Spray drones are getting a lot of attention on Georgia farms, orchards, pine stands, and turf operations. They can reach wet fields, steep ground, and small irregular plots that are hard to cover with a tractor or a manned aircraft. But flying a drone that carries and dispenses crop-protection products is not the same as flying a camera drone. Before you buy one or hire someone to spray your land, it helps to understand the two layers of rules that apply in Georgia: federal aviation rules from the FAA and state pesticide rules from the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

This guide is an educational overview, not legal advice. Always confirm current requirements with the agencies linked below before you fly.

Why spraying is treated differently

Under federal rules, using an aircraft to dispense pesticides, fertilizers, seed, or other substances that affect agriculture, horticulture, or forest preservation is an “agricultural aircraft operation.” The FAA says plainly that 14 CFR Part 137 applies to drones as well as crewed aircraft, including drones used to spray disinfectants (FAA: Dispensing Chemicals and Agricultural Products with UAS).

That means a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate by itself is not enough to spray commercially. Part 107 is still the starting point for most small drones, but spraying adds an exemption, an operator certificate, and state licensing on top of it. If you are new to Part 107, our earlier post on FAA Part 107 for Georgia businesses covers the basics.

The FAA side: weight decides the path

The FAA splits spray drones into two groups based on total weight, including the liquid or product on board (FAA):

• Under 55 pounds total. These drones can operate under Part 107, but the operator needs an exemption from Section 107.36 (carriage of hazardous materials) and from several Part 137 rules that were written for crewed aircraft.
• 55 pounds or more. These drones fall outside Part 107. They operate under Parts 91 and 137 and need exemptions from rules in Parts 61, 91, and 137 under the FAA’s Section 44807 special authority. They also need full aircraft registration with an N-number rather than the simpler small-drone registration.

A spray drone weighs much more with a full tank than empty, so check the maximum takeoff weight of any model you are considering. It changes which paperwork you need.

The FAA steps in order

1. Get the basics in place. The FAA expects spray operators to hold a Remote Pilot Certificate and to register their aircraft (FAA).
2. Petition for an exemption. The FAA asks that petitions be filed at least 120 days before you need the exemption to take effect, or 120 days before an existing exemption expires (FAA, citing 14 CFR 11.63). Exemptions come with conditions and limitations that you must follow in the field.
3. Apply for an Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate (AAOC). Only after you receive your exemption number can you apply for the AAOC, using FAA Form 8710-3. The FAA’s dispensing page lists the current submission address.

The FAA has also said it is doing operational checks on exemption holders after finding some operators flying outside the conditions of their exemptions (FAA). Treat the exemption document as part of your operating manual, not a one-time hurdle. The FAA’s Advisory Circular 137-1B walks through the certification process in more detail.

The Georgia side: pesticide licensing

Federal aviation approval does not cover pesticide use. In Georgia, that is handled by the Georgia Department of Agriculture and its applicator license categories.

• Category 34, Aerial Methods. This category is for people who hold an FAA Part 107 and/or Part 137 certificate and who are also certified in at least one of the specialty categories the department lists, such as agricultural or ornamental and turf pest control (Georgia Department of Agriculture).
• Commercial Applicator License. Commercial applicators must pass a general standards exam and at least one category exam with a score of 70% or higher (GDA Pest Control FAQ). The UGA Pesticide Safety Education Program explains the exams and notes that aerial applicators must meet FAA and Georgia aeronautical requirements as well.
• Pesticide Contractor License. If you apply pesticides to someone else’s land for a fee, Georgia requires a pesticide contractor’s license, at least one full-time certified commercial applicator in the right category, proof of financial responsibility, and annual renewal (GDA Pesticide Contractors).

Farmers treating their own crops may fall under private applicator rules instead. The department’s FAQ explains which license fits which situation, so check it before assuming you are covered.

Questions to ask before you buy or hire

• What is the loaded takeoff weight, and is it under or over 55 pounds?
• Does the operator hold a current FAA exemption and AAOC, and can they show you both?
• Does the operator or their company hold the right Georgia licenses, including Category 34 and a contractor license if they charge a fee?
• Does the product label allow aerial application, and at what rates? The label is the law for pesticide use.
• How will drift, buffers near homes, water, and bees be managed?
• Is the field near an airport or in controlled airspace that needs extra authorization?
• What insurance covers both the aircraft and chemical liability?

Not spraying? You may have an easier path

Many farm and land jobs do not involve dispensing anything. Crop scouting, stand counts, drainage checks, storm damage documentation, and mapping with multispectral or RGB cameras are usually standard Part 107 work with no Part 137 exemption needed. For many growers, starting with a mapping or scouting drone is a practical way to learn where a sprayer would actually pay off. Our posts on mapping drones and inspection drones are a good place to start.

The bottom line

Spray drones can be a useful tool for Georgia agriculture, but they sit at the meeting point of aviation and pesticide law. Plan for the FAA exemption timeline, the AAOC, and the Georgia applicator and contractor licenses before the season you want to fly, and keep every document current once you have it.

Have questions about drones for your farm, land, or business? Email us at [email protected].