Becoming a licensed agricultural drone spray operator requires three credentials: an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (written exam, $175 fee, 70% pass rate), an FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate (free, 30 to 90-day approval process), and a state pesticide applicator license with an aerial endorsement. Full training programs covering all three requirements typically cost $500 to $3,500 and run 3 to 5 days.
FAA Part 107 and Part 137 training for agricultural drone operators.
Ag drone pilot training programs cover FAA Part 107 exam preparation, Part 137 agricultural operator certification, hands-on flight training with commercial spray drones, mission planning, equipment calibration, state pesticide applicator license requirements, and insurance and liability basics. Programs range from weekend courses for students with existing Part 107 certificates to full multi-week programs for new pilots.
All operators are independently verified. View all operators or search by state.
Advanced ag drone technology & application services
Pegasus Robotics develops and deploys advanced agricultural drone systems for large-scale crop protection and precision application. The company offers both equipment solutions and commercial application services across the Southeast, with a focus on high-efficiency coverage for corn, soybeans, and cotton using autonomy-enhanced drone platforms.
American-made NDAA-compliant ag drones & operator network
Hylio designs and manufactures the AG-272, the leading NDAA-compliant agricultural spray drone in the United States, and supports a national network of certified Hylio operators. The company provides sales, training, and operator support for federal programs, defense-adjacent ag operations, and buyers requiring US-manufactured drone equipment.
Land-grant UAS precision ag research & Extension – Blacksburg VA
Virginia Tech's School of Plant and Environmental Sciences operates a drone precision agriculture program conducting applied research on UAV-based spraying, remote sensing, and variable-rate application. The program delivers producer workshops, Extension field days, and FAA Part 107 training across Virginia in partnership with county Extension offices.
Shenandoah Valley sustainable ag drone research & training
Eastern Mennonite University's drone agriculture program integrates precision UAV technology with sustainable and regenerative farming practices in the Shenandoah Valley. The program offers producer workshops on drone scouting, cover crop seeding, and low-input fungicide programs, and conducts research on drone use in small and mid-scale diversified farming systems.
HBCU drone ag research & outreach – Nashville TN
Tennessee State University's DRONEs (Drone Research, Outreach, Navigation, and Education) Program is an HBCU-based initiative delivering drone agriculture research, pilot training, and Extension outreach to Tennessee farmers, with emphasis on serving historically underserved and limited-resource producers. The program offers FAA Part 107 prep courses, precision ag workshops, and applied field research.
UT Extension drone applicator licensing & safety training
The University of Tennessee Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) provides drone applicator licensing support, pesticide safety training, and FAA Part 137 compliance guidance to commercial drone operators across Tennessee. The program works with county Extension offices to deliver workshops on label compliance, drift management, and regulatory requirements for ag drone operations.
Also searched as
You need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, an FAA Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate, and your state's pesticide applicator license with an aerial endorsement. Training programs prepare you for all three requirements.
Part 107 exam preparation takes 2 to 4 weeks of self-study. The Part 137 process takes 30 to 90 days after application. State pesticide applicator exam schedules vary. Most training programs cover all requirements in one 3 to 5 day course.