6 Steps To Keep Ag Aviation Operators and Drones Safe
Low-altitude manned ag aircrafts can fly as low as 10’ off the ground while making applications. This means they share air space with drones, which are not allowed to fly above 400’ without an FAA waiver.
To safely share the air space and help ag aviators treat the more than 127 million acres they apply every year, the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA) is asking all unmanned aircraft (UA) operators to be mindful with six reminders:
- Give the right of way to a manned aircraft. It’s the law.
- Equip drones with visible strobe lights, highly visible markings and tracking technology, like an ADS-B In system so you will know ADS-B Out-equipped manned aircraft positions.
- Get certified and well-trained in operating an unmanned aircraft.
- Contact local agricultural aviation operations before flying by consulting AgAviation.org/findapplicator.
- Land your unmanned aircraft immediately when a low-flying aircraft is nearby.
- Carry unmanned aircraft liability insurance.
In a 2022 survey, the NAAA found 22% of manned aerial operators reported they or a pilot flying for them encountered a drone during a flight.
“With the growing number of drones over the last few years, it is critical for their operators to be aware of low-flying, manned agricultural aircraft,” said Andrew Moore, chief executive officer of NAAA. “It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, for manned aircraft to see a drone while conducting crop-enhancing and other aerial applications 10 feet off the ground at speeds as fast as 140 mph. We encourage professional and hobbyist drone operators to keep this in mind to ensure a safe 2023 growing season.”
NAAA interviewed a Wisconsin operator who had three near misses with UAs. You can read more here.
UAs can be a threat to safety and are nearly invisible as shown by the Colorado Agricultural Aviation Association’s research showing no pilot operating a manned aircraft could continuously visually track a 28” wide drone when flying at regular speeds.
NAAA provides additional resources online here and here.
