Monarch, Inc. Receives FAA 333 Waiver to Fly Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Precision Agriculture

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have granted Monarch, Inc. Inc. a 333 Waiver which provides permission to pioneer a new method of conducting aerial agricultural surveys by flying specially-equipped unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within the National Airspace System.

Monarch, Inc. will begin its trials at a crucial time for California’s agricultural industry. CEO Eileen Shibley is confident that “aerial survey data recorded by the Monarch UAS can show farmers where water is critically needed in a field,” helping farmers to manage their reduced water allocations during the drought.

The development follows news that the California State Parks (CSP) gained FAA permission in March to fly the Monarch AG for aerial surveys. Monarch AG’s multi-spectral images help to quickly analyze the health of forests and ecosystems. Recent tests on local farmlands have demonstrated the effectiveness of the system, which boasts a gimbal ‘Cocoon’ housing optical, infrared, and multispectral sensors with particular functions in determining crop health.

The strategy takes advantage of new FAA processes designed to accommodate new commercial applications of UAS. Monarch, Inc. aims to make its name in this evolving field by responding quickly to new legislation, and creatively to industry need.

“The effects of changing climate conditions on agriculture everywhere means it’s vital to be able to see what’s going on in vineyards, row crops, and orchards,” says Monarch Director of Robotics Jeff Parisse. “Only the UAS provides aerial survey that’s cost-effective and non-polluting.”

Agricultural health is just one of the applications Monarch, Inc. is currently exploring. The company is also investigating UAS applications ranging from medical deliveries to the maintenance of wind turbines and solar panels.

Monarch, Inc., located in Ridgecrest, CA, is premiere unmanned systems (UAS) manufacturer serving the precision agriculture, energy

facility inspection and survey needs of global industry.

Ridgecrest, CA, 150 miles northeast of Los Angeles, has long been the nation’s historical center for aerospace milestones.

For more information, visit monarchmakers.com or contact Eileen at

Eileen.Shibley@monarchmakers.com