LANSING, MI – The Michigan Agri-Business Association (MABA), in comments submitted today to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), voiced its support for proposed rules to expand Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems, while urging the agency to streamline paperwork and reduce regulatory barriers that hinder agricultural use. “Agriculture is one of the fastest-growing sectors for drone use, but outdated processes make it harder for rural businesses to keep pace with innovation,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of MABA. “We thank the Administration for its forward-looking efforts to better integrate drones into the national airspace. We urge the FAA to take this opportunity to help American agriculture, ensuring final rules reflect the unique realities of agricultural work.” In comments to the agency, MABA and its members highlighted how drones are transforming modern agriculture through aerial imaging, precision application and data collection. However, the association cautioned that outdated FAA processes, including lengthy aircraft registration and Notice to Airmen filing requirements, are slowing adoption and penalizing compliant operators. MABA registered its overall support for the BVLOS rulemaking, and provided recommendations across several key areas: Streamlining paperwork and registration approvals: MABA calls for faster processing of registrations and certificates, and simplified registration processes for drones over 55 pounds. Reducing flight filing requirements: MABA urges FAA to eliminate or ease notice requirements for short, local, low-altitude agricultural flights for which NOTAMs deliver no functional safety benefit. Avoiding new bureaucratic burdens: MABA cautions against adding new reporting and density requirements that would overwhelm small businesses. Recognizing agriculture’s unique use cases: MABA’s comment emphasizes that most ag drone operations occur in rural areas, are short in duration, and pose minimal safety risk. “Michigan and U.S. agriculture will continue to be strong partners when it comes to safe, effective aviation practices,” said Lippstreu. “These comments reflect the input and concerns of a wide range of Michigan agriculture stakeholders working with drones every day. We are excited for what the future holds in this space, and welcome the opportunity to help FAA craft common-sense guidelines for drone operations.”
