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Regulations

 

Fly your agricultural spray drone legally:

A complete list of regulations and exemptions

Prepare to take flight with your drone! Prior to your aerial
ventures, it’s essential to understand the rules and exemptions for drone
flights. Utilize the information below and our guidance to navigate the key
steps for legal drone operation. Additionally, check your state for
location-specific requirements.

Part 107 - Remote Pilot Certificate

What it is

Also referred to as your Remote Pilot Certification, this license clearly demonstrates you understand the FAA’s regulations, operating requirements, and procedures for safely flying drones.

Prep Time: 1-3 weeks of study

Exam Cost: approximately $175 (varies between testing centers)

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.
  • Requires a FAA second class medical for drones over 55 pounds.
  • Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: “Unmanned
    Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”    .

Step 1: Prior to registering for a knowledge test, you must obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application  (IACRA) profile.

Step 2: Schedule an appointment with an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. 

Step 3: Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test: “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”.

Step 4: Complete FAA Form 8710-13 for a remote pilot certificate (FAA Airman Certificate and/or Rating Application) using the electronic FAA Integrated Airman Certificate and Rating Application (IACRA).

Step 5: A confirmation email will be sent to you once you have completed the TSA security background check. This email will provide instructions for printing a copy of the temporary remote pilot certificate from IACRA.

Step 6: A permanent remote pilot certificate will be sent via mail once all other FAA-internal processing is complete.

Step 7: Always have your Remote Pilot Certificate available when you fly your UAS.

Visit the FAA’s website to access Part 107 study guides. If you prefer an online course, we recommend Drone Launch Academy.

Another option to consider: HarvestWise offers a 2-day intensive Boot Camp style training to get you up to speed on what you need to know to pass the Part 107 the first time. Email us at info@Harvest-Wise.com for more information.

  • Learn more regarding drone regulations, study material, local testing facilities, and more: Certificated Remote Pilots FAA Resources
  • Find a testing center near you: FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center. If you are unable to schedule online, call the center.

FAA Drone Registration

What it is

You must register your drone with the FAA to receive the Part 137 certification and obtain insurance. There are two separate and distinct processes for registering a drone with the FAA depending upon the aircraft weight.

  • For drones under 55 lbs., complete the Part 107 registration process.
  • For drones over 55 lbs., complete the FAA aircraft registration process to receive an N-number.

Register your drone at FAA Drone Zone

Information needed to register:

  • Physical address and mailing address (if different from physical
    address)
  • Email address
  • Phone number
  • Make and model of your drone
  • Remote ID serial number provided by the manufacturer (if
    applicable) – 20 digits beginning with 1581F…
  • Credit or debit card

Part 107 Registration Fees: Registration costs $5 per drone and is valid for three (3) years.

Expected Approval Time: 6-8 weeks

  • Step 1: Download the Aircraft Registration Application form AC 8050-1..

    You MUST download the application from the FAA site for it to be valid. It cannot be a computer-generated or photocopied form. It is a fillable form that can be filled out on the computer, but it must be an original, pen signed form. Also, there can be no white outs, strike throughs, or corrections within the form.
  • Step 2: Complete the form. Include the needed documents based on which option you are using to register your drone — filing as an individual, filing as an LLC, or reserving your own N number.

  • Step 3: Mail the form. Mailing instructions are included with the application. Be sure to include the $5 registration fee made payable to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Instructions for completing the 8050-1 are pretty straight forward, except block 1. In this block, the FAA is asking for the applicant to list the N number. If you do not have an N number, then write the phrase “next available” in block 1.

The following additional documents are required, at a minimum, when you file your registration as an individual:

  1. FAA Form 8050-1 application form
  2. Invoice for the drone. If it was a used, previously
    registered drone, then complete the Aircraft Bill of Sale (Form AC 8050-2).
  3. sUAS Affidavit (This form MUST be notarized)

Even if you own an LLC, you can register your drone as an individual. However, ALL DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED MUST MATCH. For example: If your aircraft invoice or bill of sale is listed in the LLC company name, then the 8050-1 application and all other documents must also be in the company name. You cannot have one document listed in the company name and another listed as an individual.

The following additional documents are required  when you file your registration in the name of an LLC:

  1. FAA Form 8050-1 application form
  2. Invoice for the drone. If it was a used, previously
    registered drone, complete the Aircraft Bill of Sale (Form AC 8050-2).
  3. sUAS Affidavit (This form MUST be notarized)
  4. LLC documents as described in this PDF: option (a) or (b)

Even if you own an LLC, you can register your drone as an individual. However, ALL DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED MUST MATCH. For example: If your aircraft invoice or bill of sale is listed in the LLC company name, then the 8050-1 application and all other documents must also be in the company name. You cannot have one document listed in the company name and another listed as an individual.

One option for the registration process is to reserve an N number.

Note: There is no real benefit to reserving an N number unless you really want a certain number. This has no effect on processing time.

Reserve an N number at FAA Registry Aircraft N-Number Reservation.

There is an extra $10 fee for this service that can be paid online. If you choose this option, a separate cover letter explaining the N number reservation will accompany the actual 8050-1 application with the following phrase or similar.

“I have previously reserved N number (then put what N number you have reserved). However, if that N number is not available, I am requesting the next available N number.”

If you choose to reserve your own N number, the FAA will mail you confirmation of that N number. That is the number that will be entered in block 1. Remember, a separate cover letter accompanies the application when reserving an N number.

Do I have to wait until the FAA mails me confirmation of N number reservation?

No, you can submit your registration application form 8050-1 before confirmation.

For additional information about registering your under 55 lbs. aircraft: CLICK HERE

For additional information about registering your over 55 lbs. aircraft: CLICK HERE

For questions, visit the FAA’s website or contact the FAA at 866-762-9434 or 405-954-3116. This number has an automated menu that will answer many questions up front but has an option “0” for a live employee to answer questions.

Note: Your registration is not required to begin the FAA regulatory exemption process. However, a registration number is required for obtaining your Part 137 certification.

44807 Exemptions

Part 107/137 - Under 55 lbs Exemption

Required for any under 55 lbs. agricultural spraying operation.

Obtaining this certification can feel overwhelming due to the amount of documentation, manuals, and petitions you are required to submit to the FAA. HarvestWise can assist you with this process.

Required to operate a drone weighing over 55 lbs.

Obtaining this certification can feel overwhelming due to the amount of documentation, manuals, and petitions you are required to submit to the FAA. HarvestWise can assist you with this process.

If you plan to operate an agricultural spray drone at night, you will need specific relief from the FAA’s condition and limitation that states, “UAS operations may not be conducted during night, as defined in 14 CFR 1.1”.

This requires the submission of a specific safety case along with the 44807 Petition for Exemption.

Contact us to learn more.

If you plan to fly more than one agricultural spray drone per pilot, you will need a multi-drone exemption from the FAA.

This requires the submission of a specific safety case along with the 44807 Petition for Exemption.

Contact us to learn more.

If you plan to fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), you need a BVLOS exemption from the FAA.

This requires the submission of a specific safety case along with the 44807 Petition for Exemption.

Contact us to learn more.

FAA Part 137 - Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certification

What it is

This is the certification required to legally conduct agricultural aircraft operations for the purpose of:

  • Dispensing any economic poison.
  • Dispensing any other substance intended for plant nourishment, soil treatment, propagation of plant life, or pest control.
  • Engaging in dispensing or non-dispensing activities that directly affect agriculture, horticulture, or forest preservation, but not including the dispensing of live insects.

After you receive your 44807 drone exemption, you will complete the 8710-3 form located at the end of your returned exemption. Once you complete the form, you will email it to the 137 UAS Operations Office for review and approval.

Contact us if you’d like more information. If you choose to begin the process on your own, please refer to FAA Part 137’s webpage.

Certificated Remote Pilots FAA Resources: For information on how to file a petition for exemption, see part 11.63 and Part 11.71.

Find Your Local FSDO and Contact Information

Additional Checklist Items

FAA Medical Requirements

If you are operating a drone over 55 lbs., you will be required by your 44807 exemption to have a current FAA Medical Certificate.  This is a physical and must be conducted by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).

Find an examiner near you or stop by your local airport and inquire where pilots are getting their FAA Medical Certificate to get a local recommendation.

Find an Examiner Near You

Each state requirement is different.

Like having a ground sprayer, you need to obtain a proper state pesticide license to legally spray with a drone. To learn more, check with your state pesticide department regarding the correct licensing needed to spray with a drone.

If you plan to do commercial application, you need a comprehensive chemical and general liability insurance policy. The average policy costs $3,000 – $4,000 per year. This includes chemical drift and general liability coverage.