UAS Exemption Petition: Commercial Agriculture Operations with 55lb+ Drones
Summary
The FAA is seeking public comments on a petition for exemption under 49 U.S.C. § 44807 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11 filed by ARF 44807 Byron Stoller. The petition requests authorization for commercial agricultural services using UAS weighing 55 pounds or more, allowing up to 3 drones simultaneously operated by a single Pilot in Command without a Visual Observer during night Visual Line of Sight operations in Visual Meteorological Conditions, with medical relief provisions for day operations.
What changed
A petition for exemption has been filed requesting authorization to conduct commercial agricultural services using unmanned aircraft systems weighing 55 pounds or more. The petition seeks permission for operations of up to 3 drones simultaneously, controlled by a single Pilot in Command, without requiring a Visual Observer. Requested operational parameters include night Visual Line of Sight operations in Visual Meteorological Conditions, along with medical relief provisions for daytime operations.
Affected parties include UAS operators providing commercial agricultural services, agricultural firms seeking aerial monitoring or spraying capabilities, and drone manufacturers producing heavy-lift UAS platforms. Operators and agricultural businesses should monitor this petition as favorable action could significantly expand the operational envelope for commercial agriculture UAS operations beyond current limitations.
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Apr 16, 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 Byron Stoller
CONFIDENTIAL FAA Data Form - Byron Stoller
Restricted: Confidential Business Information
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