Drone Regulations

https://wiki.usask.ca/display/~pdp177/Sustainable+Technology+-+Drone+Use+in+Agriculture

In a previous post on this blog drones were introduced as a beneficial technology for farmers. Benefits were shared why every farmer in the future should have a drone on their farm and the potential increase in profits from them.

The topic of drones is huge. Drones are not just used for recreational use but for government and agriculture endeavors. As one begins to read about the many benefits of drones, articles of debate over regulations may appear.

So today this post will be about organizations that are out there fighting for the uses of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs).

Before we jump into those advocating for UAVs, let's talk about what the issue is.

Iowa State University posted an article explaining the Federal regulations that are currently imposed on UAVs. All aircrafts, including drones, are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA has stated that is is illegal to fly all commercial drones. The debate is established when thinking, what qualifies as a commercial drone?

The FAA's ban on commercial drones applies to agriculture uses of drones such as crop scouting, disease monitoring, precision spraying, and livestock monitoring. Even with this ban, farmers know of drone uses and have begun using drones.

Farmers have stated that their drones fall into the "model aircraft" category. According to the the Iowa State University article, "In the 2012 FAA Modernization and Reform Act (the "Reform Act"), Congress defined "model aircraft" as unmanned aircraft flown "within the visual line of site of the person operating the aircraft for hobby or recreational purposes.""

After much debate within the FAA in 2014 they issued another notice clarifying the regulations of UAVs:
"The FAA states that "Determining whether crops need to be watered that are grown as part of commercial farming operation” would not be a hobby or recreational use falling under the model aircraft exception to FAA rulemaking. In contrast, “viewing a field to determine whether crops need water when they are grown for personal enjoyment” would, under the FAA notice, qualify as a “hobby or recreation” flight."

So, in conclusion, even with the regulations in place the technology is there and farmers want to use it. But in the meantime, farmers may test drive drones in their personal gardens.

To read the full article visit: https://www.calt.iastate.edu/article/agricultural-drones-need-new-regulations-take

In the fight for agriculture drone use, Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is an non-profit organization set up to advancing the UAVs and robotics community. AUVSI has a whole sight set up with blogs and  articles related to the newest advances in regulations for the use in UAVs. Anyone can become a member of AUVSI. Members receive information to help them advocate in their communities.

AUVSI understands the future of UAVs and wants to make sure regulations do not hinder this advanced technology.

To become a member of AUVSI or find out more information on UAVS check out their website:
http://www.auvsi.org/home

http://www.auvsi.org/home