FAA Compliance Made Simple

Operate Your Spray Drone With Confidence

 

Operate Your Spray Drone With Confidence

FAA Compliance & Regulations

 

What You Need To Know

Guidance for Your Spray Drone Regulations Requirements

If you're flying a drone over 55 lbs (which includes most modern spray drones), you'll need an exemption from the FAA’s Special Authority for Certain Unmanned Aircraft Systems (U.S.C. 44807).

Navigating this complex process can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be.

What's Required For Legal Spray Drone Operation

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Drone Registration

Your drone must be registered with the FAA to receive the Part 137 certification (a requirement for the 44807 exemption) and obtain insurance.

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Part 137 Authorization

This certification is required to legally conduct agricultural aircraft operations for the purpose of dispensing any substance for plant nourishment, soil treatment, propagation, pest control, or agricultural purposes, excluding live insects and economic poison.

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44807 Exemption

Do you intend to operate a drone weighing over 55 lbs.? If so, an FAA Section 44807 certification is required. Obtaining this certification can feel overwhelming due to the amount of documentation, manuals and petitions you are required to submit to the FAA.

The current exemption will contain night flight, multi-drone, no visual observer, and situational 3rd class medical.

To get your medical certificate, you'll need to be examined by an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME):

  1. Complete the initial application through MedXPress.
  2. Book an appointment with a local FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
  3. If you have any medical conditions or are on medication, contact the AME office to find out what documents or records to bring to your appointment.
  4. During your appointment, the AME will finish your medical exam and complete the rest of the FAA application. If you meet the health requirements, the AME will provide your medical certificate.

While it's possible to navigate the exemption process yourself, keep in mind that external partners exist to help operators through these steps.

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.

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

Be sure to check out our online and in person Part 107 training options.

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. 

Do you intend to operate a drone weighing over 55 lbs.? If so, an FAA Section 44807 certification is required. Obtaining this certification can feel overwhelming due to the amount of documentation, manuals and petitions you are required to submit to the FAA.

The current exemption will contain night flight, multi-drone, no visual observer, and situational 3rd class medical.

While it's possible to navigate this process yourself, keep in mind that external partners exist to help operators through the regulatory process.

 

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.

Looking For Help With Your FAA Paperwork? Talk With An Expert.

Agri Spray Drones partners with an external regulations consultant to provide customers with the help and resources needed to successfully navigate the regulatory process.