Pilot Union Calls on FAA to Dismiss Rainmaker’s Drone Cloud-Seeding Proposal
Rainmaker Technology’s innovative proposal to use small drones for cloud-seeding is facing significant pushback from the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA). The pilots’ union has urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to impose stricter safety guidelines before granting the startup’s request for an exemption to carry hazardous materials. As the FAA deliberates, the outcome will have implications for the future of weather modification using unmanned aerial systems.
Concerns Over Safety and Regulations
The Air Line Pilots Association has expressed serious concerns regarding Rainmaker’s petition, stating that it does not demonstrate an equivalent level of safety and poses an “extreme safety risk.” Rainmaker is seeking permission to operate small drones that would carry cloud-seeding flares, which are currently prohibited from transporting hazardous materials. The startup submitted its request in July, but the FAA has yet to make a decision. Instead, the agency has requested additional information about Rainmaker’s operational plans and safety measures.
Rainmaker’s proposal involves using two types of flares on its Elijah quadcopter to disperse particles that encourage precipitation. The drone is designed to operate at altitudes of up to 15,000 feet, which overlaps with controlled airspace frequently used by commercial airliners. This necessitates permission from Air Traffic Control for any flights within this airspace. The company claims it will primarily operate in uncontrolled Class G airspace unless otherwise authorized, but ALPA has pointed out that the petition lacks clarity regarding specific flight locations and altitudes.
Environmental and Safety Concerns
ALPA has raised additional objections regarding the flares themselves, highlighting potential issues related to foreign object debris and fire safety. The union has noted that Rainmaker’s petition does not include trajectory modeling for the ejectable casings or an analysis of the environmental impacts of the chemical agents used in cloud-seeding. These concerns underscore the need for thorough safety assessments before any new technology is implemented in the aviation sector.
Despite these challenges, Rainmaker asserts that its operations will take place over rural areas and on properties owned by private landlords with whom the company has established close working relationships. This approach aims to mitigate risks associated with flying in more populated regions.
The History and Practice of Cloud-Seeding
Cloud-seeding has been practiced since the 1950s, primarily in the Western United States, where it is often conducted by crewed aircraft in collaboration with state agencies. Ski resorts and water districts frequently commission these operations to enhance snowpack and manage water resources. The process involves spraying small particles, typically silver iodide, into clouds to induce precipitation. Silver iodide particles resemble ice crystals, which helps them facilitate the freezing of super-cooled water droplets, leading to the formation of ice crystals that can grow and eventually fall as precipitation.
Rainmaker’s approach of utilizing drones for cloud-seeding operations could potentially enhance safety in the long run. The company emphasizes that its flight profiles are carefully monitored by remote pilots and trained crews, with additional safety checks in place to ensure secure operations over rural areas.
The Future of Weather Modification
The FAA’s forthcoming decision on Rainmaker’s petition will be pivotal in determining the future of drone-based cloud-seeding. The agency’s response will not only impact Rainmaker’s operations but also set a precedent for the regulation of innovative weather-modification technologies. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the balance between safety and technological advancement will remain a critical consideration for regulators and stakeholders alike.
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