Agricultural drone spraying has become one of the fastest growing industries in the whole world. In North America alone, the market is expected to grow at a 32% CAGR by 2029, nearly quadrupling its size from 2024. While the reasons for this are many, in this article we’re gonna focus on how to get into agricultural drone spraying, regardless of where you are today. Let’s dive in!
If you’re absolutely new to drones and agricultural spraying, your best bet is to become an apprentice by working for someone else. This may involve not receiving any compensation until you’re able to efficiently operate a spray drone. To find someone in your area, you can search legally approved applicators on the FAA's website. After you find an applicator, reach out and let them know you’re looking to get into ag drone spraying and would like to learn from them. As an apprentice you’ll need an FAA Part 107: Remote Pilot Certificate, 3rd Class Medical Certificate and most likely a State Pesticide Applicator’s License as well.
If you do have some experience with drones and/or agricultural spraying, you may be able to work for an UAS applicator right off the bat. Follow the steps above to find a Part 137 holder and look for those that have shown to own 2 or more drones. The likelihood of them needing to hire someone is greater. You’ll need the same licenses as an apprentice: FAA Part 107 and 3rd Class Medical plus a Pesticide Applicator’s License as well.
Similar to option #2, but this time with your own spray drone. This will make it far easier for someone to let you operate under their certificate because they’ll be getting additional revenue without using one of their machines. After you’ve found an applicator willing to take you under their wing, it’s important to negotiate terms upfront. Also, make sure their certificate is in good standing with the FAA. Operating under someone else’s certificate requires you to have several licenses as explained above, however, in this case you’ll also need to register your drone with the FAA and obtain insurance before spraying chemicals.
The last option is to start your own business in the field. While this is more challenging than the previous options, it is also the more profitable one. Starting an ag drone spraying business requires planning and research, and lots of licenses. In addition to the legal requirements explained in options #1, #2, and #3, you’ll need to obtain your own FAA Part 137 Operating Certificate along with an FAA 44807 Exemption. Plus, you’ll need to go after clients and purchase all the necessary ancillary equipment, such as pumps, hoses, holding tanks, mixing tanks and maybe even a trailer. Navigating this process on your own can be very daunting, that’s why we put together a guide to starting your own ag drone spray business, which you can read by clicking here.
There are many options to get into ag drone spraying, and it all depends on your experience and purchasing ability to find out which one’s best for you. From learning how to operate a spray drone to starting your own business in the field, there’s an option for everyone who wants to get in. We hope you found this article helpful, and if you want to learn more about drone spraying, click here to be redirected to our blog.