Apex Aerial Ag LLC UAS Exemption for Commercial Agricultural Operations

The FAA granted Apex Aerial Ag LLC an exemption authorizing commercial agricultural UAS operations that would otherwise require standard certification. The exemption permits UAS weighing 55 pounds or more, up to 3 aircraft simultaneously operated by a single Pilot in Command without Visual Observers, during night Visual Line of Sight operations in Visual Meteorological Conditions, with medical relief for day operations.\n\nThis affects commercial UAS operators providing agricultural services. Operators should review this exemption to understand authorized parameters and determine whether similar exemptions may be appropriate for their operations. Companies seeking comparable relief must submit petitions to FAA under 49 U.S.C. § 44807 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11.