About FAA Assistance
Many customers have questions about the FAA rules for using sprayer drones. Frankly – it isn’t easy to understand unless you comprehend government lingo! But we’ve got your back! Our consulting services help you get the FAA spraying drone approvals you’ll need… and we do it fast! In fact, Raptor was one of the first companies to get FAA approval, so we understand how the process works.
How Much Does It Cost?
Our experience and volume allows us to provide this service at a fraction of other services out there; click the button below to search available FAA service options.
How Long Does It Take?
That greatly depends on you! The sooner we can schedule your product knowledge class, you purchase your aircraft, etc...the sooner you can conduct your safety exam. On the FAA side, it is getting faster and faster - we see many approvals in 2-3 months, so start today!
How Does It Work?
Our FAA Consulting Team will work with you to determine your specific needs and the aircraft you’ll be flying.
The consultant assigned to you will complete the necessary paperwork, applications, etc. on your behalf.
During this process, you will take a formal product knowledge class and obtain your ‘drone pilot license’ and begin studying for your aerial applicator’s certificate (varies by state).
As the final step, we’ll schedule your safety exam with your local FAA inspector who signs you off on the final part!
Drone FAA Help & Consulting
Raptor’s Drone FAA Help is your ultimate resource to flying lawfully and quickly! The FAA has made it clear that they do, in fact, want to integrate commercial UAVs into the National Airspace System (NAS). But, they also must ensure our NAS remains one of the safest in the world.
Therefore, the FAA establishes and enforces drone regulations for performing missions. Ensuring that drone flights meet these requirements is essential for avoiding costly fines or additional penalties. Raptor provides drone FAA help & consulting for industries that regularly use our UAVs, including:
Agriculture
Research and Rescue
Firefighting
Military
Mapping and Surveying
Utilities
Stay Up-to-Date with FAA Drone Regulations
Things are changing quickly! And FAA requirements for drone missions are subject to amendments that change the landscape of how drones must operate to remain compliant with the rules. If a significant amount of time has passed since you last evaluated your compliance with FAA regulations, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our team to make sure you have the latest information.
With drone consulting from our experts, you can comply with the latest FAA drone regulations with ease.
Let us help plan your mission through the regulatory framework, and onwards to full compliance! Don’t stay grounded from a higher level of success in your unmanned flight operations.
In our strive to further develop and grow the unmanned aviation industry, we are committed that:
- Drones are being used safely, and at their full potential & capacity.
- UAS are working for us, our economy, our country, and globally.
- Operators are aware, educated, and supported in regulatory compliance.
In addition to providing UAV consulting for drone operations in your industry, we can advise you of the specific types of missions to ensure that violations do not compromise your business-critical missions, or saddle you with fines that erode the bottom line. We empower you with the knowledge that you need to fly in full compliance with current rules, and provide you with timely updates following official changes to drone flight regulations. The FAA rules can be overwhelming but the process doesn’t have to be.
Raptor's FAA Spraying Approval Package Includes:
- Creation & Submission of Exemption / Waiver Request(s) – Plus continuous direct communications w/ the FAA until granted!
- SOP, Training & Safety Manuals – Professionally developed documents tailored to your operation, ensuring compliance with FAA standards
- Certification Guidance – A clear plan, everything you’ll need to obtain the FAA’s Part 137 / Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate
- Additional Resources – Pilot licensing, aircraft registration, etc.
ADD-ON SAFETY CASES:
- 500ft Setback Relief – (only applicable to Over 55lb aircraft) Will you be spraying within 500ft of any vehicles, vessels, or structures that you’re NOT able to get permissions for? (e.g. Public road w/ cars driving by, but not your client’s barn)
- Multiple Aircraft – Flying more than 1 drone per Pilot, quantity specified.
- Night Operations – fly beyond daylight hours!
- Heavy-Lift Ops Delivery – Based on type of payload carriage.
- Airspace Authorizations – Including Letters of Agreement (LOAs).
- BVLOS – Strong ConOps required (based on software / hardware / equipment capabilities, safety procedures, etc.)
- Anything else you need? Just ask Raptor!
The Big Question: How Soon Can I Spray?
Your FAA Package – We generally complete your submission within 1-2 weeks.
FAA Approval – Currently averaging about 3-8 months for these types of exemptions to be granted, depending on the specific request(s).
FAA Certification – Determined by several factors, including:
- The volume & staff resources at your local Flight District Services Office as some FSDOs have wait lists
- Your ability to respond in a timely fashion, and your preparation & success during in-person, in-field flight / safety / knowledge demonstrations.
- Time to process any Over 55lb aircraft registration, pilot licensing needed, etc.
Start the FAA Process as Soon as Possible!
Keep in mind- you can spray water right now! Most of our clients use this time to acquire their aircraft & equipment, get their team trained for safe & efficient flight operations, determine application goals, procedures & program set up, flight demonstrations, operational practice, and of course- achieve more time flying.
Applicable Compliance:
COMMERCIAL SPRAYING OPERATIONS
- FAA Approval for Under & Over 55lbs.
- FAA Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate
- FAA Pilot Licensing
- FAA Aircraft Registration
- State Chemical Applicator License
Don’t Forget! In order to take full advantage of the massive opportunity and increasing demand for spray services – Check Reciprocity!
PUBLIC OPERATIONS
- (Government Agencies (including Federal, State, and Tribal), Law Enforcement, First Responders, and Public Safety Entities)
- Operate under Part 107, or Operate with a Certificate of Waiver or Authorization (COA)
- Additional Authorization for Airspace
Need more? Ask us!
FAA FAQs
Do I need a license to fly a drone for commercial use?
Yes, if you are using your drone for commercial purposes, you must obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the FAA.
Can I fly a drone for fun without a license?
Yes, but you must follow FAA recreational drone rules, including registering your drone if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs and passing the TRUST test.
What is the maximum altitude I can fly my drone?
The FAA restricts drone flights to a maximum of 400 feet above ground level unless within 400 feet of a structure.
Are there areas where I can’t fly my drone?
Yes, drones are prohibited in controlled airspace, near airports, and in certain restricted areas like national parks and military bases. Check the FAA's B4UFLY app for airspace restrictions.
Can I fly my drone at night?
Yes, but you must have anti-collision lighting visible for at least 3 statute miles and comply with FAA nighttime flight regulations.
What is the Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate?
It’s an FAA-required certification for commercial drone pilots, proving knowledge of airspace rules, weather, and drone operations.
How do I get a Part 107 certification?
You must pass the FAA’s Part 107 Knowledge Test and complete a background check by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
How long is my Part 107 certification valid?
Your certification is valid for 24 months. You must take recurrent training to maintain it.
Do I need to register my drone under Part 107?
Yes, all drones used for commercial purposes must be registered with the FAA and marked with a registration number.