American Autonomy (Rantizo)
Largest US spray drone operator network (formerly Rantizo). AcreConnect software integrates with John Deere. Spray ops acquired by investment group, software rebranded.
American Autonomy (Rantizo) is a California drone applicator covering drone pesticide and fungicide spraying on row crops grown in the region in the California region. Headquartered in Iowa City (national), the operation reaches farms across the California region. Commercial drone applicators in California need FAA Part 137 plus an aerial category endorsement on a state pesticide applicator license issued by CDPR (CalEPA).
Operations are based in the California region.
Services offered
Equipment used
States served (1)
Aerial pesticide licensing in states served
Every state requires a pesticide applicator license with the aerial category endorsement on top of FAA Part 137. The agencies that issue these licenses in American Autonomy (Rantizo)'s service area:
- California — Any commercial drone spray over California fields needs CDPR Unmanned Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certificate, issued by CDPR (CalEPA).
Full agency, exam and renewal-cycle details by state are catalogued on the state pesticide licensing reference.
Verify and resources
Primary-source references for verifying credentials and looking up state-specific rules in American Autonomy (Rantizo)'s service area.
Frequently asked questions
American Autonomy (Rantizo) should carry three credentials before any commercial pesticide application by drone in California: an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate for the pilot in command, an FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate for the business, and a state aerial-category pesticide applicator license. In California the state credential is issued by CDPR (CalEPA); you can ask the operator for the applicator license number and verify it with the agency directly. A current certificate of insurance with chemical drift coverage and the operator's Section 44807 exemption number are reasonable to request alongside the license itself.
Typical drone spraying rates of $12 to $22 per acre in the region is application-only — the chemical itself, surfactants and adjuvants are usually farmer-supplied. The rate covers calibration, RTK GPS flight planning, the labor to fly the field, mixing and loading from the supplied product, and the FIFRA Part 170 application record (date, time, product, EPA reg number, rate, weather, field ID). Watch for travel surcharges past a stated radius, weekend or emergency-turnaround premiums, terrain or obstruction add-ons, and any minimum-acreage floor on small fields. Confirm in writing.