Penn State Extension
PA · definitive guide for drone pesticide applicator licensing + research
Provides the definitive guide for becoming an aerial drone pesticide applicator in Pennsylvania, covering FAA Part 107, Part 137 and PA Department of Agriculture Category 25 (Aerial Applicator) requirements. Conducts active cover crop seeding research with Swift Aeroseed. Maintains PA DCNR aerial applicator list including drone operators.
Operations are based in the Southeast region.
Services offered
Crops serviced
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 PSU Extension's service area:
- Pennsylvania: Any commercial drone spray over Pennsylvania fields needs Category 25: Aerial Applicator, issued by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
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 PSU Extension's service area.
Frequently asked questions
Ask Penn State Extension for four documents to confirm credentials: the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate number, the Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate, the state aerial-category pesticide applicator license and a certificate of insurance carrying chemical drift coverage. In Pennsylvania the state credential is issued by Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; you can ask the operator for the applicator license number and verify it with the agency directly. The Section 44807 exemption number is the fourth piece, applicable to any drone over 55 lbs gross weight.
Typical drone spraying rates of $12 to $22 per acre in the region breaks into three lines. You pay for the flying. That covers calibration, GPS-guided flight planning, the labor to fly the field and the mixing and loading of your product. It also covers the Part 170 record the law requires. You supply the pesticide and any adjuvants. Then come the extras: long travel, after-hours work, hard terrain and a minimum charge on a small field. Ask which of those land on your invoice before the operator schedules.