Drone Regulations Guide

Part 107 — Remote Pilot Certificate

What it is?

Prep Time: 1-3 weeks of study
Exam Cost: $175, differs between testing centers
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 second class medical for drones over 55 pounds
  • Pass the initial aeronautical knowledge exam: “Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG)”

What You Need To Do?

  • 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. Follow the steps HERE to complete the process.
  • 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/or Rating Application system (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.


107 Study Guide:

Access the FAA Part 107 study guides below.  If you prefer an online course, we recommend Drone Part 107 Exam Prep.

Access the 107 Study Guide


Certificated Remote Pilots FAA Resources:

To learn more regarding drone regulations, study material, local testing facilities, and more: CLICK HERE

Testing Centers:

To find a testing center near you, visit: FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center

*If you are unable to schedule online, call the testing center.

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FAA Drone Registration

What Is It?

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. 

***What You Need To Do — Under 55 lbs.

Register Your Drone at FFA 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

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

***What You Need To Do — Over 55 lbs

Expected Approval Time: The FAA is currently 2 months in arrears with processing these registrations. 

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: Follow the outlined directions in Step 1 and 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.

Mailing instructions are included in the instructions with the application. Also 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. 


Registering as an Individual:

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 or 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)
  4. RID Form Here

Even if you own an L.L.C., 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 L.L.C. 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.


Registering as an LLC:



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

  1. FAA Form 8050-1 application form
  2. Invoice for the drone or if it was a used, previously registered drone then complete the Aircraft Bill of Sale (Form AC 8050-2)
  3. sUAS Affidavit Form 8050-88 (This form MUST be notarized)
  4. L.L.C evidence from the following (a) or (b) - Send Articles of Organization - Write a Letter like this HERE

Even if you own an L.L.C., 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 L.L.C. 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.


Reserving Your Own N Number (Optional):

One option to the registration process is to reserve an N-Number. Note: There is no real benefit to reserving a 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 $10.00 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. Since a separate cover letter accompanies the application when reserving an N-Number anyway, you can explain what N-Number you have registered for, and that is the number you are requesting, or next available.

If you chose to reserve your own N-Number as an individual, as explained above, a separate cover letter explaining the N number reservation will also accompany the actual 8050-1 application, along with the BOS or invoice, and sUAS Affidavit.

Resources:

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.

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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. If you choose to purchase our regulations package and use our Ripping It Drone’ regulations consultant this entire process will be completed for you. 

Section 44807 — Over 55 lbs Exemption:

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. If you choose to purchase our regulations package and use our Ripping It Spray Drones’ regulations consultant this entire process will be completed for you. 

If you wanted to try it on your own here is the info!


How to Apply:


Step 1: Petition for an exemption.

For information on how to petition for an exemption, see the FAA's Office of Rulemaking websit. View examples of exemptions for drones conducting agricultural operations.

  • Requests to operate drones previously approved under 49 U.S.C. § 44807 for routine commercial agricultural-related operations will receive expedited processing of their exemption request.
  • Requests to operate drones under 55 pounds in routine commercial agricultural-related operations will also receive expedited processing of their exemption request.

Requests to operate outside of these routine agricultural-related operations or requests to use aircraft without § 44807 approval may take longer to review. 

Before filing your petition, review FAA's guidance to ensure your petition contains at a minimum the following necessary information, if relevant:

  • Concept of Operations
  • Operations Manual
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Checklists
  • Maintenance Manual
  • Training Program
  • Flight History (flight hours, cycles, accidents, etc.)
  • Safety Risk Analysis

    A Safety Risk Analysis is also required for complex operations for any proposal that includes the following, but not limited to: flight over or in close proximity to people, flight beyond visual line of sight, operation of multiple UAS, operations from a moving vehicle, package delivery, Part 135 operations, or high speeds. Additional information about safety risk analysis is available at FAA Order 8040.4, Safety Risk Management Policy and FAA Order 8040.6 UAS Safety Risk Management Policy.

    Verify that all the necessary information is included, see 14 CFR § 11.81, and then file your petition for exemption on the public docket. You can also download submission instructions (textinstructions) (visual aid instructions). 

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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.

What You Need To Do:

  • 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.
  • This process is provided by our regulations consultant. If you choose to begin the process on your own, please refer to FAA Part 137’s webpage.

Resources:

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  

Note: Available additional Exemptions:

Under 55: Swarming Pending approval: a. Night Ops   b. No VO

Over 55: Pending approval: a. Swarming   b. Night Ops   c. No VO

Step 1: Apply for an Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate (AAOC).

Note: You must complete the exemption process before applying for an Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate (AAOC).

To learn more about dispensing chemicals and agricultural products (Part 137), contact the UAS Support Center


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Farm-i-tude - Fly Why You Wait

Ripping It Drones in partnership with the WakWay Foundation is providing an opportunity for 107 qualified pilots to operate under the Farm-i-tude 137 program. This program allows individuals waiting for their 137 certification to get in the sky faster and be approved to work under the Farm-i-tude program to do custom application legally.

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Additional Checklist Items:

FAA Medical Requirement

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


State Pesticide Applicators License(s)

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. You can contact us and we will help point you in the right direction.


Applicator Insurance

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.

Our Ripping It Spray Drones Regulation Package includes full access to our regulations consultants who provide guidance on registering your drone and completes the Part 137 paperwork and 44807 exemptions.

It's Complicated, Talk To An Expert!

Name:

Phone:

Email:

Message:

Official Spray Drone Over 55lbs Regulation Checklist:

1. Start the 44807 Application Process:

File Petition yourself or Purchase the Regulation Package Above. Note that you do not need a Part 107 certificate or drone serial number to start the application.


2. Work with the Ripping It Spray Drones Regulations Consultant:

Complete the Regulations Consulting Form you receive via email after purchasing the regulations consulting package. Specify any exemptions you want included in your petition. This initiates your 137 and 44807 exemptions process.


3. Become 107 Certified:

-Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating a profile on the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA).

-Schedule an appointment with an FAA-approved Knowledge Testing Center.

-Complete and pass the initial aeronautical knowledge test: "Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG)".


4. Purchase Your Drone:

Acquire the drone(s) you intend to use for your operations, ensuring they meet the specifications and requirements for the type of spray operations you plan to conduct.


5. Register Your Drone with the FAA:

Ensure all documents submitted match (e.g., if the aircraft invoice is under the LLC name, all other documents, including the 8050-1 application, must also be in that name). Forms 8050-1 & 8050-88


6.Obtain Insurance for Your Drone Operations:

After registering your drone, secure insurance coverage for your drone operations, making sure it meets any required criteria for liability and risk coverage.


7. Receive the 44807 Exemption:

Once you have the exemption, complete the 8710-3 form found at the end of your exemption documents.


8. Submit the 8710-3 Form:

Email the completed form to the 137 UAS Operations Office for review and approval.


9. Complete Certification for Part 137:

Upon approval of the 137 application, provide the necessary Part 107 certificate and drone serial number(s) for the drones you plan to use.


10. Obtain Your FAA Medical Certificate:

Schedule and complete your FAA medical certificate appointment to get a 3rd class medical certificate.


11. Obtain Your State Pesticide Applicator License:

Follow the necessary steps to acquire a license for handling and applying pesticides in your state.


12. Prepare for Operations:

Ensure each pilot operating under the 137 certification has their 107, 3rd class medical certificate and state chemical license before actual operations begin. You will need  flight logbook to document all operations. 

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After Operations Commence:


- Logbook Management: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a detailed logbook for each drone, including flight hours, maintenance records, and any incidents or anomalies encountered during operations. This is crucial for regulatory compliance and operational safety. The FAA requires every pilot to keep records for a year, as well as other training.


- Continuing Education and Training: Highlight the need for ongoing education to stay updated with the latest FAA regulations, technological advancements in drone operations, and best practices in agricultural spraying and other applications. Every 2 years you must take a Remote Pilot Certificate (Link)


- Emergency Response Planning: Operators should develop and regularly update an emergency response plan, detailing procedures for dealing with unexpected situations such as drone malfunctions, adverse weather conditions, and accidents.


- Environmental Considerations: Include guidelines for minimizing the environmental impact of drone operations, particularly in sensitive ecosystems, and compliance with environmental regulations related to pesticide application.


- Privacy and Data Protection: Address the importance of respecting privacy laws and implementing measures to protect the data collected during drone flights, especially when operating in areas where individuals may not expect surveillance.


- Local and State Regulations Compliance: Besides FAA regulations, operators should be aware of and comply with any relevant local and state regulations affecting drone operations, including zoning laws and local ordinances related to noise and privacy.


- Insurance Policy Updates: Recommend regular reviews and updates of insurance policies to ensure adequate coverage for liability, hull damage, and equipment loss or damage, taking into account the specific risks associated with the type of drone operations conducted.


- Advanced Certification Opportunities: Inform about advanced certification or endorsements that may benefit operators, such as certifications for night operations or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, to expand their operational capabilities.


- Stakeholder Engagement: Advise on the importance of engaging with local communities, landowners, and other stakeholders to foster positive relationships and mitigate concerns related to drone operations in their vicinity.


- Cybersecurity Measures: With increasing reliance on digital technology, emphasize the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect drones and data from unauthorized access or attacks.