A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Your FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator UAS Certificate

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Embark on Your Career with a Part 137 Certificate!

Pursuing a profession as a custom applicator using drones, also known as unmanned aerial systems (UAS), necessitates strict adherence to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and obtaining the necessary certifications. This guide will detail the steps to secure your FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator UAS Certificate, enabling you to operate legally.

Simplify Your Certification Process

While the certification process for UAS is more streamlined than that for traditional aircraft, it still requires careful planning and precision:

1. Prepare Your Application:
   • Gather all necessary paperwork, which can be intensive. You'll need standard operating procedures (SOPs) that outline how your business is run—essential for training employees and ensuring safe operations.
   • Research and potentially use templates from successful past applications as guides for your own documentation.
2. Understand Required Exemptions:
   • Determine which specific exemptions you need from regulations such as §§ 61.3(a)(1)(i), 91.7(a), and several others within Parts 91 and 137 of the 14 CFR that pertain to UAS operations.
3. Submit Your Petition:
   • File your documents online through a formal "petition" and mark any sensitive information as confidential to protect your privacy. Essential documents include various manuals and guides pertinent to your UAS, like the DJI Agras T40 maintenance log and operation manuals. Here are the documents we submitted for our Part 137 certificate. You will need to create the ones in bold. The others are just DJI documents:
     • Attachment3_T40_T20P_Intelligent_Flight_Battery_User_Guide_v1.2_KM_HU_IT_NL_PT.pdf
     • Attachment5_CONFIDENTIAL_AGDrone_Pre-Flight_Checklist.pdf
     • Attachment6_CONFIDENTIAL_AGDrone_DJI_Agras_T40_Maintenance_Log.pdf
     • Attachment7_CONFIDENTIAL_AGDrone_Aircrew_Training_Manual.pdf
     • Attachment8_CONFIDENTIAL_AGDrone_Operation_Risk_and_Safety_Manual.pdf
     • Attachment9_CONFIDENTIAL_AGDrone_Flight_Operations_and_Procedures_Manual.pdf
     • Attachment10_CONFIDENTIAL_FAA_Part_107_Drone_License_Training_Curriculum.pdf
     • Petition for Exemption Summary - AGDrone Corporation.pdf
     • Attachment1_AGRAS_T40_Disclaimer_and_Safety_Guidelines_English.pdf
     • Attachment2_T40_T20P_User_Manual_v1.4_EN_t.pdf
     • Attachment4_T40_T20P_Intelligent_Charger_User_Guide_v1.0.pdf
4. Wait Patiently:
   • Approval can take between 2 to 4 months. During this time, maintain communication with the FAA but prepare for slow responses.
5. Receive Your Certification:
   • Once approved, you'll receive an email notification with the FAA's decision, detailed in a PDF document. Now you're ready to legally spray and operate your drone!

Additional Steps for Full Certification:

• FAA Form 8710-3 for AAOC:
  • After receiving your Part 137 UAS Certificate, fill out FAA Form 8710-3 to apply for an Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate (AAOC). This form is straightforward but must be submitted through traditional mail.
• 44807 Heavy Drone Exemption:
  • If your drone operations meet certain criteria (especially those using heavier drones), you'll also need to secure a 44807 exemption, which allows for specific operational freedoms under regulated conditions.

Streamlined Application Process:

The FAA has simplified the application process for a Part 137 UAS certificate, particularly for VLOS (visual line of sight) operations within specified altitude and airspeed limits. Now, applicants no longer need to submit documents to their local Flight Standards District Office but should instead:

• Complete FAA Form 8710-3 and include their exemption number.
• Email the completed form and any additional required documents directly to UAS137Certificates@faa.gov to initiate the certification process.

Conclusion:

Obtaining your FAA Part 137 UAS Certificate is a critical step for anyone looking to professionally apply chemicals for agriculture using drones. By following these outlined steps, you can ensure compliance with FAA regulations, achieve certification, and embark on your operations legally and safely.

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