Rantizo, The United States largest drone spraying network, has reached a significant milestone with the FAA's approval of an amendment to Exemption No. 18929B. This amendment allows Rantizo service hub operators to swarm up to three drones over 55 pounds without the need for a visual observer (VO) and enables night operations.
“The approval demonstrates the FAA’s recognition of the safety and reliability of our systems, as well as the evolving needs of operators delivering precise and timely crop protection to their farmer customers,” said Mariah Scott, CEO. “This amendment allows us to unlock a whole new level of productivity, flexibility and efficiency for our team.”
By flying without a VO and deploying multiple drones simultaneously, such as three DJI T30 or two XAG P100 Pro drones, operators can significantly increase productivity. This capability allows them to cover more acres for a greater number of farmers with enhanced flexibility. Night operations provide the additional advantage of spraying during optimal weather conditions, improving crop coverage while minimizing exposure to pollinators and reducing disruptions for farm workers.
“This is a giant step in the right direction for drone applicators,” said Kevin McDonald, Chief Pilot. “The FAA is really working hard to make more options available for drone operators and this approval shows that drones will continue to unlock new options for precision application technology.”
Despite the many advantages, there are inherent risks associated with flying without a VO, drone swarming, and night flying. Rantizo mandates that all operators undergo training before adopting these advanced practices and recommends similar training for all operators seeking comparable exemptions.
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