How to Get an Ag Spray Drone License

If you're looking to enter the rapidly growing field of agricultural drone operations, obtaining your spray drone licenses is a crucial step in ensuring you're equipped with the necessary skills and legal permissions. Drones have revolutionized precision farming, offering a more efficient way to apply pesticides, fertilizers, and other treatments. However, before you can take to the skies, you'll need to navigate the regulatory requirements and gain the proper certification. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to get all of the following:

• FAA Part 107: Remote Pilot Certificate
• FAA Drone Registration: N Number
• FAA Section 44807: Heavy Drone Exemption
• FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate
• FAA Part 137: Aerial Applicator’s License
• Pesticide License
• Maintaining compliance

FAA Part 107: Remote Pilot Certificate

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.

Who Needs a Part 107 Certification?

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:

• Be at least 16 years old
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
• Be in sound physical and mental condition to safely fly a drone
• Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”

How to Get a Part 107 Step-by-Step:

Step 1:

The first step is studying for your Remote Pilot Certification exam. Here are some resources and study guides:

Free Resources:

• FAA Study Guide for Part 107 test in written format: Link
• FAA sample test questions for Part 107 exam: Link
• FAA Airmen Certification Standards for Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Link

Paid Resources:

• Pilot Institute FAA Part 107 course (video format): Link
• Remote Pilot 101 FAA Part 107 course (video format): Link

Please note: if opting for a paid course, the majority of our customers recommend Pilot Institute’s Part 107 course.

Step 2:

Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airmen Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for a knowledge test.

Step 3:

Schedule an appointment with an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. Be sure to bring a valid government-issued photo ID to your test.

Step 4:

Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test: “Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG)”.

Step 5:

Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airmen Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the electronic FAA Integrated Airmen Certificate and/or Rating Application (IACRA).

1. Login with username and password
2. Click on “Start New Application” and -> Application Type “Pilot” -> Certifications “Remote Pilot” -> Other Path Information -> Start Application
3. Follow application prompts
4. When prompted, enter the 17-digit Knowledge Test Exam ID (Note: it may take 48 hours from the test date for the knowledge test to appear in IACRA).
5. Sign the application electronically and submit for processing

Step 6:

A confirmation email will be sent once the applicant has completed the TSA security background check. This email will provide instructions for printing a copy of the temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA.

Step 7:

A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA-internal processing is complete.

Step 8:

Have your remote pilot certificate available when you fly your UAS.

FAA Drone Registration

After purchasing your drone you must submit a set of documents to register your drone with the FAA. Once the FAA processes your documents you will be issued an Aircraft N Number. The N Number, commonly referred to as “tail number”, identifies your drone on the FAA’s database, ensuring compliance with its rules and regulations. N Numbers must also be displayed on your drone, typically on the tank or frame. Here’s the step-by-step instructions on how to obtain it:

Step 1: Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1)

An original Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1) must be submitted. Here’s a quick reference guide to filling out this form:

Step 2: Limited Liability Companies

To determine if a Limited Liability Company (LLC) qualifies as a citizen of the United States, the citizenship of its members is evaluated based on the definitions established under Title 49, U.S.C. § 40102(a)(15)(A), (B), and (C). Additionally, its management structure is assessed against § 40102(a)(15)(C), which defines a "citizen of the United States" as follows:

• (A) An individual who is a citizen of the United States.
• (B) A partnership in which each partner is an individual who is a U.S. citizen.
• (C) A corporation or association organized under U.S. laws (including any State, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories/possessions) where:
  • The president and at least two-thirds of the board of directors and managing officers are U.S. citizens.
  • At least 75% of the voting interest is owned or controlled by U.S. citizens.

Document Requirements for LLC Registration

When registering under an LLC, one of the following must be submitted:

Option A: Documentation of LLC Organization

Provide a copy of the document that establishes the LLC (e.g., Certificate of Formation, Articles of Organization, or Operating Agreement). The document must:

1. Include the name of each member.
2. Clearly state whether management is vested in the members, a manager, or officers.
3. Include the citizenship of each member, manager, or officer (this information may also be included in a cover letter or separate statement).

Option B: Written Representation

Submit a written statement signed by an authorized individual that explains how the LLC qualifies as a U.S. citizen. The statement must include:

1. The full name of the LLC.
2. The state where the LLC is legally organized.
3. The date the LLC was formed.
4. The name and type of entity (e.g., individual, corporation, partnership, LLC) for each member of the LLC.
   • If a general or limited partnership is involved, state whether the partnership is entirely composed of individuals (natural persons).
5. Whether the LLC is managed by its members, a manager, or officers.
6. The name and type of entity (if not a natural person) for any manager or officer.
7. Whether members, managers, or officers may act independently.
   • Note: A non-citizen member or manager may not act independently in a management role.
8. A detailed explanation of how each legal entity within the LLC structure supports the determination of U.S. citizenship under 49 U.S.C. § 40102(a)(15).
   • If a partnership is involved, include the citizenship details of each partner.

Additional Requirements

• Nested LLCs: If an LLC member or manager is also an LLC, provide the same documentation for the member LLC.

• Changes in Management: If the LLC's management structure changes (e.g., shifting from member-managed to manager-managed), submit written notification of the change. This can include a written statement, meeting minutes, or an amended operating agreement. The document must detail the changes and include the effective date.

Step 3: A Notarized Affidavit of Ownership

A notarized Affidavit of Ownership must be included regarding the Unmanned Aircraft (UA).

Follow the instructions below to correctly fill out this form:

Step 4: Registration Fee

Submit the $5.00 registration fee via check or money order payable to the Federal Aviation Administration. Multiple fees can be combined into a single payment. Registration and N-number fees are waived for applicants that are Federal, State, or local government offices, agencies, or institutions.

Step 5: Mail Your Documents

Before mailing your documents, ensure you have all of the following:

• Aircraft Registration Application Form (AC Form 8050-1)
• For applicants filling under an LLC
  • Option A: Documentation of LLC Organization.
  • Option B: Statement in Support of Registration of U.S. Civil Aircraft in the Name of an LLC.
• Notarized Affidavit of Ownership
• Invoice (if bought off the shelf from a dealer) or an Aircraft Bill of Sale (AC Form 8050-2) (if bought from another company/individual).

Mail paper copies of every document to:

FAA Aircraft Registration Branch

P.O. Box 25504

Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0504

Step 5: After Submission

After you have mailed in your application to the FAA, you should receive your registration and N Number within 2.5-6 weeks. 

To confirm that the FAA received your application, you can go to https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/DocumentIndexInquiry and type the entity’s name on the Party field. 

To see if the FAA has given you an N Number, you can search here https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/Search/NameInquiry by typing in the entity’s name that registered the drone. 

Step 6: Displaying Your N Number on Your Drone

The FAA requires all UAS to have its N Number displayed on the aircraft. You can use a sharpie or stickers, depending on your preference. Place the N Number in front of the tank or on the drone’s frame.

44807 Exemption: Heavy Drone Exemption

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. 

Petition to the FAA

Before moving forward, it’s important to note that petitions involving agricultural operations (Part 137) require the Part 107 Airmen Certificate and the aircraft’s N Number, as explained above. 

Basic Information

• Applicant Information: Provide the applicant’s full legal name and physical address. Note that a P.O. Box is not acceptable as an address.
  
  
• Chief Supervisor of Operations: Identify the Chief Supervisor of Operations, who will serve as the primary point of contact for the FAA. This individual must be capable of promptly addressing any FAA inquiries regarding the applicant's operations. Include the following information:
  
  
  • Phone number and email address for the Chief Supervisor of Operations.
  • If their address differs from the applicant’s address, provide their physical address (a P.O. Box is not acceptable).
• Pilot in Command (PIC): Specify who will serve as the pilot in command for the proposed UAS operations. Include the PIC's full name and pilot certificate number (e.g., “1234567”).
  
  
• Aircraft Information: List the aircraft you plan to operate under this exemption. For each aircraft, provide:
  
  
  • Make and model.
  • N-number (e.g., “N123UA”).
  • Name of the owner of each aircraft to be operated under this exemption.

Required Petition Information

1. Contact Information: Provide your name, mailing address, and, if desired, additional contact details such as a fax number, phone number, or email address.
   
   
2. Regulation Details: Identify the specific section(s) of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) from which you are requesting an exemption. Here are some of the sections required:
   • §§ 61.3(a)(1)(i), 91.7(a), 91.119(c), 91.121, 91.151(b), 91.405(a), 91.407(a)(1), 91.409(a)(1), 91.409(a)(2), 91.417(a), 91.417(b), 91.403(b), 137.19(c), 137.19(d), 137.19(e)(2)(ii), 137.19(e)(2)(iii), 137.19(e)(2)(v), 137.31(a), 137.31(b), 137.33(a), 137.33(b), 137.41(c), and 137.42 of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).
     
     
3. Requested Relief: Clearly describe the extent of the relief you seek and explain why you are requesting it.
   
   
4. Public Interest: Outline the reasons why granting the exemption would benefit the public as a whole.
   
   
5. Safety Considerations: Explain why granting the exemption would not compromise safety or how it would maintain a level of safety equivalent to the regulation from which you are seeking relief.
   
   
6. Federal Register Summary: Provide a summary for publication in the Federal Register, including:
   
   
   • The specific rule from which you seek an exemption.
   • A brief description of the nature of the requested exemption.
7. Supporting Information: Include any additional information, arguments, or perspectives to support your request.
   
   
8. International Operations: If you wish to use the exemption outside the United States, explain why this is necessary.

Additional Information

You may also include the following information as additional documents:

• Concept of Operations
• Operations Manual
• Emergency Procedures
• Checklists
• Maintenance Manual
• Training Program
• Flight History (e.g., flight hours, cycles, accidents)
• Safety Risk Analysis

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 very challenging and take tremendous amounts of time. Hire us and we’ll take care of this for you.

FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate

A Third-Class Medical Certificate is a medical clearance issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for pilots who want to fly as private, recreational, or student pilots. It ensures that a pilot meets the basic health requirements to safely operate an aircraft.

Step 1:

Create an FAA MedExpress Account at: https://medxpress.faa.gov/MedXpress/Login.aspx

Step 2:

Find an examiner near you and schedule an appointment: FAA Designee Management System

Step 3:

Please, read the following regarding 3rd Class Medical eligibility: 3rd Class Medical eligibility

If you have an existing condition, please contact the AME’s office to find out if you need to bring additional documentation.

Step 4:

During the examination, the AME will determine if you meet the standards for a 3rd Class Medical, and will issue your Medical Certificate.

FAA Part 137: Agricultural Operations

This license, commonly referred to as Aerial Applicator License, rules the use of aircraft to dispense chemicals and agricultural products. Drones/UAVs weighing more than 55lbs are regulated under 14 CFR Part 91 and require exemption from several regulations. As such, to obtain this license you must first obtain your heavy drone exemption. Having this certificate ensures that you understand the environmental implications of spraying chemicals from drones as well as the limitations and conditions present on your 44807 exemption.

After receiving your approved exemptions, you can apply for your Operator Certificate. To do so, complete FAA Form 8710-3 and email it along with your exemption number to UAS137Certificates@faa.gov.

After receiving your application, the FAA will review all documents, and, if they were completed correctly, your certificate will be issued and mailed to you in 2-10 weeks.

Pesticide License

Most States require a Pesticide License to apply chemicals and agricultural products. Some states may also require an Aerial component (Aerial Applicator’s License). Getting a Pesticide Applicator License usually involves submitting an application to your state’s ag department, obtaining study materials and passing an exam. A few states require hands-on training or becoming an apprentice for a year or so. Insurance will likely be a requirement as well, specially for commercial applicators. We’ve compiled a list of ag departments for each State below. Click on the State(s) you intend to operate in to find more information:

American territories

US territories also have their own specific requirements. You can find out more by clicking on any of the territories below:

Puerto Rico | American Samoa | Guam | Northern Marina Islands | Virgin Islands

Maintaining Compliance

Once you’ve obtained your licenses, it’s important to stay compliant and keep them up to date. Here are key requirements to follow:

• License Renewal: Ensure you renew your certifications as required.
• Aircraft Identification: Clearly display your N number(s) on all registered drones.
• Carry Documentation: Always have all necessary certificates with you while operating your drone.
• Drone Registration: Register any new drones you plan to use for agricultural spraying.
• Part 107 Compliance: Keep your Part 107 certification current.
• Part 137 Regulations: Follow all operational and safety guidelines under Part 137.
• Recordkeeping: Maintain detailed logs of each operation, including applied substances and locations.

By staying organized and compliant, you’ll ensure smooth operations and avoid potential penalties.

Final Thoughts

Operating an ag spray drone involves obtaining multiple licenses and certifications while following strict regulations. Although the process can be challenging, you can become fully licensed within 90-120 days if everything is done correctly from the get go. If you have any questions or need guidance along the way, feel free to reach out to us for assistance.