Monday, 26 October 2015 11:04

Drone rule changes bring opportunity

Written by Mark Daniel

font size decrease font size increase font size
Print
Email

Rules governing the flying of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) changed on August 1 with the introduction of Civil Aviation Authority Rule 102.

Yamaha Motors NZ wasted no time in getting the new certification, clearing the way for the company to fly its R-Max helicopter UAV. The test flights were done near Auckland.

The R-Max is powered by a 246cc engine and has a 28kg payload. It was designed in Japan at the request of the country's Ministry of Agriculture Forest and Fisheries, which sought an unmanned vehicle for crop spraying. It should suit the widely varying topography of NZ.

"We have developed a robust safety policy for the operation of the R-Max," says Yamaha NZ general manager Daryl Lovegrove.

More like this

The sky is the limit at Felton Road

Felton Road Wines is using an electric drone sprayer to apply organic fungicides and monitor crops, cutting emissions and transforming management.

Agricultural drone use soars among NZ contractors

Use of agricultural drones by contractors in New Zealand is soaring.

Yamaha acquires NZ’s Robotics Plus, boosting agricultural automation

New Zealand-based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired by Yamaha Motor to form Yamaha Agriculture.

Yamaha acquires Robotics Plus

New Zealand based company Robotics Plus, a specialist in agricultural automation, has announced an agreement for it to be acquired by Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd to form Yamaha Agriculture Inc – a new company focused on delivering autonomous equipment and AI-powered digital ‘solutions’ that help growers in the specialty crop market become more sustainable, profitable and resilient.

Does new tech really deliver?

OPINION: New technologies can promise the world but how do we know if they are delivering?

Featured

Editorial: Support, don't stifle farmers

OPINION: Ministry for Primary Industries' situation outlook for primary industries report (SOPI) makes impressive reading.

AI-powered fertiliser mapping a game changer for farmers

Sheep and beef farmers Matt and Kristin Churchward say using artificial intelligence (AI) to spread fertiliser on their sprawling 630ha farm is a game changer for their business.

HortNZ Board Election 2025: Growers urged to vote before 10 July deadline

Commercial fruit and vegetable growers are being encouraged to cast their votes in the Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ) board directors' election.

Biolumic’s UV light breakthrough set to transform ryegrass and reduce methane

A unique discovery by a Palmerston North science company, Biolumic, looks set to revolutionise the value and potential of ryegrass and the secret is the application of ultraviolet (UV) light.

NZ Startup Turns Sheepskin into World-Leading Collagen Supplement

A New Zealand company is redefining the global collagen game by turning New Zealand sheepskin into a world-class health product.

ANZ offers support for farmers and businesses affected by extreme weather

With further extreme weather on the way, ANZ Bank is encouraging farmers and business owners impacted by the recent extreme weather and flooding to seek support if they need it.