Agricultural spray drones have gained significant popularity in the United States. Over the past decade, advancements in technology have made them more efficient, and farms nationwide are increasingly adopting them. However, obtaining the necessary licenses remains the biggest challenge. The process can be lengthy and complex, but with the right guidance, you can navigate it smoothly. Here’s what you need to know about obtaining agricultural spray drone licenses:
FAA Part 107 refers to the set of regulations established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) governing the commercial operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), commonly known as drones, in the United States. It provides guidelines for drone pilots who wish to operate drones for business or commercial purposes.
Anyone operating a drone for commercial purposes, such as photography, surveying, real estate, inspections, agriculture, or mapping, must be certified under Part 107.
To become a pilot, you must:
If you need more information on Part 107, make sure to read our step-by-step guide.
After purchasing your drone, you’ll need to submit a set of documents to register it with the FAA. Once processed, the FAA will issue you an Aircraft N Number, also known as a “tail number.” This unique identifier links your drone to the FAA’s database, ensuring compliance with regulations. Additionally, the N Number must be visibly displayed on your drone, typically on the tank or frame. While not a license, this registration is a legal requirement.
Drones weighing 55 pounds or more are commonly referred to as Heavy Drones. Per the FAA these +55lbs drones are regulated under 14 CFR Part 91 and require exemptions from certain provisions in 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, and 137.
You can obtain this exemption by petitioning the FAA on the regulations.gov website. Your petition will need to include why your drone doesn’t present a risk to the current airspace and which provisions you’re seeking relief from, among a number of other requirements that you can learn more here.
After your petition is ready for submission, check the FAA’s visual aid to submit it to the Federal Docket Management System. You may also check approved petitions here.
Obtaining this exemption on your own can be a nightmare and take tremendous amounts of time. Hire us and we’ll take care of this for you.
A Third-Class Medical Certificate is an FAA-issued medical clearance required for private, recreational, and student pilots, ensuring they meet the basic health standards to operate an aircraft safely.
As of late 2024, the FAA began approving exemptions for daytime UAS operations, eliminating the need for a Third-Class Medical Certificate. However, if you plan to conduct spraying operations at night, this certification is still required. To obtain it, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for an evaluation. If you meet the necessary requirements, the AME will issue your certificate.
Commonly known as the Aerial Applicator License, this certification governs the use of aircraft for dispensing chemicals and agricultural products. Drones or UAVs weighing over 55 lbs fall under 14 CFR Part 91 and require exemptions from several regulations. Before obtaining this license, you must first secure a heavy drone exemption. This certification ensures you understand the environmental impact of aerial chemical application and the specific limitations and conditions outlined in your 44807 exemption.
Operating an ag spray drone requires a few licenses and certifications, and adhering to several rules and regulations. While this is not an easy process, it’s certainly possible to become fully licensed within 90-120 days. If you have any questions or need assistance throughout this process, don’t hesitate to contact us.