In what could be a real boon for agricultural applications, the federal government has granted five regulatory exemptions for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations to four companies. This Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) news release says the exemptions will benefit those using the aircraft for aerial surveying, among other jobs.

“Unmanned aircraft offer a tremendous opportunity to spur innovation and economic activity by enabling many businesses to develop better products and services for their customers and the American public,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “We want to foster commercial uses of this exciting technology while taking a responsible approach to the safety of America’s airspace.”

The commercial entities that received exemptions today are Trimble Navigation Limited, VDOS Global, LLC, Clayco, Inc. and Woolpert, Inc. (two exemptions). The FAA earlier granted exemptions to seven film and video production companies.

The FAA found that these types of unmanned vehicles do not need an FAA-issued certificate of airworthiness because they do not pose a threat to national airspace users or national security.