Work top to bottom. The slow items (44807 exemption, Part 137, state license) start first; gear shopping comes last, not first.
Legal (start 4–6 months out)
- FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate (~$175, weeks) — guide
- Class 3 medical from an AME ($70–170)
- Section 44807 exemption filed (weeks–months — the long pole)
- Aircraft registered under Part 47 (paper, over-55-lb)
- Part 137 Ag Aircraft Operator Certificate (Form 8710-3 + exemption #)
- State applicator license: CORE + aerial category — free Ohio course
- State pesticide business license + financial responsibility on file
Business & paper
- LLC formed; EIN; business bank account
- Aviation liability + chemical/drift liability insurance quotes bound
- Customer work-order/contract template (rate, chemical supplier, re-spray terms)
- Application record system — start with our record log
Equipment (buy once, correctly)
- Spray drone sized to your acres — buyer's guide
- 4–6 battery packs minimum + charging generator
- Mix trailer: water tank (300+ gal), pump, clean-water rinse, spill kit
- PPE per label: nitrile gloves, eyewear, respirator where required
- Anemometer (wind meter) + thermometer for records
- LiPo-safe storage/charging box + fire extinguisher
Before job #1
- Calibrate on water and log it — calculator
- Airspace check workflow set (B4UFLY/LAANC) — guide
- Walk the field: wires, sensitive neighbors, water — mapping guide
- Insurance certificate + licenses copied into the truck binder
Print this page (Ctrl/Cmd-P) and pin it to the shop wall. Costs/timelines are typical; verify current fees with the FAA and your state.
Want it flown for you?
FactorDrones holds a commercial FAA Part 107 unmanned aircraft license; our pesticide applicator license (and FAA Part 137) are in progress. Reserve a price now and we’ll fly when fully cleared — or keep learning.