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factordrones

FAA Recordkeeping & Compliance for Spray Drones

When the FAA (or an insurer, or a lawyer) asks, you have minutes to look organized. Here's exactly what to log and how to keep it inspection-ready.

πŸ“– 6 min readπŸŽ“ FAAπŸ“± Mobile-friendly
Three logs cover you: a flight log, a maintenance log, and your Part 137 operational records. Keep them boring, complete, and current β€” boring logs win audits.

Flight log (every flight)

Most flight controllers auto-log; export monthly and back it up β€” controller memory is not a filing system.

Maintenance log (every wrench)

Part 137 operational records

Your operating certificate assumes you can show: pilot qualifications (107 + knowledge/skill), aircraft registration, the 44807 exemption conditions you fly under, and congested-area plans if applicable. Pair each application with the chemical record from our record log β€” one job, one page, both agencies satisfied.

Accident reporting β€” know the threshold

Part 107 requires reporting to the FAA within 10 days if an operation causes serious injury/loss of consciousness or property damage over $500 (other than the drone). Put the rule in your binder before you need it.

The binder (copy this)

  1. Tab 1: Certificates β€” 107, medical, 137, exemption, registration
  2. Tab 2: Insurance certificate + policy summary
  3. Tab 3: Current-season flight log exports
  4. Tab 4: Maintenance & battery log
  5. Tab 5: Application records (chemical side)
  6. Tab 6: LAANC approvals & congested-area plans

Reflects Part 107/137 expectations; see FAA Part 137 (UAS). Your exemption letter may add specific record conditions β€” read it.

Want it flown for you?

FAA Part 107 licensed. Applicator licence and Part 137 in progress β€” we fly the moment we’re cleared. Lock in a price now, or keep learning.