Below Is a Recap of the Visit to Washington DC Made by Scott Mckinnie and Myself

Below is a recap of the visit to Washington DC made by Scott McKinnie and myself. The goal of the trip was to inform members of the Northwest Congressional Delegation regarding the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) in the agricultural and natural resource markets. We also wanted to visit with Federal Aviation Administration about current status of UAS use from their perspectives. If time permitted, we wanted to see other agricultural industry organizations to inform them of this issue. On all accounts, we were successful in meeting those intended goals.

A total of 15 meetings were held over two days. Congressional delegations from North Dakota, Idaho, Oregon and Washington State were seen. As an extra bonus, Sen. Crapo (R-ID), Sen. Craig (R-ID) and Rep Sali (R-1st-ID) took personal interest in our meetings and sat in on the discussions we held with their staffs. Robert was able to visit with Sen. Smith (R-OR) on the flight back from Washington and obtained his support as well.

We met with staff persons from American Farm Bureau, Crop Life America and Ag Retailers Association. We visited the offices of the National Association of Wheat Growers, but the key staff was not in the office at the time of our visit. These meetings were more informational for them, but we also asked for their opinions on how best to proceed.

Universally, we received positive feedback from the Congressional and industry offices. All were surprised when told of the licensing requirements for use of UAS aircraft for commercial purposes. This was our hook into requesting changes into FAA rules governing their use. We were pleased to see that in most cases, the staff members, once they understood the impact UAS could have on precision agriculture and environmental protection, were enthused about what we were trying to do.

The meeting with FAA’s Bruce Tarbert was interesting. While not openly opposing our goal, it was quickly seen the agency was going to be ‘hiding’ behind the existing rules. We do not believe they will oppose our desire for an exemption for agricultural and natural resource uses from existing rule, they will not go out of their way to support it either.

We were informed of an agency task force they have developed. Letters to the interested stakeholders went out late last week. Agricultural interests were not on the list. Model aircraft association and other ‘traditional’ users of UAS aircraft were already selected. He didn’t offer any hope of agriculture being on the main task force, but did state we potentially could be on a subcommittee. At best, the subcommittee would only make recommendations, which may or may not be included in the final product.

This Task Force is expected to review UAS use for commercial purposes for the next 6-9 months. Upon the completion of their work, there will be notice of rule making put into the Federal Register and the formal rule making process will begin. With Federal Agencies, this can be a multi-year process taking upwards of 5-6 years. (As an example, I’m familiar with new EPA rules that took 15 years to be implemented.).

Rep. Sali is taking a lead role in talking to FAA. He will be sending a letter to FAA on asking why agricultural interests were not considered for inclusion on the FAA UAS Task Force. He’s also going to be asking why a waiver or exemption from current rules is not feasible based on the criteria we outlined to him. Idaho Senators Craig has agreed to sign on to the letter as well.

Short of a positive response from FAA, Rep. Sali will offer a bill that will be based on the operating guidelines we have discussed. Should Sali move forward this with, it is likely this would be an amendment to other legislation moving through Congress. What makes this feasible is the lack of a fiscal note to the bill. We believe that a companion bill in the Senate is possible. Both Idaho Senators are interested with what we are want to do. In addition, Sen. Dorgan (D-ND) is keenly interested in the use of UAS aircraft. University of North Dakota has a training center for UAS and the Senator wants to have it be a nationally recognized center. Getting the ability to use UAS for commercial purposes will only enhance his support of our request. His staff was very supportive. Having bi-partisan support will increase the odds of success significantly.

The Congressional Offices encourage us to communicate with United State Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Interior. We should be able to garner these agencies for support for our exemption, especially if it will help them do their jobs in the field, it will put more pressure onto FAA. We will also ask the Land Grant Universities to offer support as well. Their interest is in research, and the exemption will help them.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Scott and I got the ball rolling. However, this is only the beginning of a long process. Here are some tasks we must assign ourselves if we are to be successful. 1) We need to get the support of Rep. James Oberstar (D-8th MN). His district includes the Red River Valley of NW Minnesota. He is also Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This is key as UAS use will fall under this committee’s jurisdiction. 2) We need to ask everyone involved to make contact with your Congressional Delegation and ask them to contact Rep. Sali’s office in the House for information. Getting widespread support for our efforts is very important, otherwise, it looks like one guy from the Pacific Northwest is the only one wanting the FAA rule change. 3) We must keep FAA engaged. Just because they are stonewalling us now, doesn’t mean we ignore them. We need to continually press for the need of the rule change. 4) It is clear that a more coordinated effort needs to take place if we are to succeed. This would mean that some type of national organization should be developed to continue to represent industry interests. From the discussions we held with the staffs, just about everyone asked who is carrying the issue on our behalf. They want to know who to contact for questions and information. Collectively, we all have it. But, it needs to be focused via one group or spokesman.

Thank you for your support up to now. We have a great start. Let’s get our sleeves rolled up and press forward. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Robert Blair