1. Get Part 107
What it is: The base of all of your drone certifications, think of it like a drivers license for a vehicle. It's what allows you to fly a drone for commercial purposes.
How to get it: Watch videos through our recommended course or study with the FAA provided study materials.
It may take you around 8-15 hours of study, and taking the exam costs $175. You must take it at a testing facility, often a regional airport.
2. Register Drone
What it is: Drones larger than 55lbs (such as all agricultural drones) require a different (more complicated) registration process than smaller drones. You can't register it through the FAA DroneZone.
How to do it: Download, print and fill out this form from the FAA, and mail it in to them. You'll need the drone SN at the time of registering it.
3. Class 3 Medical
What it is: A class 3 medical is a basic medical checkup that most decently fit middle aged people should have no problem passing. Think similar to what a CDL license may require.
How to get it: Only FAA approved doctors can give you the certifications you need for this. You can find one near you by searching online. Expect to pay $70-$170 for a consultation.
4. 44807 Exemption
What it is: The 44807 exemption is a essentially requesting a exemption to the 55lb limit imposed by your part 107 license. It's necessary to fly large agricultural drones.
How to get it: The 44807 exemption is filed directly with the FAA. The FAA requires a large amount of documentation in this process.
5. Part 137
What it is: The part 137 is the FAA certification that allows you to dispense economic poisons (such as fungicide) from the air.
How do I get it: It requires having an approved 44807 exemption, and registered drones among other things.
6. State Pesticide License
What it is: Every state has different requirements, but you'll need to get a CORE and AERIAL license to apply chemicals from the air with a drone.
How to get it: In most states universities offer a one-day course where you can study for and take the test all in the same day. We recommend that as the easiest way to get your license.
