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How to Obtain an FAA Part 137 for Operations with Drone/UAS Over 55lbs

Picture of AckerSpray By  AckerSpray  ·  3 minute read

If you’re planning to operate unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) weighing over 55 pounds for agricultural purposes—such as applying pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers—you’ll need an FAA Part 137 certification. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you meet all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements for compliance and safety.

Blog Post FAA Drone Registration (1)

Step 1: Obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

Before applying for Part 137 certification, you must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, which demonstrates your knowledge of drone regulations and operational requirements.

To qualify, 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 operate a drone safely.

  • Obtain an FAA Third Class Medical Certificate for drones over 55 pounds.

  • Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG).

For more details on obtaining a Part 107 certificate, check out our comprehensive guide.

Step 2: Register Your Drone with the FAA

You’ll need to register your drone and receive an official N-number before proceeding further. Submit the following documents to the FAA:

Mail your documents to:

FAA Aircraft Registration Branch
P.O. Box 25504
Oklahoma City, OK 73125-0504

Once processed, the FAA will send you a Certificate of Aircraft Registration containing your drone’s N-number. This is essential for the next step—submitting your exemption request.

For a detailed walkthrough of the drone registration process, visit our step-by-step guide.

Step 3: Submit a 44807 Petition for Exemption

Drones over 55 pounds are regulated under 14 CFR Part 91, and operators must obtain exemptions from certain sections of 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, and 137.

Your petition must include:

  1. Applicant Information: Provide your full legal name and physical address (P.O. Boxes are not acceptable).

  2. Chief Supervisor of Operations: Identify your point of contact for FAA inquiries. Include their:

    • Phone number and email address.

    • Physical address, if different from the applicant’s.

  3. Pilot in Command (PIC): Include the PIC’s name and pilot certificate number (e.g., “1234567”).

  4. Aircraft Information:

    • Make and model.

    • N-number (e.g., “N123UA”).

    • Owner’s name for each aircraft.

Additional petition requirements:

  • Contact Information: Include your name, mailing address, and optional contact details (e.g., phone or email).

  • Regulation Details: Identify the specific CFR sections for which you’re seeking exemption, such as:
    §§ 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.

  • Requested Relief: Explain the relief you’re seeking and why it’s necessary.

  • Public Interest: Describe how granting your request benefits the public.

  • Safety Considerations: Ensure the exemption doesn’t compromise safety or demonstrate how it maintains an equivalent level of safety.

  • Federal Register Summary: Provide a brief description of the exemption requested and the regulation involved.

  • Supporting Information: Include any additional documents or arguments supporting your petition.

  • International Operations: If applicable, explain why you need to exercise exemption privileges outside the U.S.

Finally, you may also include the following essential 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

Submit your petition at least 120 days before the exemption is needed. For additional guidance, refer to the FAA’s visual aid on submitting petitions and browse approved petitions here.

Step 4: Obtain an FAA Third Class Medical Certificate

As of late 2024, a Third Class Medical Certificate is no longer required for daytime UAS operations. However, this certificate is still mandatory for nighttime spraying operations.

How to apply:

  1. Create an FAA MedExpress account: MedExpress Login.

  2. Find a medical examiner: FAA Designee Management System.

  3. Review eligibility requirements: 3rd Class Medical Eligibility.

During your appointment, the examiner will determine if you meet the medical standards. If approved, your certificate will be issued on-site.

Step 5: Apply for an Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate (AAOC)

Once your exemptions are approved, complete FAA Form 8710-3 and email it along with your exemption number to UAS137Certificates@faa.gov.

Step 6: Receive Your Part 137 Certificate

The FAA will review your application and, if everything is complete and accurate, issue your Part 137 certificate within 2-10 weeks.

Step 7: Maintain Compliance

After certification, ensure you:

  • Clearly display your N number(s) on your aircraft(s).
  • Always carry ALL your certificates with you when flying your drone.

  • Register any additional drones you intend to operate.

  • Renew and maintain your Part 107 certification.

  • Adhere to all Part 137 operational and safety requirements.

  • Keep detailed records of your operations, including substances applied and locations.

Additional Resources

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to obtaining your Part 137 certification for agricultural UAS operations. Feeling overwhelmed? Let us help! Hire us today, and we’ll manage the entire Part 137 process for you—from start to finish!