Financial research firms estimate that the use of UAV technology in agriculture will account for a huge share of the UAV/UAS market in the coming years. Recently the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a document of proposed rules regarding use of UAVs commercially. The guideline apply to UAS under 55 pounds in weight. First of all, the operator of the system must meet some guidelines. The operator must be over 17 years of age, pass a knowledge test and obtain a operator certificate. This will cost about $150. As far as the flight goes, the maximum altitude to which the UAV can ascend to is 500 feet. Also, the UAS must travel at a speed no more than 100 mph. Finally, the vehicle must remain in the visual line of sight of the operator. This is a big one. The operator (person in control of the UAV) must have his or her eyes on the system at all times. No flying over hills and on the other side of treelines where they UAS cannot be seen by the person in control. In my opinion that will be somewhat of a hurdle to full-bore adoption of UAV technology into the agricultural area. Farms are expansive and may often be criss-crossed by fence rows and treelines. Maybe as technology improves and time passes, the line-of-sight restriction will be relaxed or removed. Only time will tell.
These proposed rules are progress for sure. It should serve to gradually bring this exciting technology into the field of agriculture in safe manner. It will be interesting to see how UAS technology will be incorporated into agriculture in the next few years.
A more detailed analysis can be found at this
link.
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