Drone Certification and Registration

Drones can be a valuable tool on farms and ranches, supporting activities like monitoring crops, fences, livestock, and land conditions. Because agricultural operations are considered businesses, most drone flights fall under FAA Part 107 rules, requiring proper certification, registration, and compliance with safety requirements. Learn more using resources from the Farm and Ranch Drone Risk Management Program.

Types of drone pilot certifications

There are two types of drone pilot certifications for the general public: 

  • Recreational or Hobby Flyer use drones for fun.  Certification is the Recreational UAS Safety Test or TRUST which can be taken from the University of Arizona’s Global Campus
  • Commercial Pilots fly drone for work, are paid for flights or use them for non-hobby reasons.  Certification is commonly called the Part 107 certification, but the actual name is the Unmanned Aircraft General – Small (UAG) Knowledge Test which must be taken at an approved testing facility. You will also need to obtain a FAA Tracking Number (FTN) and undergo a background check.

There can be waivers applied to the commercial pilot certification which will allow the pilot additional abilities not allowed in the standard FAA Part 107 certification.  These include flying a drone from a vehicle in highly populated areas, flying multiple drones with only one pilot and flying a drone in operating conditions that exceed the Part 107 guidelines.  The entire list can be found on the FAA waivers page.

Certification for farm and ranch flying

Under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) drone pilot guidelines, there are the two main certifications – Recreational and Commercial.  Recreation is for fliers who fly for hobby or fun.  Any flights that take place for a work purpose are not classified as a hobby.  As farms and ranches are considered businesses, there is the requirement to be certified as a commercial drone pilot.  

The FAA also has a user identification tool to help users determine the level of certification needed.

Drone registration requirements

All drones must be registered unless they weigh under 0.55 pounds (250 grams) and are used by recreational fliers.  

All commercial fliers must register their drones regardless of weight.  The FAA has the list of requirements on their drone registration page or you can go to FAA DroneZone for more information.

Finding drone weight

You can find your drone’s weight listed on the manufacturer's specifications page and should be the “ready to fly” weight including batteries and any additional equipment.  

Remote ID and opting out

Remote ID is the ability of a drone in flight to provide identification and location information that can be received by other parties through a broadcast signal.

Any drones that are registerable or registered are required to have and/or use Remote ID.  There is not an option to opt out of the program.

Drone crashes

Law enforcement should be notified if private property or injury is impacted.

The FAA requires notifications to an FAA office within 10 days  if:

  • The crash causes loss of consciousness
  • The crash causes serious injury
  • The crash causes over $500 in property damage (not including the drone)

Flying on state or federal land with a grazing or agricultural permit

You will need to check with the administrator of your lease or agreement to ensure you are allowed to fly over your permitted areas.

Flying on tribal lands

Tribal lands have different requirements so check with each location to determine if drone flights are allowed and if aerial photography is allowed.