GrainsWest Fall 2019

Tech 2019 Grains West 22 OR MOST FARMERS, NEW regulations on anything are as welcome as frost. Fortunately, while recent changes to drone regulations may seem chilling, a closer look should alleviate concerns they will negatively impact ag users. In an effort to prevent drones from flying into airspace reserved for aircraft, the federal government announced new regulations for drone operators that require them to pass an online exam and obtain a pilot’s certificate. The new rules took effect on June 1, 2019, and apply to all operators whether they fly for business or pleasure. “There’s a big misconception that the new rules are tighter because Transport Canada portrayed them as such,” said Markus Weber, president of LandView Drones. “That may be true F for recreational users, as they now need to register their drones and pass a test, but for commercial users like farmers the regulations are clearer and more straightforward.” Where farmers were previously forced to obtain a special flight operations certificate and complete a pile of paperwork to operate a drone, the new rules provide for a basic and advanced certificate. The basic version permits flights in uncontrolled airspace and three nautical miles from airports, and requires only the passing of an online test and drone registration. In addition to the online test, to obtain the advanced certificate required to fly in controlled airspace or within 30 metres of bystanders, operators must complete a flight review. Operators must be 14 years old to obtain a basic certificate and register a drone, or at least 16 to earn an advanced certificate. Also of note, the new rules cover drones weighing between 250 grams and 25 kilograms. FLIGHT TRAINING The 90-minute test consists of 35 questions and costs $10 to complete, with 65 per cent deemed a passing grade. “Some people just self-study, but most attend a training course either in person or online,” said Weber. Courses range from $250 to $750 depending on whether they are exclusively for test preparation or also encompass operator training. The course offered by LandView Drones costs $590, which includes two days of instruction on agricultural drone use. Considering the cost of non- compliance with the new regulations, FEATURE A BUZZ IN THE AIR Things are looking up for drone users PHOTOS COURTESY OF LANDVIEW DRONES DATA CULTIVATION GrainsWest writer Geoff Geddes examines three unique digital developments within the ag-data sphere