What You Need to Fly a DJI T40 & T50 [License & Equipment]

The DJI AGRAS T40 and AGRAS T50 are DJI’s most advanced spray drones available in North America and a few of the best selling agricultural drones of all time. While operating these drones is fairly simple, the hard work starts before you can even fly your drone, involving a lot of licenses, training, practice, and operating equipment. Let’s take a look at everything that is required to fly and operate an agras drone successfully.

Licensing

Here’s a quick summary of what’s required: ag spray drone pilots need to have an FAA Part 107: Remote Pilot Certificate, an FAA Part 137: Aerial Applicator’s License Operating Certificate along with an FAA Section 44807 Heavy Drone Exemption (for drones that weigh more than 55 lbs), an FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate and a Pesticide Applicator’s License from the state where operating. Plus, all drones under operation need to be registered with the FAA prior to taking flight.

Below, we’re gonna take a look at what are each of the requirements and how to obtain them.

#1: FAA 3rd Class Medical Certificate

What is it: an FAA Third-Class Medical Certificate is a medical clearance required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for certain pilots in the U.S. It is the least restrictive of the three FAA medical certificates (First-Class, Second-Class, and Third-Class) and is typically required for private pilots, recreational pilots, and student pilots who are pursuing or exercising non-commercial flying privileges. UAS pilots operating drones over 55lbs as well.

How to obtain it: To get a medical certificate, you’ll need to be certified by an FAA certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Create an FAA MedExpress account and schedule an appointment. If you pass the exam, your certificate will be issued by the AME.

#2: FAA Part 107: Remote Pilot Certificate

What is it: FAA Part 107 refers to the set of regulations established by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that govern the operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS), commonly known as drones, for commercial purposes in the United States.

How to obtain it: Must be at least 16 years old and pass the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) exam. Study for the test, obtain an FAA Tracking Number and schedule an appointment with an FAA testing center.

#3: Register Your Drone with the FAA

What is it: Drones weighing more than 55lbs need to be registered with the FAA and have an “N” number.

How to obtain it: complete an Aircraft Registration Application (AC-Form 8050-1) and mail it to the FAA.

#4: FAA Section 44807 Heavy Drone Exemption

What is it: Drones weighing 55 pounds or more are regulated under 14 CFR Part 91 and require exemptions from certain provisions in 14 CFR Parts 61, 91, and 137. This is a requirement for the DJI T40 & DJI T50.

How to obtain it: create a petition and submit it to the FAA. This requires a large amount of documents. If you need assistance with this, contact us here.

#5: FAA Part 137

What is it: FAA Part 137 refers to the regulations governing Agricultural Aircraft Operations under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It applies to pilots and operators who use aircraft (both manned and unmanned) for aerial application of chemicals, fertilizers, or other substances in agricultural settings.  

How to obtain it: after your exemption has been granted, complete FAA Form 8710-3 and email it along with your exemption number to UAS137Certificates@faa.gov.

#6: State Pesticide License

What is it: Every state has Pesticide Applicator License requirements. Besides core requirements, some states require an Aerial endorsement as well.

How to obtain it: this usually requires passing a few tests related to pesticide application and aerial application. Some state universities offer a day course or at-home study materials to prepare for this test. Here’s a state pesticide license reference guide.

Insurance

Insurance is critical in this business. From chemical liability to drift and hull, you’ll want to be insured (it’s likely a requirement in your state as well). You can browse a few recommendations here.

Training & Practice

Fortunately, learning how to operate a DJI T40 or T50 is fairly simple. After just one day of comprehensive, hands-on training you’ll be able to fly and spray with ease, though, becoming a good pilot takes time and practice on the field. So train as much as you can with water before you actually start spraying chemicals. Practice quick refills, quick battery swaps, mapping and equipment setup. This will all go a long way when it comes to operating efficiently.

Drone Accessories

Having the right accessories can significantly improve your efficiency and can also make or break your operation. A typical DJI AGRAS T50 package from AckerSpray includes the following:

• Fully assembled DJI AGRAS T50 Drone w/ Remote Control and Liquid Tank

• 3x AGRAS T50 Intelligent Flight Battery: for continuous operation, 3 batteries are essential
• 1x AGRAS T50 Battery Cooling Station: essential to cool batteries and help them charge faster
• C10000 Intelligent Charger: 10kW fast charger

• DJI AGRAS T50 Spreading System: dry tank to spread seeds or fertilizer

• 2x Extra AGRAS T50 Remote Batteries: essential to not have to worry about charging the remote during the day
• DJI AGRAS T50 Remote Battery charger: charging cable for the batteries
• DJI AGRAS T50 Remote Battery Charger Hub: charge 2 batteries at once

• Westinghouse WGen14500c Generator: 14.5kW generator to support fast charging
• DJI AGRAS T50 Full-set of Propellers: in case one breaks, you’ll have a whole extra spare set. 

Equipment Setup

Having the right setup can be an asset to a successful operation. Whether you operate out of a truck bed or a trailer, here are some essential equipment to have:

• Holding tanks and/or totes
• Induction and/or mixing tanks
• Pumps
• Hoses and hose reel
• Generators (if you haven’t purchased with your drone kit)

When building out your setup, think about where the drone will land, and how quickly and easily you will be able to refill and swap batteries. Design for quick movement rather than looks.

Additional Tools and Software

Though the following software are not required, some of them may assist your operations with mission planning, flight logs, compliance and post-spraying analysis: 

• DJI Terra: The DJI Terra software comes free with the purchase of any DJI Agras drone for the 1st year.
• DJI Smartfarm: free for any DJI Agras drone, though very limited at this point. DJI is reportedly working on improving this software and plans for it to replace DJI Terra.
• Mission planning software: the main options here are:
  • Agremo: powerful field analytics platform
  • Pix4D: offers many applications for drone spraying operators
  • Solvi: analyze whole fields at the plant level
• Flight logs: Drone Logbook and CropFlight Logbook are both great options to track flights and spray fields, as well as ongoing compliance management and billing integration
• Billing software: if you’re doing custom application, having a billing software to quickly and easily bill your customers for jobs will make your life easier. Quickbooks and ZohoBooks are highly recommended.

Final Thoughts

Flying a DJI AGRAS T40 or a DJI AGRAS T50 is not as simple as just purchasing a drone. Getting licensed, setting up your truck bed or trailer and purchasing the right accessories are essential to a successful, legal operation. Planning and preparation go a long way in this industry and definitely pay off down the road. If you need assistance throughout this process, contact us at AckerSpray or request a quote and we’ll be happy to help. Happy spraying!