By Tana Haugen-Brown and Sally Raymond
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, are changing the way pesticide applicators work in field crops. Using UAVs for pesticide spraying allows applicators to make more precise applications and reduce input costs.
Private applicators can now get an endorsement to use Restricted Use Pesticides with an aerial application (fixed-wing, rotor, or drone) in an on-farm operation. Applicators must be at least 18 years old, comply with specified safety practices, and use required personal protective equipment.
Before you can use a UAV for pesticide application, you’ll need to meet several necessary license or certification-related requirements.
Determine which pesticide licenses and certifications you need
Private Pesticide Applicators planning to use a UAV to apply restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) in Minnesota need a General Aerial Endorsement (Category B: General Aerial) in addition to their Private Applicator Certification.
To get a license as a Commercial/Noncommercial (CNC) Pesticide Applicator 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): Required to apply herbicides, fungicides and insecticides to agricultural crops.
Categories are site and pest-specific. You may be required to test in other categories 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).
Find more information on applying for a license, license categories, and testing for commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators on MDA’s Pesticide Applicator License Types webpage.
Maintain your certifications
For private pesticide applicators, recertification is required every three years. An aerial endorsement expires at the same time as your private certification.
Commercial/noncommercial applicators must recertify every year in Category B.
For more information on recertification workshops, visit University of Minnesota Extension Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education (PSEE).
Register your UAV
You must register all UAVs used for pesticide application 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.
- Find more registration information at the FAA Drone Zone.
In Minnesota, you must register UAVs with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) after receiving FAA registration.
Find more information on MnDOT Aircraft Registration.
Required 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.
For commercial operation certification information, see Code of Federal Regulations Part 107 - Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
Insurance and business requirements
If you plan to offer UAV pesticide application as a business, you must apply for a Commercial Operations License from MnDOT, which requires proof of financial responsibility that meets MDA’s commercial pesticide applicator license requirements.
See MnDOT’s UAS Commercial Operators webpage for more information on the Commercial Operations License.
Source : umn.edu