Agricultural Operations Under Part 108

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Under the proposed Part 108 rule, agricultural operations (including spraying, seeding, fertilizing, and pest control) would be one of the primary use cases enabled for routine BVLOS flight. Lower-risk agricultural operations could qualify for a streamlined operating permit, while larger-scale or more complex operations would require an operating certificate with enhanced safety oversight.

• Authorization Pathway: Operating Permit (lower-risk, rural operations) or Operating Certificate (larger scale or higher complexity)
• Maximum Takeoff Weight: Up to 1,320 pounds under Permit in Category 1 areas; Certificates provide more flexibility for heavier aircraft
• Population Density Categories: Category 1 only under Permit; Certificates may allow limited operations in Category 2–3 with additional mitigations
• Fleet / Scale Limits (Permit): Fewer than 10 active aircraft under the operator’s control
• Additional Requirements: Tailored training program covering safe handling of economic poisons, effects on plants/animals/persons, emergency procedures, and flight/application techniques; recordkeeping of services provided; no dispensing directly over people without authorization

Agricultural operators currently relying on 44807 exemptions and Part 137 COAs will transition to this new standardized framework. Those with proven heavy-lift BVLOS experience and robust operations manuals will be well-positioned to move quickly into permitted or certificated operations once the final rule is published.