From the air, you can get a great view to see how your crop is doing. Benefits of Drones for Farm Managementĭrones can be an excellent tool to use in managing your farm operation. Get your FAA Part 107 certification before using your drone on your farm for management purposes. I’ve also had drone control issues after a software update. I have had aerial applicators fly low over a field at the same time I was using my drone to map. The reality is, drones have collided with aircraft, injured people, and caused property damage.Ī neighbor of mine crashed into my backyard, narrowly missing two houses as children were playing in the backyard. Since drones can be relatively simple to fly (emphasis on relatively), it is easy to think that there is not much risk in flying one. Fines for regulation violations range from thousands to millions of dollars. Beginning in 2023, the FAA requires that most drones commonly used by farmers must have “Remote ID.” These drones will broadcast the identification number and they will be able to identify violators. In addition to being certified, farmers need to have their drones registered with the FAA. New Remote ID Requirement and Registration With permission, there will be restrictions such as lower than the normal flight ceiling of 400 feet above the ground. For a further example, much of southwest Peoria and parts of Pekin and Bartonville (and nearby farms) are in restricted airspace where you will need to get permission from the control tower before flying. For example, you will learn how to read a Sectional Chart and if you are flying around Havana, IL the Chart will show there is a military MOA that could restrict your flight (MOA being an acronym you will learn). Operating in various air space locations has different rules and requirements. The Part 107 courses provide information on when, how, and where you can fly. These exams are done at an official FAA testing center and currently are not offered online. There is a final exam and once that is completed you then take the proctored FAA exam. It was advertised to take 20 hours, but I spent over 80 hours taking the class. The course that I took was very thorough and well-taught. Additional, optional materials are available and usually cost under $50. The cost for these courses is generally around $150. Most people who adequately prepare for the exam, from a good flight school (online), do pass, but not without extensive preparation.įarmers can take a Part 107 course online. Part 107 certification requires completing a course and passing a rather complicated test. For these types of flights, you need FAA Part 107 certification. Money does not have to be exchanged to be considered a “commercial” flight. If you are flying to monitor stand counts, diseases, weeds, wet spots, or anything else involved in managing/operating your farm, you are flying commercially. If your flight is not just for “fun”, it is considered commercial. FAA Part 107 Certificate for Commercial Flying The program goes over basic drone operation knowledge, flying requirements, and safety. The TRUST program and test are not considered to be difficult, but they are required. The tests are administered online by several FAA-approved organizations. This type of certificate requires a short course and test (30 minutes) and a $5 fee. Flying recreationally requires an FAA The Recreational UAS Test (TRUST) Certificate that is relatively easy to obtain. FAA TRUST Certificate for Recreational Flyingįlying a drone only for “fun” around your farm and taking pictures for “fun” is considered recreational. Farmers may own the land but the FAA controls the airspace.įarmers get exemptions for several agricultural activities, however, operating a drone (UAS- Unmanned Aircraft Systems) is NOT one of them. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a myriad of regulations that drone pilots need to know, including farmers who just fly over their land. Contact your legal advisor and the FAA for more information.įlying a drone can be fun and exciting, however, for safety reasons, many rules need to be followed. Disclaimer – The following is meant only for educational purposes and not to be construed as legal advice.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |