By Tana Haugen-Brown
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are changing how pesticide applicators work in field crops. Using UAVs for pesticide spraying allows applicators to make more precise applications and reduce input costs. However, before you can use a UAV for pesticide application, you’ll need to meet several important license or certification related requirements. Here’s what you need to know.
Step 1: Determine the right pesticide licenses or certifications
Private Pesticide Applicators
For Private Pesticide Applicators planning to use a UAV for restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) applications in Minnesota, a General Aerial Endorsement (Category B - General Aerial) must be added to your Private Applicator Certification. For the General Aerial Endorsement, you must pass a closed-book, proctored exam based on the Category B - General Aerial manual with a score of 70% or higher. Additional information on applying for and testing for the private applicator General Aerial Endorsement can be found on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Private Pesticide Applicator Certification webpage.
Commercial/Noncommercial (CNC) Pesticide Applicators
If you plan to use a UAV to apply pesticides as a Commercial/Noncommercial (CNC) Pesticide Applicator, you must obtain a pesticide applicator license. In Minnesota, you’ll need to pass exams in at least three categories for field crop applications:
- Category A (Core): Covers general pesticide application principles and regulations.
- Category B (General Aerial): Required for applying pesticides using a fixed-wing aircraft, helicopter, or UAV.
- Category C (Field Crops Pest Management): To apply herbicides, fungicides and/or insecticides to agricultural crops.
Categories are site/pest specific so other categories may be required depending on the nature of your work, for example, Category J (Natural Areas, Forestry, Rights of Way) and Category L (Mosquito, Black Fly, and Ticks). You must pass these closed-book, proctored exams with a score of 70% or higher. Additional information on applying for a pesticide applicator license, license categories, and testing for commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators can be found on MDA’s Pesticide Applicator License Types webpage.
Step 2: Take the exam and stay certified
Once you determine the required Categories or Endorsement, you’ll need to fill out an application form for CNC or a duplicate license form for private, pay the fee, and schedule your exam(s). See the links above for private applicators and commercial/noncommercial applicators to complete this step.
Once you’ve passed your exam(s) and have become certified you’ll want to keep your certification current by attending recertification. For private pesticide applicators, your aerial endorsement expires at the same time as your private certification (usually three years). Recertification is required every three years for private applicators. Commercial/noncommercial applicators must recertify every year in Category B. More information on recertification workshops can be found on the University of Minnesota Extension’s Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education (PSEE) website.
Step 3: Register Your UAV
All UAVs used for pesticide application must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The registration number must be visible on the UAV. If the UAV weighs more than 55 pounds, additional FAA waivers and exemptions are required. Additional registration information can be found at FAA Drone Zone. In Minnesota, UAVs must also be registered with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) after receiving FAA registration. Additional information on registration with MnDOT can be found on the MnDOT Aircraft Registration webpage.
Step 4: Obtain the Necessary FAA Certifications
To operate a UAV for pesticide application, you must also have the correct FAA certifications:
- Part 107 Certification: Required for commercial UAV pilots operating UAVs under 55 pounds.
- Part 137 Certification: Required for UAVs used in agricultural pesticide applications.
Additional information regarding commercial operation certification can be found on the Code of Federal Regulations Part 107 - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems webpage.
Step 5: Meet insurance and business requirements
If you plan to offer UAV pesticide application as a business, you must apply for a Commercial Operations License with MnDOT. This requires proof of financial responsibility that meets MDA’s commercial pesticide applicator license requirements. More information on the Commercial Operations License can be found on the MnDOT’s UAS Commercial Operators webpage.
Source : umn.edu