For spray drone operators with drones over 55 lbs., monthly reporting to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is required. While this monthly requirement may sound daunting, it doesn't have to be. With AcreConnect ™ software, we provide a solution to make monthly reporting easy. In operations with multiple spray drones, pilots, and acres sprayed, manually compiling monthly reports can be a time-consuming process. For independent operators, it’s taking away valuable time that could instead be spent spraying. Let’s explore the requirements submitting monthly reports and how the process can be streamlined and simplified with AcreConnect ™ software. What Do FAA Regulations Say About Monthly Reporting? As defined in the conditions and limitations section of a 44807-exemption approval and a Part 137 license, the FAA requires specific monthly metrics to be reported on for drones over 55 lbs. The reporting process requires operators to provide the FAA with the necessary flight records and information to demonstrate compliance with federal regulations. The required reporting information must be provided exactly as requested by the FAA and is subject to change at any time. It also requires all flight data, even if the drone wasn’t applying crop inputs. The general information to be reported on includes: Company details and FAA exemption numbers. Aircraft summary with total flights and total flight hours. Flight reports with dates flown, fli ght time hours, pilots, and locations. Any incidents occurring in that month can also be reflected in the report. How Can AcreConnect ™ Help with Monthly Reporting? AcreConnect ™ provides the ability to easily create monthly flight record reports. The reporting feature simplifies the often complex and time-consuming task of compiling information for the FAA, while reducing errors, and ensuring operators meet all regulatory requirements. The monthly reporting feature uses uploaded flight record data from DJI or XAG, auto-populates the required information, and generates it into a single report. Operators can export the necessary files directly from AcreConnect ™ to submit to the FAA. Guided by our Chief Pilot’s deep understanding of the FAA regulations, AcreConnect ™ reflects the most current FAA reporting requirements. As regulations change, the feature will adapt and evolve accordingly to make sure all necessary report information is included. Incidents can also be documented and reported on as needed. Maintaining and submitting these reports is required, and it helps spray drone operators ensure safety, compliance, and accountability in their business. Compile a Report in Less Than 15 Minutes According to Silas Steiner, Owner and Operator at Thrive Ag: “The new compliance reporting feature has been a huge benefit. Previously, I was using a combination of an AI chat bot along with a spreadsheet to compile monthly reports. Using AcreConnect™ has decreased the time it takes to generate these reports from an hour or more down to 15 minutes. Huge thanks to the Rantizo and AcreConnect™ team for their help and support.” Recordkeeping Requirements While operators of drones under 55 lbs. are not required to submit monthly reports, they are still required to maintain flight records for up to 12 months. Need help with recordkeeping? AcreConnect ™ can help with that, too. Through its work order and product usage report features, operators can efficiently manage recordkeeping duties, so operators can spend more time flying and less behind a desk. Learn more about recordkeeping requirements in this blog article . To learn more about AcreConnect ™ or reporting requirements for Part 137 operators, visit our website , email sales@rantizo.com or call 319-201-3020. More Resources: Check out: 6 Reasons Why You Should Use Productivity Software Watch: AcreConnect™ Software Demo Video 

Crop protection inputs are essential for maintaining healthy crops in these heavily irrigated areas. Discover how spray drones can provide a cost-effective option for pesticide applications.

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Whether you’re a tech-savvy, long-time drone operator looking for a new spray drone that’s durable and efficient, a beginner seeking a user-friendly option, or a current drone user looking to diversify or expand your fleet, this comparison will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore the unique features, strengths, and weaknesses of these drones, and see how they stack up against each other. To learn more about each drone and their key differences, be sure to watch our video. DJI T40: User-Friendly and Intuitive DJI, a well-known name in the drone industry for its consumer camera drones, emphasizes user-friendliness and quick deployment in their agricultural spray drones, such as the DJI Agras T40. These drones utilize best-in-class cameras and advanced communication systems between the remote controller and the drone. The T40 comes with a high-definition first-person view (FPV) gimbal camera. This camera allows the operator to see the drone’s path through the controller, aiding in flight control and obstacle avoidance. The T40 is also equipped with a spherical radar obstacle detection system that perceives obstacles and surroundings while eliminating blind spots in most environments and viewing angles. This system, paired with the FPV camera, allows the T40 to detect obstacles quicker than the P100 Pro, giving the operator a sense of ease. One key feature of the T40 is the remote controller (RC). The RC is massive and has a large 7-inch screen, which provides a wider perspective with finer detail. The app interface and communication system are very intuitive, making it more user-friendly for those who are not so tech-savvy. XAG P100 Pro: A Focus on Durability and Productivity The P100 Pro is a product of XAG, an ag-tech company that designs drones with agricultural needs in mind. Their drones are built to be durable, stable, productive, and efficient. The P100 Pro stands out with its larger tank capacity (50L compared to the T40’s 40L) and almost double the output of the pumps. This makes the P100 Pro a great choice for those who want a drone that can spray a higher output or higher gallons per acre (GPA) without compromising productivity. One of the key features of the P100 Pro is its stretchy rubber tubing. This design ensures that the tubing doesn’t start leaking over time, even if the tubing is frequently disconnected and reconnected during maintenance. The P100 Pro also has fewer parts and more interchangeable components, making maintenance and repairs easier. However, one downside is that it’s not as user-friendly as some other models. Training someone on the XAG system can be a bit more challenging due to its complex features.

This blog will help you understand the 5 key differences between two leading spray drone models on the market, the DJI T40 and DJI T50.

Rantizo operators in spray service hub locations can fly without a visual observer (VO) thanks to approval of an amendment to Exemption No. 18929B.