Any individual or company that will be aerial spraying with an unmanned aircraft in North Dakota is required to operate with a license from the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission and should be aware of the following requirements:

Pilot Qualifications

Any pilots who are identified on the aerial applicator’s license must hold a Federal Aviation Administration Remote Pilot Certificate. Information on obtaining this licensure can be found here: bit.ly/401354O

Before conducting solo flights, pilots must have attended an approved training program or have received at least ten hours of direct ground-supervised solo flight at operational loads while conducting aerial application.

Pesticide Certification

A pilot who is identified on their Aerial Applicator License must hold a Commercial Air Core Pesticide Certification from the North Dakota State University Extension Pesticide Certification and Training Program.

Annual Aerial Applicator Safety Meeting Requirements

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) requires an annual safety meeting, which can be fulfilled through attendance of a Professional Aerial Applicators’ Support System (PAASS) program or by attending the NDAC annual safety meeting. The North Dakota Department of Agriculture requires attendance at PAASS at least once every three years.

Maximum UAS Weight

The maximum operating weight of an unmanned aircraft while conducting aerial application in North Dakota is five hundred pounds.

If you would like to receive additional information and/or learn more about the required steps to take to provide unmanned aerial applicator services, contact the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission office at 701-328-9650.