How Spray Drone Operators Can Simplify Monthly FAA Reporting with AcreConnect™

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, flight 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 AcreConnect™ team for their help and support.”

Record keeping 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 record keeping? AcreConnect™ can help with that, too. Through its work order and product usage report features, operators can efficiently manage record  keeping duties, so operators can spend more time flying and less behind a desk.

Learn more about record keeping requirements in this blog article.

To learn more about AcreConnect™ or reporting requirements for Part 137 operators, visit our website, email sales@acreconnect.io or call 319-201-3020.