FAA Approves ‘World’s Largest Agricultural Spray Drone’ to Operate in United States

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved Pyka, a California-based startup that manufactures large-scale highly-automated electric aircraft, to operate its Pelican Spray aircraft throughout the United States.

Pyka manufacturers its “zero-emission highly-automated Pelican Spray aircraft for crop protection commercially nationwide.”

“With a gross weight of 1,125 lbs, Pyka’s highly-automated uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) is the largest ever to receive FAA authorization for commercial operation in the United States,” a press release states.

In other words, the FAA gave the “largest ever” unmanned drone access to American skies to spray who knows what onto crops nationwide.

“The FAA’s approval signifies the agency’s support for larger and more sophisticated agricultural UA operations, aiming to enhance safety and promote growth in the US drone market,” a video demonstrating how the Pelican Spray aircraft operates states.

WATCH:

The world's largest agricultural spray drone has the capability to carry up to 540 lbs (70 gallons) of liquid, spray up to 240 acres per hour, and can be flown from anywhere.@flypyka's zero-emission highly-automated Pelican Spray aircraft for crop protection promises to provide… pic.twitter.com/o9qVf3rN4P

— Circuit (@circuitrobotics) August 2, 2023

Circuit writes:

Following this eagerly-awaited FAA approval, Pyka is now eligible to conduct commercial operations across the United States, offering safety, environmental, and economic benefits to American farmers and the public. The approval comes at a time when the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has reported 54 aircraft accidents related to agricultural operations, including 12 fatal accidents resulting in 13 deaths in 2020. The FAA’s decision to authorize Pyka’s operations reflects its interest in supporting larger and more advanced agricultural UA operations, with the hope of reducing accidents and bolstering the American drone market.

Pyka’s fixed-wing, highly-automated all-electric aerial application technology promises to provide American farmers and neighboring agricultural communities with a safer alternative to piloted spray aircraft. The technology is expected to improve spray precision, reduce chemical usage costs, and minimize environmental impact. Already operational in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Brazil, Pyka’s Pelican Spray aircraft has been recognized as the world’s largest and most productive agricultural spray drone, boasting the capability to carry up to 540 lbs (70 gallons) of liquid and spray up to 240 acres per hour.

They’re bragging about having more capability and precision to spray agricultural products with, most likely, toxic pesticides harmful to humans and animals.

“We are beyond thrilled to celebrate this commercial approval and regulatory milestone,” said Michael Norcia, Chief Executive Officer of Pyka.

“Pyka’s aircraft provide an essential tool for protecting crops, unlocking cost savings for growers, and reducing our impact on the environment. This commercial approval is the first step in enabling us to generate massive value for growers in the U.S., Latin America, and other markets we operate in, while also laying the operational and regulatory groundwork for eventual scaling into uncrewed cargo operations worldwide,” he added.

Largest Ever UAS Approved by the FAA for Commercial Operation in the U.S. ✔

Today we announce that Pelican Spray has received authorization from the Federal Aviation Administration for Commercial Operation in the United States.@FAANews https://t.co/JLVnrWBum2

— Pyka (@flypyka) August 1, 2023

“The drone can provide round-the-clock spraying due to its automation capabilities,” Zero Hedge noted.

Via Zero Hedge:

Pyka, founded in 2017, is already selling the spraying version of the drone. Other versions include Pelican Cargo, which can carry 400 lbs of payload up to 200 miles.

This comes as the FAA prepares for the first crewed flying taxi flights by 2027.

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“Pelican Spray is an autonomous electric aircraft designed for complex agricultural operations. The aircraft combines best in class spray precision and chemical drift reduction technologies to provide safe, clean,
and cost-effective crop protection at scale,” Pyka writes about the Pelican Spray on its website.

“Optimized spray application, reduced chemical drift, and increased viable spray time enabled by autonomous night operation,” Pyka wrote.