FAA Proposes UAS Agricultural Exemption for Night VLOS Ops
Summary
Global Impact STEM Academy submitted a petition to the FAA requesting an exemption under 49 U.S.C. § 44807 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11 to conduct commercial agricultural UAS operations. The petition seeks authorization for UAS weighing 55 pounds or more, up to 3 simultaneously, operated by a single pilot in command without a visual observer, during night visual line of sight in visual meteorological conditions, plus medical relief for day operations. The petition is posted for public review and comment on regulations.gov.
“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.”
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This is every Federal Aviation Administration document posted to regulations.gov, the federal rulemaking portal: airworthiness directives, special conditions, exemption petitions and grants, airspace proposals, and consultation notices on safety regulations. Around 270 a month. The FAA uses regulations.gov as its primary publication channel for technical airworthiness work that does not warrant a Federal Register entry, so this feed catches a layer of detail other tracking tools miss. Watch this if you operate commercial drones, manufacture aircraft components, hold a Part 135 certificate, or advise clients on UAS exemptions. GovPing surfaces each posting with the docket ID, document type, agency contact, and comment deadline where applicable.
What changed
Global Impact STEM Academy has petitioned the FAA for an exemption from standard UAS operating rules to conduct commercial agricultural-related services. The petition specifically requests authorization to operate UAS weighing 55 pounds or more, with up to 3 aircraft simultaneously controlled by a single pilot in command without a visual observer, during night visual line of sight in visual meteorological conditions. The petition also requests authority for medical relief operations during daytime hours.
Agricultural UAS operators and aviation companies should monitor this proceeding as a potential indicator of the FAA's willingness to authorize expanded UAS operations in the agricultural sector. If granted, this exemption could establish parameters for future commercial UAS exemptions, particularly regarding night operations and operations beyond the standard visual observer requirement. Interested parties may submit comments through regulations.gov.
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Apr 24, 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
VS 44807 Global Impact STEM Academy
CONFIDENTIAL FAA DATA - Global Impact STEM Academy
Restricted: Confidential Business Information
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