Spray Drones
Spray Drones in Mississippi
As of July 1, 2023, it is illegal to apply anything other than water with a spray drone in the state of Mississippi—no pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers, rodenticides, or feeds.
State regulations are currently being updated, and a final release is expected soon.
In the future, if you are interested in using spray drone technology in your operations, see the lists below for requirements you will need to meet. There are two regulatory bodies to work with, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the state of Mississippi.
FAA Requirements
- FAA Part 107 – Remote Pilot Certificate
- FAA Part 137 – Aerial Applicator Certificate (to legally dispense chemical from a drone) and exemptions
- FAA 44807 – UAV Airworthiness Exception (drones weighing over 55 pounds); 31 drones have been approved by the FAA
- FAA drone N#
- Third Class Medical Certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) physician. Previously a Second Class Medical Certificate was required.
- Flight test with local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in Jackson. Note: This requirement may be waived in the future.
The FAA is in the process of streamlining Parts 137, 44807, and Third Class Medical. The result could be FAA approval in months instead of nearly a year after your submission.
State of Mississippi and Bureau of Plant Industry Requirements
Rules and regulations are currently being written, so there are no confirmed rules for spray drones in Mississippi. Until the official rules are released, below are items to consider for using spray drones.
- Agricultural Aviation Certificate from Mississippi Department of Agriculture/Bureau of Plant Industry
- Insurance for drift/liability
- Register drone’s FAA N# with the state
- Inspection flight by local FAA FSDO
