Drone Law and Drone Attorney Assistance
Jonathan Rupprecht, Esq. brings his commercial pilot/flight instructor and legal experience to the table to help businesses and individuals implement their ideas in the rapidly growing and changing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) industry. Jonathan went to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, graduating with a bachelor of science (Magna cum Laude). He later wrote a book on drone law, which led to him co-authoring an American Bar Association legal treatise on drone law, focusing on the history of unmanned aircraft, the FAA rulemaking process, and the proposed commercial drone regulations
https://jrupprechtlaw.com
FAA Drone
For the latest in formation, please visit FAA DroneZone.
(click on logo for website)
WHAT DO I NEED TO LEGALLY OPERATE MY AGRICULTURAL DRONE?
There are several federal, state and local requirements to operate an agriculture drone in the United States legally. FlyingAg recommends Rupprecht Law, they are well-versed in the legal aspects of drone operations. This attorney will guide you through the process, should you purchase your drone from us, or one of our authorized resellers. The only fees you will pay for this service are those required by the attorney and any fees associated with FAA filings. FlyingAg, nor our authorized resellers, will add any additional fees.
You can rest easy knowing you're legal at the end of the process.
FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot License
This indicates you have a strong, solid foundation and working knowledge of the FAA’s regulations, operating requirements and safety protocols for drone operations.
• Test must be taken at an FAA-approved facility. The cost is $175.
• Must score 70% to pass. The test is 60 questions.
• Night operations ARE COVERED.
For more information on the Part 107, please visit:
www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators
FlyingAg can provide a training course that has a 99% pass rate. Please contact us for more information.
FAA Part 137 Aerial Applicator License
This license allows you to dispense chemicals from a drone legally. Note that not ALL substances will fall under this regulation, so you should first check to see if the substance you intend to spray falls under the scope of Part 137.
In the past, this is one of the more involved processes. The FAA is implementing new policies and procedures to make this easier to obtain than ever.
For full details, please visit:
www.faa.gov/uas/advanced_operations/dispensing_chemicals
Heavy Drone Exemption
You must file this exemption if you purchase a T40, or any drone weighing more than 55 pounds.
Please note, under new FAA regulations, once this exemption is granted, you will be clear to fly any drone on an officially approved list. This list will update as new aircraft are brought online and pass FAA muster.
FAA Medical Certificate
If you will be flying anything over 55 pounds, including the T40, you must obtain a FAA 3rd class medical certificate. The previous requirement was a 2nd class medical certificate.
This is a physical conducted by a FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Similar to the requirements for a CDL, if you are familiar with those.
Drone Registration
All drones weighing over .55 pounds must be registered with the FAA. As a result, even many very small drones must be registered if they are being used commercially. All Matrice, & Agras drones will require registration. You will receive an FAA registration certificate and must have this, or a digital copy, in your possession when you fly. Also, you must display the number clearly and legibly on the aircraft, just like an airplane’s tail number.
For more information on the registration process, please visit:
https://faadronezone-access.faa.gov/#/
State and Local Applicator Licenses
Be sure to check with your state and local authorities to obtain the proper chemical applicator licenses required in your area.
Insurance
Let’s face it, we live in a litigious society, so you want to ensure you’re covered. Drone insurance is easy to come by today.