What do aerial applicators need to do to apply pesticides via aircraft?
- Pass the certification exam in the category of application (examples below).
- C1–Agriculture [cost is $25, paid to Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA)].
- C2–Forestry (cost is $25, paid to TDA).
- C6–Right-of-Way (cost is $25, paid to TDA).
- Pass the licensing exam in AER (aerial applicator) (exam fee is $15, paid to TDA).
- Obtain proof of $100,000 minimum of liability insurance and provide proof to TDA (Insurance required by 137).
- Provide TDA a copy of the FAA license, and TDA will take your photo after passing the exams.
- Pay $200 pilot fee (paid to TDA).
- Pay $150 per aircraft (paid to TDA); decal to be placed on each aircraft. Please read Procedure to Obtain Aerial Applicators License and Aircraft Decal.
- Complete the FAA 137 application, if applying chemicals or fertilizer products.
Forms for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) are as follows:
- Application to take both the certification exam and the AER licensing exam.
- Application for Aerial Applicator license.
- Aerial Applicator Verification.
- The “How-Tos” of obtaining an aircraft decal.
To prepare for examinations, we recommend you purchase and study the following training manuals:
- Certification Training Manuals
- You will need the category that applies to your work, such as category 01, 02, and/or 06.
- You will also need the Core Manual, Extension publication “PB 1109 Applying Pesticides Correctly.”
- Licensing Training Manual
- You will need Extension publication “PB 1701 AER — Aerial Applicator Manual.”
- We recommend purchasing a copy of Tennessee Laws and Regulations (TLR).
