The board of the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) decided to simplify the rules for drones used in aero-agricultural operations, such as the dispersion of seeds, fertilizers and pesticides in crops, for example. The new rules come into force from this Tuesday, May 2, according to the of the Resolution No. 710 of March 31, 2023.
With the normative alteration, the equipment, when operating in the dispersion of fertilizers and pesticides, operating in visual line of sight (VLOS) or extended visual (EVLOS) and in up to 400 feet, will be classified in Class 3 (click the link to learn more), regardless of the maximum takeoff weight.
The new definitions give greater freedom to this type of operation – in view of its specific characteristics –, which must take place over uninhabited areas, with the consent of the owner or explorer of the area.
In view of the easing of the rules and in order to preserve the safety of operations, there will be monitoring focused on the assessment of operators who present a greater risk.
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Simplification is conducted by ANAC in view of the innovative and disruptive nature of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Remotely-Piloted Aircraft System), encouraging the rapid development of this technology. In a country where agriculture s for around 27% of GDP, the potential use of this equipment offers opportunities for efficiency gains and cost reduction.
The regulatory simplification process is included in the context of regulatory improvement, the base of the Simple Flight program and which has been guiding ANAC's actions, observing the needs of preserving the safety indexes of the airline industry.
Technical Chamber
As a way of aligning the technical knowledge of manufacturers and operators with the Agency, ANAC encourages the composition of a technical chamber dedicated to agricultural drones, in order to discuss, in a participatory environment, other measures for the sector.
The Agency's director and rapporteur for the process that made it possible to simplify the rules for drones, Ricardo Catanant, highlighted that the measure enables adequate conditions for the technological development of equipment, in a segment where innovation is intense and where the market itself will play a role. fundamental in monitoring the operation and ing the development of the applicable regulation.
The expectation is that the t discussions will provide actions to promote safety, such as guides and symposiums for the dissemination of good practices for the segment.
Street: ANAC
