The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted approval to Pyka, an electric aircraft producer, for the commercial operation of its unmanned crop sprayer aircraft, the Pelican Spray, in the United States. Pyka's COO and co-founder, Chuma Ogunwole, highlighted that this approval marks Pelican Spray as the largest uncrewed aircraft to ever receive permission for commercial operations from the FAA.

Presently, the Oakland, California-headquartered company supplies its electric aircraft to crop-spraying firms in Costa Rica, Honduras, and Brazil. Capable of carrying up to 540 pounds of liquid pesticides, the Pelican Spray requires a landing every 15 minutes for battery replacement.

A conventional crop duster, or agricultural aircraft, can typically carry between 300 to 800 gallons of crop spray or other agricultural chemicals. This is equivalent to about 2,400 to 6,400 pounds, as one gallon of water weighs approximately 8 pounds. The actual amount can vary depending on the specific model of the aircraft and the type of spray or chemical being used.

Hydrogen potentially offers a more efficient fuel source for aircraft due to its higher energy density by weight compared to jet fuel. Its environmental advantage lies in its clean burning properties, producing only water vapor, although current production methods can still involve significant CO2 emissions.

However, hydrogen is presently more expensive than traditional aviation fuels, needing significant infrastructural changes for storage and distribution. It also presents technical challenges due to its low volumetric energy density, requiring more storage space on an aircraft and necessitating storage at extremely low temperatures or high pressure. These factors add complexity and may affect aircraft design. So, while hydrogen promises a greener future for aviation, substantial technical and economic challenges need addressing before it becomes a viable alternative.

Pyka has focused on the development of uncrewed aircraft due to the relative ease of gaining regulatory approval. The company is also in the process of developing a cargo aircraft with a cargo volume of 70 cubic feet, which is currently awaiting FAA approval.

*The statistic regarding aviation's contribution to global CO2 emissions comes from a variety of reputable sources, including the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). These organizations conduct ongoing research and data analysis on the environmental impact of aviation.