Compliance

Drone pilots seeking to perform agricultural spraying must obtain an FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator UAS Certificate by preparing necessary documents, submitting an online petition for specific regulatory exemptions, and completing additional certification steps, ensuring legal compliance and operational safety.

Drone pilots must obtain Part 137 certification to perform agricultural spraying or disperse substances like pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals intended for pest control and plant life management, although this certification is not required for non-chemical tasks such as remote sensing or plain water application.

Part 137 of the Federal Aviation Regulations, titled "Agricultural Aircraft Operations," outlines the rules for aerial dispensing activities related to agriculture, including plant nourishment and pest control, and requires special FAA certification for both traditional aircraft and drones involved in these operations.