The use of application drones has been on the rise in recent years, with many commercial applicators and growers finding new and innovative ways to incorporate them into their daily operations.
While the use of drones in agriculture is not a new concept, the use of spray drones is an exciting development that has the potential to greatly improve the productivity and sustainability of farming operations. These specialized drones are equipped with tanks of liquid pesticides or fertilizers, allowing growers to tend to their crops more efficiently and effectively. With this technology, farmers can more accurately target specific areas of their fields, reducing waste and maximizing crop yields.
As with any new technology, there are sure to be some challenges and concerns that arise. However, with proper training and responsible use, application drones have the potential to greatly benefit the agricultural community in Michigan and beyond.
To use application drones in Michigan, requirements at both the Federal and State level will need to be obtained.
Federal Requirements
We at OnPoint Applications Group can help you acquire your FAA Part 137 Operating Certificate, USC 44807 Exemptions, and any additional wavers. Contact us for a free estimate on those services.
OnPoint FAA Consultancy Services
- FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
- FAA Airman Medical Certificate
- FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operations Certificate
- FAA Exemption 49 U.S.C. § 44807 Special authority for certain unmanned aircraft systems
- FAA Drone Registration
FAA Remote Pilot Certificate
You will need to obtain an FAA Remote Pilot certificate before operating the application drone. The method of obtaining the certificate depends on whether you are a first-time pilot or an existing FAA Part 61 Certificate holder. Both methods will require remote pilots to remain current by completing online training courses within 24 months.
FAA Part 107 Information and Details
Existing FAA Part 61 Certificate Holders
FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operations Certificate
14 CFR Part 137 governs the use of aircraft, including drones, to dispense or spray substances (including disinfectants).
FAA Exemption 49 U.S.C. § 44807 Special authority for certain unmanned aircraft systems
FAA 137 Info and Details Website
OnPoint FAA 137 Consultancy Service
FAA Drone Registration
Registration is required for all Unmanned Aircraft (UA), except those that weigh 0.55 pounds or less and are flown exclusively under the Exception for Recreational Flyers.
Register your Drone Less then 55lbs
Drone Registration Details >55lbs
FAA Airman Medical Certificate
There are three different levels of FAA medical requirements. The level (class) of medical certificate required by the FAA will be determined by the FAA often during the 137-certificate process. To obtain a medical certificate you must be examined by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).
State Requirements
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) regulates the aerial application of agricultural chemical products to help reduce the risks associated with application.
- Federal Aviation Administration Requirements
- MDARD Flight Experience Requirements
- Aerial Applicator Training Program
- Pesticide Applicators License
- Pesticide Applicators Business License (Commercial Only)
- Mix/Load Pads
Federal Aviation Administration Requirements
It is strongly recommended you secure your FAA requirements before you begin obtaining your Pesticide Business Application License and pesticide certification credentials. Some of the FAA waivers have lengthy processing times. Visit the FAA website for additional information.
MDARD Flight Experience Requirements
An aerial applicator must meet at least one of the following requirements before engaging in the aerial application of pesticides:
- Attain at least three years of experience with no fewer than 200 hours of agricultural aerial application under the supervision of a commercial aerial applicator.
- Be licensed as a commercial aerial applicator before December 27, 1988.
- Successfully complete an Aerial Applicator Training Program recognized by director as sufficient to assure the protection of the public health, safety, and welfare and the environment.
Pesticide Applicators License with Crop and Aerial Endorsement
All aerial applicators who will be commercially applying pesticides in Michigan need to be certified in the commercial core, the Aerial Standard (AE), and the appropriate categories. These may include but are not limited to 1A - Field Crops, 1B - Vegetables, 1C - Fruit Crops, 2 – Forest, 3B – Ornamental, 5 – Aquatic Pests and 7F - Mosquito.
A private agricultural applicator or a commercial applicator authorized under Act 451, Part 8315 to make aerial application of pesticides shall do either of the following once every three years.
- Demonstrate to the director the applicator’s personal participation in a self-regulating application flight efficiency clinic sponsored or recognized by Michigan State University’s Pesticide Safety Education Program and approved by MDARD with an aircraft that the applicant operates.
- Retake the certification examinations and submit to an inspection of the applicator’s aircraft spray equipment, and spray operations by an authorized representative of the director.
MDARD Pesticide Applicator Certification
Pesticide Applicators Business License (Commercial Only)
Businesses must comply with all FAA regulations for pilots and agricultural aircrafts. Commercial applicators who apply pesticides from an aircraft for compensation in Michigan must be employed by a firm holding a pesticide application business license. To obtain a license:
- Apply to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Corporations, Securities and Commercial Licensing Bureau.
- Once the firm is authorized to operate the business in Michigan, a Michigan Corporation identification number will be assigned to the aerial application firm.
- Next the aerial application firm must apply to MDARD for a Pesticide Application Business License (PABL).
MDARD Pesticide Application Business Licenses
Mix/Load Pads
Aerial applicators are required to have a primary location in Michigan where pesticides are loaded, mixed, or transferred from one container to another. Applicators must submit a report including the location of this mix load pad to MDARD on an annual basis.
Refer to the MDARD website for detailed information on the regulations governing the use of aerial drones in Michigan. Pay close attention to the "Uncrewed Aerial Applications (Drones)" section.
MDARD Aerial Pesticide Applicators
