By Scout Nelson
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles enable precise pesticide application in field crops. Before use, operators must meet licensing, certification, and safety training requirements.
Step One Determine Licenses and Endorsements
Private applicators using restricted-use pesticides in Minnesota need a General Aerial Endorsement added to their certification. They must pass a closed‑book, proctored exam with at least seventy percent. Details appear on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Private Pesticide Applicator Certification webpage.
Commercial and noncommercial applicators must hold a pesticide applicator license. They passed three core exams: the Core category for general application principles and regulations, the General Aerial category for UAV spraying, and the Field Crops Pest Management category for herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides.
Additional site‑specific categories may apply. Exams require a minimum score of seventy percent. Information on license types and testing is on the MDA’s Pesticide Applicator License Types webpage.
Step Two Take Exams and Stay Certified
After choosing the correct categories, applicants submit license forms, pay fees, and schedule exams. Once certified, private applicators recertify every three years. Commercial and noncommercial applicators recertify annually in the aerial category. Recertification workshops are listed on the UMN Extension Pesticide Safety and Environmental Education website.
Step Three Register Your UAV
All pesticide‑spraying drones must register with the Federal Aviation Administration, displaying the FAA registration number on the UAV. Aircraft over fifty‑five pounds require additional waivers. In Minnesota, operators also register with the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
Step Four Obtain FAA Certifications
Pilots need a Part 107 certification for commercial UAVs under fifty‑five pounds and a Part 137 certification for agricultural pesticide applications. Further details appear in the Code of Federal Regulations Part 107.
Step Five Meet Insurance and Business Requirements
Businesses offering drone pesticide services must obtain a Commercial Operations License from MnDOT and demonstrate financial responsibility as required by the MDA. Full details are available on the MnDOT UAS Commercial Operators webpage.
Photo Credit:pexels-flo-dnd
Categories: Minnesota, Business