ARECs

Virginia Tech has 12 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs), which are frequently home to research involving drones. Each of the ARECs expect Kentland Farm is subject to regulations laid out in the following protocol: 

Virginia Tech ARECs Protocol

The ARECs protocol specifies the following requirements: 

  • At the beginning of each growing season, AREC directors will submit an overview of planned flight activities for the following 12-month period at their site to the UAS Oversight Committee 
  • Individual operators will submit applications to the UAS Safety Office for this same 12 month period describing planned flight areas and general operational parameters
  • FAA Part 107 certification required
    • Flights must be conducted under FAA Part 107 guidelines or must have an exemption, COA, or waiver
  • Virginia Tech UAS Training
  • Operators must seek permission for their planned operation in advance from the respective AREC director or supervisor or the associate dean of the Agricultural Experiment Station

Similarly to other protocol requirements associated with the VT Drone Policy, the PIC is required to complete a proficiency flight in order to have completed the VT UAS Training. We understand that many drone operators at distant ARECs do not visit the Blacksburg Campus often, so we will work with you to make a suitable plan for the proficiency flight. Contact the VT Drone Park to learn more. 

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