The season is in full swing and everyone is busy this time of year. When your main focus to so get as many acres in as possible, you my let some key details go by the wayside and get you in a situations you don’t want to be in. In this article, we’ll go over some easy to forget situations that can help keep you and your operations out of trouble.
Key Facts & Insights: What You Might Be Forgetting
- Make sure you have all drones flying under your Part 137 operating certificate on your insurance policy
- One of the biggest things that can get an aerial application drone operation in trouble is thinking they have insurance on their new drone when they actually don’t. A lot of times when operators get a new drone, insurance is the last thing they think about. In reality, it should be the first. Not only is your insurance a scheduled aircraft policy; it is also a Part 137 E&O compliance concern.
- The underwriter must be made aware of all aircraft flying under your Part 137 operating certificate. Here are some problems that may arise if the underwriter is uninformed:
- The brand new drone you are spraying with has no physical damage or chemical liability coverage until it is added to your policy.
- The fact that your operation expanded and the underwriter was unable to properly underwrite the new risk could cause a declination of coverage for a drift incident even if that drone was scheduled. This is because of “Errors and Omissions” to inform the underwriter about the entirety of the risk they are covering.
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- Weather Considerations: While it might not be popular to halt operations when you’re on location and ready to launch, it could mean the difference of having a huge drift headache later that week. This is the time of year where farmers are getting an idea of what their yields are going to be and we don’t want weather to give them any more ammunition to trigger your insurance. Here is a check list of some weather conditions to look out for:
- Wind Speed: Aim for less than 10 mph.
- Inversions: One of the biggest reasons for drift to happen.
- Humidity Levels: Moderate humidity can be friendlier for the chemicals utilized.
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- Crop and Chemical Compatibility: Not all crops like the same spray cocktail. It’s crucial to know which mix suits your plants and which they’ll cringe at. Always read labels and make sure you are applying the correct compounds to the correct.
- Roundup Ready vs. Non-Roundup Ready: Make sure you know exactly what you’re spraying and what you’re spraying onto. This is one of the biggest claims we see.
- Know the fields around your job: When you get going several jobs stacked up in a few weeks, it is not only a good idea to know what the field your spraying, but also the fields next to them as well.
- Follow the label: If you do find yourself with a drift complaint, it is always important to make sure you did everything by the book. Being on label is not only a good idea, it’s the law.
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- Fly Legally Per the Federal and State Regulations: Everyone must preform legal flight operations while flying in federal airspace. Furthermore, everyone must adhere to their state specific regulations as well.
- INSURANCE WILL ONLY APPLY IF YOU ARE FOLLOWING ALL RULES AND REGULATIONS!
- You must have the following to preform legal flight operations:
- Part 107 pilot license
- Class 3 medical (if doing commercial operations or unless you have a waiver stating you don’t need it)
- A registered aircraft (N# or FA#)
- 44807 exemptions
- Part 137
- Pesticide license in the state you are flying in. (Varies from state to state)
- Proof of financial responsibility (Insurance)
Common Mistakes & Solutions: Avoid the Rookie Moves
- Rushed Equipment Checks:
- Mistake: You’re in a hurry, so you skip the inspection.
- Solution: Create a checklist for pre-flight inspections—think of it as your drone’s personal safety manual.
- Ignoring Systems Updates:
- Mistake: I was good spraying yesterday, there is no reason I shouldn’t be good today.
- Solution: Check with your local distributor to understand the update being requested. Chances are there was an issue that is being corrected.
- Facility Restrictions:
- Mistake: Operating near airports or restricted areas.
- Solution: Always use apps that update you on no-fly zones. Trust me; the last thing you want is to become “that guy” who unintentionally buzzes the local airport.
Why Insurance Matters: Your Safety Net in the Sky
Did you know that many drone operators overlook a key piece of equipment—insurance? Whether it’s damage caused by a rogue gust of wind, a fender bender when landing (yes, it happens!), or liability claims after an errant spray, having your drone insured can save you big bucks and a lot of “sorry, my bad” moments. At VT Insurance Agency, we specialize in protecting your drone operations; we’ll ensure you’re covered so you can focus on what you do best—flying!
Pro Tips & Best Practices: Take Your Game Up a Notch
- Pre-Season Planning: Spend an afternoon planning out your missions, including checklists, timelines, and equipment tests. Neglecting prep can lead to chaotic, last-minute scrambles.
- Educate the Team: Share these common pitfalls with your crew. An informed team is your best asset.
- Document Everything: Always keep records of flights, inspections, and maintenance. In the unfortunate event of a mishap, you’ll be the prepared hero with all the facts at your fingertips.
Conclusion & Call to Action: Gear Up for a Safe Spray Season!
Spray season can be a flying success as long as you keep track of the not-so-obvious details. By mastering these common oversights and arming yourself with the right tools, knowledge, and insurance coverage, you won’t just make it through the season—you’ll soar above it!
So what are you waiting for? Don’t let a little oversight ground your drone dreams! Give VT Insurance Agency a call at [insert phone number] today and ensure you’re covered for this spray season. Because let’s be honest, nothing should rain on your aerial parade! 🎉
#VTInsurance #DroneInsurance
