Embarking on a Pioneering Journey in Agricultural Drones at Orange Coast College, Part 2

High Barrier to Entry for Aerial Spraying

While the benefits of drone technology in agriculture are clear, there are significant barriers to entry. Aerial spraying requires a Part 137 certificate, which used to involve a rigorous application process, finally now streamlined by the FAA. 14 CFR Part 137 regulates the use of manned aircraft and drones dispensing or spraying substances, including disinfectants. The FAA issued the first drone certificate in 2015. After 122 certificates had been delivered and tried, they got the proof that agriculture drones were safer than manned aircraft (they weigh less, carry a smaller payload, do not carry flammable fuel, and are slower and easily maneuverable than manned aircraft). In December 2023, 800 certificates have been delivered with an accelerated waiting period of about 30 days.

Regulatory and Training Requirements

Operating agriculture drones demands a plethora of certificates, exemptions, potential waivers, and mandatory training. Below is a list of requirements someone will encounter:

-Part 137 certificate, which will be easier to obtain if the organization’s drone is on the FAA list

-Part 107 remote pilot certificate

-Exemption to fly hazardous materials (107.36)

-Exemption if a drone is 55# or over, also blanket COA – certificate of authorization and operations near airports (49 U.S. Code (USC) 44807 Grant of Exemption)

-Class III medical if the drone is 55# or more

-Exemptions of the necessity of seat belts presence on drones weighing 55# or more

-Waivers, such as swarm, BVLOS, and ground speed over 100 mph, could be obtained depending on the desired operation.

-Have an operation and training manual (Joel Jones shared his is 130 pages thick)

Regarding pesticide use, applicators are legally held to follow each pesticide label exactly. They are approved through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and have labels detailing how to apply, mix, where, when, if you get poisoned, what the protocols are, when you can go back in the field, what PPE is needed, etc.

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) delivers California’s unmanned pest control aircraft pilot certificate. The certificate involves passing a core pesticide, laws & regulations, and the apprentice/Journeyman test. The applicator needs to tally 50 hours of flight hours under the direct supervision of a certified Journeyman Applicator.  The future OCC program will facilitate this requirement through internships within and outside California. AB 1016 was signed by the governor in September 2023 and will allow schools to offer equivalent training time for private applicators.

The organization (operator) and the pilot are considered 2 different entities for aerial applications. It is up to the operator to obtain the 137 certificate and all the exemptions ( and take care of the business side of pesticide-related things. The operator is also responsible for developing the training and operation manual. The pilot, who could be employed by the organization or work for themselves, must carry their 107 certificate and the unmanned pest control aircraft pilot certificate. The pesticide label knowledge is a shared responsibility between the operator and the pilot.

Developing the Ag program — Future Plans for OCC’s UAS Program

As of December 2023, there is no uniform training or pathway to certification for drone agricultural spraying. Pilots often rely on forums and peer support to navigate the cumbersome regulatory scene. Joel Jones mentioned one group that is over 20,000 people strong. He is working to address this issue by developing a standardized training program at OCC to provide students with the necessary skills and certifications to enter the industry in California. Being certified in California will help pilots obtain other state certifications.

Joel’s plans for the program include adding classes on aerial mapping, aerial mapping lab, FAA and California aerial applicator requirements for licensing, aerial application lab, heavy lift drones, and hands-on intensive summer internships. These courses will provide students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the rapidly evolving field of agricultural drone technology.

Collaborations with institutions like the South Coast Research and Extension Center (UC ANR), which will provide field and tree crop trial opportunities, will support these courses.

The Future of Agricultural Drone Technology

The adoption of drone technology in agriculture is certain to revolutionize the industry. Drones offer numerous advantages over traditional methods, including increased safety, efficiency, and precision. As the regulatory process evolves and training programs like the one at OCC become more established, As the regulatory process evolves and training initiatives such as those at OCC become more established, the entry barriers for new pilots will diminish, simplifying their path into the field.

In his presentation, Joel Jones highlighted Eric Kubrica from DroneLogBook’s projection that the industry will require over 10,000 skilled agriculture pilots. This underscores the crucial role of programs like these in fulfilling the industry’s demand.

You can contact Joel Jones at Orange Coast College for more information or to get involved.