FAA Part 137 for Drone Spraying: The Complete Step-by-Step License Guide

The path at a glance

Six milestones stand between you and a legal spray operation. Here's the whole map before we zoom in:

Track your progress & estimate your cost

Tick each milestone as you complete it. The bar fills, and your running cost estimate updates. Your progress is saved in this browser.

Costs are typical ranges for planning only — actual fees vary by state, medical examiner, and study materials.

Step 1 — Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

The base license for any commercial drone flight, spraying or not. Study the FAA's airspace, weather, regulations and safety material, then pass a proctored knowledge exam at an FAA-approved testing center. Easiest step of the bunch, and the foundation for the rest. Budget a couple weeks of casual study and about $175 for the exam; it renews every 24 months with a free online recurrent course.

Step 2 — Register the aircraft

Every commercial drone is registered with the FAA. Small drones register online in minutes — but full-size ag sprayers weigh more than 55 lb, which pushes you into the paper-based Part 47 registration process. It's more forms and a little slower, but inexpensive. Do this early; your registration number feeds the later paperwork.

Step 3 — Medical certificate

Agricultural aircraft operations generally require the pilot to hold at least a Class 3 medical certificate, obtained from an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). It's a straightforward exam ($70–$170) and, depending on your age, is valid for 2–5 years.

Step 4 — Section 44807 exemption

Part 107 caps drones at 55 lb; a loaded spray drone blows past that. So you petition the FAA under 49 U.S.C. § 44807 for an exemption to fly the heavier aircraft. This is the paperwork-heavy step — a safety case plus operating documents showing how you'll fly safely. Expect weeks to months for a decision; many operators use a template or consultant to speed it up.

Step 5 — Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate

This is the ag certificate — FAA authority to dispense chemicals from an aircraft. File FAA Form 8710-3 and send your 44807 exemption number to the FAA's UAS 137 certification inbox to begin. You'll demonstrate knowledge of the materials you dispense and your operating area. No filing fee, but there is a knowledge/skill component.

Step 6 — State pesticide applicator license

The FAA lets you fly and dispense; your state decides whether you can apply pesticides. Almost every state wants the CORE exam plus an aerial or agricultural category exam, often a business license and insurance too. Rules vary widely — all 50 are in the state licensing guide. Ohio operators: start with our free Ohio exam-prep course.

Realistic timeline & total cost

From your first study session to legally spraying, plan on 3–6 months minimum, driven mostly by the 44807 exemption and Part 137 review. Out-of-pocket certification costs commonly land in the $400–$800 range (exams, medical, registration, state fees) — separate from the aircraft, insurance, and chemicals.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the state license. FAA approval alone does not let you apply pesticides. You need both.
• Registering online for a >55 lb drone. Heavy aircraft need paper Part 47 registration.
• Starting the 44807 last. It's the slowest step — begin it early and in parallel where you can.
• Under-insuring. Aerial application carries real liability; line up aviation + chemical coverage before your first job.

FAQ

Sources: FAA — Dispensing Chemicals (Part 137) with UAS, FAA — Part 107, Pilot Institute, Drone Pilot Ground School. Always confirm current requirements with the FAA and your state department of agriculture.