Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/350705
www.goodfruit.com Good Fruit Grower AUGUST 2014 53 information. Orchardists will need machines that can read and geo-reference the data and stitch photographs together. They will need to match aerial images with ground- level knowledge of weeds, pests, and diseases. Engineering skills will be needed to turn drones into practical spray devices. The expertise of tree fruit researchers, extension educators, field horticulturists, and scouts, etc., will be needed to interpret the mass of data. The Federal Aviation Admin- istration may also require drones with enhanced flight capability or larger in size to be operated by certified "pilots." Orchard managers will need training to exploit the new data sources most effectively. While larger operators will want to hire and train their own drone managers, there will be opportunities for specialist drone firms to service groups of smaller growers. One obvious problem for the fruit industry is how much the leaf canopy during the growing season will reduce the effectiveness of aerial surveillance. Another big issue will be which fruit will gain most from drone technology. Will it be more cost effective for a high-value, short-season crop like sweet cherries, or for lower-value, longer- season crops like apples and pears? Finally, how can it be seamlessly incorporated into present management practices? Further detailed technical and economic analyses will be needed to answer those questions. Federal regulation The FAA claims jurisdiction over drones but does not currently permit commercial use. Congress requires it to have regulations on commercial use in place by the end of 2015. In the meantime, many parties are challenging the FAA's jurisdiction over drones, numerous commercial trials are ongoing, either through legal exemptions or in defiance of the FAA, and permits have been granted (rather haphazardly) to some universities to conduct various trials. In setting technical standards for commercial drones, the FAA will have to resolve conflicts between long-established military suppliers and many, small, innovative entrepreneurs. Its decisions on the altitude at which drones can be operated, or how close they can come to airports, power plants, or other sensitive sites, will also have a major impact on potential users. For example, many large orchards are located near regional airports. Protecting privacy and assuring safety will be critical. There will be tough battles ahead on all these issues. While final FAA and state regulations on commercial use of drones may be many months off, the political battles are already far advanced. The fruit industry needs to get involved to ensure that eventual regulations make drone use practical and economical for tree fruits. • Contact Bruce Prenguber at bruce@globalwiseinc.com or Desmond O'Rourke at belrose@pullman.com. PHOTOS BY ALLISON P. FASHING Numerous safety and privacy concerns arising from their proliferation have led to demands for regulation. 1801 Presson Place Yakima, WA 98903 855-855-0318 509-248-0318 FAX 509-248-0914 hfhauff@gmail.com • www.hfhauff.com Engineered for performance, durability, reliability, and longevity! Discover the Chinook fan blade advantage. Engineered for performance, durability, reliability, and longevity! Discover the Chinook fan blade advantage. FORD TRITON V-10 or IVECO NEF 6.7 DIESEL ★ Increased Radius Coverage by 80-150 Feet with Same HP Draw ★ Air Flow Starts 14'' from Hub ★ Donier Swept Tip —Reduces Tip Drag ★ The Only Fan Blade with the "Trailing Edge Wedge" (widens sector angle and increases air velocity) ★ Advanced Air Foil Design ★ Increased Air Horsepower ★ Quality Built, Affordable, Fast Payback Returns Not all fan blades are created equal! Judge for yourself! Satisfaction Guaranteed! ★ LESS FUEL CONSUMPTION H.F. HAUFF COMPANY INC. TOLL FREE