IOWA CITY, Iowa () July 3, 2024听鈥撎, the largest drone spraying network in the country, has achieved a significant milestone in drone operations with the approval of an amendment to Exemption No. 18929B, allowing Rantizo service hub operators to听听over 55 pounds,听听(VO), and听.听
鈥淭he approval demonstrates the FAA鈥檚 recognition of the safety and reliability of our systems, as well as the evolving needs of operators delivering precise and timely crop protection to their farmer customers.鈥 said听, CEO. 鈥淭his amendment allows us to unlock a whole new level of productivity, flexibility and efficiency for our team.鈥澨
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Flying without a VO and multiple drones at once, such as three DJI T30 or two XAG P100 Pro drones, can significantly boost operator productivity, allowing operators to cover more acres, for more farmers and with greater flexibility. Night operations allow operators the flexibility to spray during the most favorable weather conditions for flying and crop coverage, while reducing exposure for pollinators and interruptions for farm workers.听
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鈥淭his is a giant step in the right direction for drone applicators,鈥 said Kevin McDonald, Chief Pilot. 鈥淭he FAA is really working hard to make more options available for drone operators and this approval shows that drones will continue to unlock new options for precision application technology.鈥澨
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While there are numerous benefits, flying without a VO, drone swarming and night flying do come with risk. All operators must participate in training prior to adopting these advanced practices, and we recommend it for all operators pursuing similar exemptions.听
Ready to get your own exception? Call (319) 201-3020 or听听to upgrade your听Fly More听subscription by selecting听“FAA Exemption: Swarming, Night Flying without a听VO”听from the drop down menu.