Gavin Wilkenson UAS Exemption Petition - 55lb Agricultural Operations
Summary
The FAA granted Gavin Wilkenson an exemption under 49 U.S.C. § 44807 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11 to conduct commercial agricultural UAS operations with unmanned aircraft weighing 55 pounds or more. The exemption authorizes up to 3 simultaneous aircraft operations by a single pilot in command without a visual observer during night visual line of sight conditions.
What changed
The FAA granted Gavin Wilkenson a special exemption to 14 C.F.R. Part 107 and other applicable regulations, authorizing commercial agricultural UAS operations with aircraft weighing 55 pounds or more. The exemption permits simultaneous operation of up to 3 aircraft by a single pilot in command without visual observer services during night visual line of sight conditions in visual meteorological conditions.
This exemption creates a substantive operational pathway for commercial agricultural drone operators to conduct expanded operations previously prohibited under standard UAS regulations. Operators must carefully verify their aircraft meet the 55lb minimum weight requirement and maintain compliance with all specified conditions. The exemption may set precedent for future UAS agricultural service exemptions and operators should monitor for related FAA guidance.
What to do next
- Verify UAS aircraft weight meets or exceeds 55lb threshold for exemption eligibility
- Review FAA exemption conditions and limitations before conducting operations
- Consult aviation legal counsel regarding compliance with night VLOS and single-PIC requirements
Penalties
Operations conducted outside exemption parameters may result in FAA enforcement action including civil penalties and certificate revocation
Archived snapshot
Apr 9, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Comment
Summary Grant Petition for an Exemption to Conduct Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Operations
Allowed by Special authority for certain unmanned aircraft systems. Title 49 U.S.C. § 44807, and 14
C.F.R. Part 11 to Authorize Commercial Agricultural- Related Services with UAS Weighing 55
Pounds or More. Up to 3 simultaneously, by a Single Pilot in Command (PIC), Without the Services
of a Visual Observer (VO), During Night Visual Line of Sight (VLOS), in Visual Meteorological
Conditions and Medical Relief for Day Operations.
Attachments 2
ARF 44807 Gavin Wilkenson
CONFIDENTIAL FAA Data Form -Gavin Wilkenson
Restricted: Confidential Business Information
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