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Drone Guidance

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Drone (UAV) Pesticide Application

FAA Requirements


To apply pesticides using a drone, you must follow all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. These requirements may include pilot licensing, drone registration, insurance, waivers, and certifications. These requirements will vary depending on:
  • Your type of business e.g., public, private, etc.
  • The size (weight) of the aircraft (e.g., greater than 55 pounds at takeoff).
  • Obtain the appropriate license and credentials for your aircraft.
For further details please refer to the FAA resources below:


WSDA Requirements

The type of license you need depends on who your employer is and what type of pesticides you will be applying. You will need to take the required WSDA exam(s) for the appropriate license type and categories. You will need to hold the appropriate FAA license and credentials to use a drone under any of the WSDA license types.

Pesticide Labeling and Use

To apply pesticides by drone you will need to follow the appropriate label directions including:

  • The product label must not prohibit aerial application or limit the application to only a specific type of aerial application or to ground only application.
  • The drone application must be consistent with the application rate and concentrations required on the product label.
  • The application must comply with all other use directions and safety and precautionary requirements.
 

License Types


Commercial Applicator

You will need to be licensed as a commercial applicator if you are engaged in the business of applying pesticides to the land or property (public or privately owned) of another. This is a joint company-individual license.
To become licensed as a Commercial Applicator:
  • Complete the required Commercial Applicator License Application Form and pay the application fee.
  • Obtain a business license through the Washington Department of Revenue (https://dor.wa.gov/) (The UBI number will be required on the application form).
  • Pass all necessary exams in Washington. These include the Laws & Safety exam, substitute (Private Applicator or Dealer Manager), AND category exams in all areas and site types in which the business operates.
  • Submit proof of financial responsibility (FRIC Form for insurance requirements).
  • Acquire a WSDA apparatus plate for each drone you operate. The first piece of equipment is free; each additional plate is $27.
    • Plates do not need to be attached to the drone but must be on-site and available to WSDA for inspection.
 

Commercial Operator

You will need to be licensed as a commercial operator if you are operating a drone for a commercial application business.
To become a Commercial Operator:
  • Complete the required license application form (pay the non-refundable license application fee).
  • Pass the qualifying exam(s) including Laws and Safety or substitute (Private Applicator or Dealer Manager).
  • Pass and obtain the applicable category for the pest control work being done.
  • Be listed on the commercial applicator’s Form B or Supplemental Form as a company-employed commercial operator, under their authority.
 

Public Operator

You will need to be licensed as a public operator if you are employed by a government agency and are applying any pesticide(s) via drone for your employer on public or private property.
To become a Public Operator:
  • Complete the required license application form (pay the non-refundable license application fee).
  • Pass the qualifying exam(s) including Laws and Safety or substitute (Private Applicator or Dealer Manager).
  • Pass and obtain the applicable category for the pest control work being done.


Private Commercial Applicator

You will need to be licensed as a private-commercial applicator if you apply restricted-use pesticides to your own or your employer's property for a purpose other than the production of an agricultural commodity (non-agricultural sites).
To become a Private Commercial Applicator:
  • Complete the required license application form and pay the application fee.
  • Pass the qualifying exam(s) including Laws and Safety or substitute (Private Applicator or Dealer Manager).
  • Pass and obtain the applicable category for the pest control work being done.
     

Private Applicator

You will need to be licensed as a private applicator if you apply restricted use pesticides on your own or your employer's property to grow an agricultural commodity.
To become a Private Applicator:
  • Complete the required license application form and pay the license application fee.
  • Pass the Private Applicator Exam. (You may also receive your Private Applicator license by passing the Laws and Safety Exam and pass either the Agricultural Weed or Agricultural Insect & Disease exams.)