The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) is deeply disturbed by Rainmaker’s recent petition to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Their request for exemption from the FAA would allow small drones to carry hazardous materials for cloud-seeding purposes. This long-standing practice, stretching back to the 1950s, is intended to increase precipitation through manmade means. About the Author Tim De Chant is a senior climate reporter for TechCrunch and a Lecturer in MIT’s Graduate Program in Science Writing. He has previously highlighted how this administration’s proposal undermines public safety and pro-environment enforcement.
Rainmaker wants to be able to conduct all of its drone operations outside controlled airspace unless specifically granted permission. Note that this drone, like most of the FAA’s UAS experimental aircraft, is not intended to fly above 15,000 feet MSL. The ALPA has expressed strong opposition to this initiative, arguing that it “fails to demonstrate an equivalent level of safety” and poses “an extreme safety risk.” These issues highlight the continuing struggle between the goals of breakthrough technological innovations and the goal of public safety prevention measures.
Tim De Chant’s insights into climate technologies and journalism inform the discourse surrounding Rainmaker’s plans. In 2018, he was a Knight Science Journalism Fellow at MIT. On the side, he extensively researched emerging business models for journalism and learned about various climate technologies. His expertise positions him well to analyze the potential impacts of cloud seeding and drone technology on climate policies and aviation safety.
Space reporter Aria Alamalhodaei lives and works in Austin, Texas, but she tracks space and defense industries for TechCrunch from all over. She’s been tracking this exciting development ever since. Alamalhodaei has a PhD in environmental science, policy and management from the University of California, Berkeley. This background provides her with a unique perspective on the environmental impacts associated with technological advancements. She graduated from St. Olaf College with a BA in environmental studies, English, and biology.
The FAA’s determination will have huge implications for Rainmaker. It will inform the integration of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into environmental applications. The agency walks a fine line of fostering innovation while maintaining very strict safety standards.
