auxiliary ripcord even when using an AAD.
--