Farms.com Home   News

Thinking Of Using Drones For Weed Or Fire Assessment Work?

Thinking Of Using Drones For Weed Or Fire Assessment Work?
Aerial drones are cool.  But they can't do everything (just yet).  Here are a couple tidbits of information you should consider if you are thinking about getting one (or more) to help you with your weed scouting, plan to use it for herbicide application or even assess damage to an orchard.
  1. You need to get a Remote Pilot Airman Certificate (FAA Part 107) if you are going to do anything commercial with it. That includes even if you are using it on a job where you will not be paid.
  2. You can use it for scouting but you can't fly it over people (unless you get a waiver). You also always have to have it in your or an assistant's (the spotter with radio communication) line of sight.
  3. Even if you have a drone that is capable of doing a spray application, the Dept. of Pesticide Regulation currently requires that the drone pilot have an Airman's Certificate (Pilot's license). This is addition to the Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certificate from DPR. However, things may change in 2018. See pages 3-47 to 3-52 in http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/enforce/compend/vol_1/entirerep.pdf

Source: ucanr.edu


Trending Video

Sustainable Agriculture Thrives When Producers Drive Innovation Worldwide

Video: Sustainable Agriculture Thrives When Producers Drive Innovation Worldwide

Dedicated to improving sustainability in animal agriculture, the UC Davis CLEAR Center is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production to lower climate impact. By collaborating with animal scientists, researchers, ranchers, farmers, and agricultural organizations across the globe, we are paving the way for more sustainable agricultural practices worldwide. Sustainable livestock, sustainable future.