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Fly Your Agricultural Spray Drone Legally
Are you prepared to soar through the skies with your drone? Before you begin your aerial journey, it's essential to familiarize yourself with and adhere to the regulations and exemptions related to drone flights. Don't forget to verify with your state for any extra requirements that may apply to your area.
Key Information You Should Know
Preparation Time: Expect to dedicate 1-3 weeks for study.
Exam Fee: The cost is $175, which may vary by testing center.
Remote Pilot Certification: This license shows that you are knowledgeable about the FAA's regulations, operational requirements, and procedures necessary for safe drone operation.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify as a pilot, you must:
Be at least 16 years old.
Read, speak, write, and understand English.
Be in good physical and mental health to safely operate a drone.
Obtain an FAA second-class medical certificate if flying drones over 55 pounds.
Successfully complete the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”.
Steps to Certification
Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN): Create an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile before registering for the knowledge test.
Schedule Your Exam: Book an appointment with an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.
Take the Test: Pass the “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)” exam.
Complete FAA Form 8710-13: For your remote pilot certificate, use the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application system (IACRA).
Receive Confirmation: After completing the TSA security background check, you’ll get an email with instructions to print your temporary remote pilot certificate via IACRA.
Receive Your Permanent Certificate: The permanent remote pilot certificate will be mailed to you once the FAA's internal processing is finalized.
Keep Your Certificate Handy: Always have your Remote Pilot Certificate on hand when operating your UAS.
Study Resources
107 Study Guide:
For an online course, we recommend Pilot Institute.
Part 107 test
Additional Resources
FAA Resources for Certificated Remote Pilots: For more information on drone regulations, study materials, and local testing facilities, CLICK HERE.
Find a Testing Center: To locate a testing center near you, visit the FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. If online scheduling is unavailable, you can call the testing center directly.
FAA Drone Registration
What is Drone Registration?Registering your drone with the FAA is essential for obtaining the Part 137 certification and securing insurance. The registration process varies depending on the aircraft's weight:
For drones under 55 lbs: Complete the Part 107 registration process.
For drones over 55 lbs: Follow the FAA aircraft registration process to acquire an N-number.
Registration Process — Under 55 lbs
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Register Your Drone: Go to the FAA Drone Zone.
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Required Information:
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Physical and mailing addresses (if different).
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Email and phone number.
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Make and model of your drone.
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Remote ID serial number from the manufacturer (if applicable).
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Payment via credit or debit card.
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Fees: The Part 107 registration costs $5 per drone, valid for three years.
Registration Process — Over 55 lbs
Approval Time: Expect a processing delay of about 2 months.
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Download the Application: Obtain the Aircraft Registration Application form AC 8050-1 directly from the FAA website. Ensure it is an original, signed version without corrections.
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Complete the Application: Follow the provided instructions and include necessary documents based on your registration type (individual, LLC, or N-number reservation).
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Mail Instructions: Include the completed application and a $5 registration fee made out to the FAA.
Additional Requirements:
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If registering as an individual:
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FAA Form 8050-1.
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Invoice or bill of sale.
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Notarized sUAS Affidavit.
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If registering as an LLC:
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Same as above, plus LLC documentation.
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Reserving an N-Number: This optional step incurs a $10 fee and requires a cover letter explaining your reservation.
Resources for Registration
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For guidance on registering drones under 55 lbs: CLICK HERE.
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For details on registering drones over 55 lbs: CLICK HERE.
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For questions, please visit the FAA’s website or contact them at 866-762-9434 or 405-954-3116.
Exemptions
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44807 Exemption: Required for agricultural operations involving drones under 55 lbs. Our regulations package can simplify the documentation process for you.
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Section 44807 Exemption: Necessary for drone operations over 55 lbs. We offer a comprehensive regulations package to assist you.
FAA Part 137 – Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certification
Overview: This certification is essential for legally conducting agricultural aircraft operations.
Dispensing any economic poison. Dispensing any other substance intended for plant nourishment, soil treatment, propagation of plant life, or pest control. Engaging in dispensing or non-dispensing activities that directly affect agriculture, horticulture, or forest preservation, but not including the dispensing of live insects. What You Need To Do After you receive your 44807 drone exemption, you will complete the 8710-3 form located at the end of your returned exemption. Once you complete the form, you will email it to the 137 UAS Operations Office for review and approval. This process is provided by our regulations consultant. If you choose to begin the process on your own, please refer to FAA Part 137’s webpage. Farm-i-tude (Optional) Agri Spray Drones in partnership with the WakWay Foundation is providing an opportunity for 107 qualified pilots to operate under the Farm-i-tude 137 program. This program allows individuals waiting for their 137 certification to get in the sky faster and be approved to work under the Farm-i-tude program to do custom application legally. Resources Certificated Remote Pilots FAA Resources For information on how to file a petition for exemption, see part 11.63 and Part 11.71. Find Your Local FSDO and Contact Information Additional Checklist Items FAA Medical Requirement If you are operating a drone over 55 lbs., you will be required by your 44807 exemption to have a current FAA Medical Certificate. This is a physical and must be conducted by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Find an examiner near you or stop by your local airport and inquire where pilots are getting their FAA Medical Certificate to get a local recommendation. Find an Examiner Near You State Pesticide Applicators License(s) Each state requirement is different. Like having a ground sprayer, you need to obtain a proper state pesticide license to legally spray with a drone. To learn more, check with your state pesticide department regarding the correct licensing needed to spray with a drone. Applicator Insurance If you plan to do commercial application, you need a comprehensive chemical and general liability insurance policy. The average policy costs $3,000 – $4,000 per year. This includes chemical drift and general liability coverage. Clear as mud? Reach out to our team to gain insight and clarity. Email: regulations@agrispraydrones.com Our Agri Spray Drones’ exclusive package includes full access to our regulations consultant who provides guidance on registering your drone and completes the Part 137 and 44807 exemptions.
Workflow
Overview of Drone Operation Regulations
This document outlines the necessary steps and requirements for operating drones in agricultural settings, particularly under the FAA regulations for pesticide application and other agricultural activities.
Key Activities Requiring Compliance
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Dispensing:
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Any economic poison.
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Other substances for:
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Plant nourishment.
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Soil treatment.
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Propagation of plant life.
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Pest control.
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Engagement in activities affecting agriculture, horticulture, or forest preservation (excluding live insect dispensing).
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Steps to Obtain Certification
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Receive 44807 Drone Exemption:
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This exemption allows you to perform specific agricultural operations with your drone.
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Complete the 8710-3 Form:
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After receiving your exemption, fill out the 8710-3 form located at the end of your exemption documentation.
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Email for Approval:
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Send the completed form to the 137 UAS Operations Office for review and approval.
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Consult FAA Regulations:
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For a self-guided process, refer to the FAA Part 137 webpage.
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Farm-i-tude Program (Optional)
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Collaboration:
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Agri Spray Drones and the WakWay Foundation offer the Farm-i-tude 137 program.
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Eligibility:
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Designed for 107 qualified pilots awaiting their 137 certification to enable them to operate legally and quickly in custom applications.
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Additional Requirements
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FAA Medical Certificate:
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Required if operating a drone over 55 lbs..
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Must be conducted by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
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State Pesticide Applicators License:
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Each state has different requirements. Check with your state pesticide department for proper licensing.
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Applicator Insurance:
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For commercial application, comprehensive chemical and general liability insurance is needed.
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Average annual cost ranges from $3,000 – $4,000.
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Resources and Support
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Contact Information:
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For any inquiries, reach out to the Agri Spray Drones team at:
Email: regulations@agrispraydrones.com
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Exclusive Package:
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Includes full access to regulations consultants for assistance with drone registration and exemptions.
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Conclusion
If you have any questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you navigate the regulatory landscape!