Path to Becoming an Unmanned Ag Pilot in California

A practical guide for aspiring agricultural drone pilots

Agricultural drones are creating a new career path in California agriculture — combining aviation, pesticide safety, technology, equipment maintenance, and real field experience.

At Valley Aerial Ag, we believe the best unmanned ag pilots are not just “drone operators.” They are trained field professionals who understand growers, weather, labels, crops, terrain, compliance, and stewardship.

This page outlines the general path to becoming a legal unmanned agricultural application pilot in California.

Step 1: Learn the industry before chasing the license

Before spending money on equipment or testing, understand what this work actually requires.

An unmanned ag pilot may be responsible for:

• Reading pesticide labels and application requirements
• Understanding wind, temperature, inversions, and drift risk
• Operating large agricultural UAS safely
• Calibrating spray systems
• Managing batteries, generators, water, chemical handling, and field logistics
• Working under FAA, DPR, county, and grower requirements
• Keeping accurate application and maintenance records

This is hard, hands-on, agricultural work — not just flying a drone.

Step 2: Obtain FAA authorization to operate UAS commercially

Most pilots begin with an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. For agricultural spray drones over 55 pounds or pesticide application by aircraft, additional FAA approvals may be required, including agricultural aircraft operating authority under Part 137 and/or exemptions depending on the aircraft and operation.

California DPR requires proof of valid FAA authorization or certification to operate an unmanned aircraft system approved for pest control when applying for an Unmanned Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certificate.

Step 3: Apply for the California DPR Unmanned Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certificate

In California, a person operating a UAS to conduct pest control must possess a DPR Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certificate. This applies to pilots working for licensed pest control businesses, vector control agencies, and private applicators performing pest control on their own property.

Most new commercial ag drone pilots start as an:

Apprentice Unmanned Pest Control Aircraft Pilot

To become an apprentice pilot, you generally must:

• Submit the DPR application and fees
• Provide proof of FAA authorization/certification
• Pass the required DPR exams

DPR states that apprentice applicants must pass the Laws, Regulations, and Basic Principles exam and the Apprentice Pilot Certificate exam with a score of 70% or higher.

State of California Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certificate Packet

Step 4: Work under a Journeyman Pilot

After becoming an apprentice, the next goal is to gain supervised field experience.

To qualify as a Journeyman Unmanned Pest Control Aircraft Pilot, DPR requires at least one year as an Apprentice Unmanned Pest Control Aircraft Pilot and at least 50 hours applying pesticides with a UAS while supervised by a certified Journeyman Pilot.

Unmanned apprentice pilots may be supervised by either a manned or unmanned journeyman pilot, and supervision hours must reflect direct and personal supervision.

Step 5: Become a Journeyman Unmanned Ag Pilot

Once the apprentice period and supervised hours are complete, the pilot may apply for journeyman status, submit the required supervision documentation, and pass the Journeyman Pilot Certificate exam.

Becoming a journeyman is an important milestone because it allows a pilot to operate with greater independence and eventually supervise other apprentice pilots.

Step 6: Continue learning after certification

This industry changes quickly. A good pilot keeps improving.

DPR also requires continuing education to maintain certification, including pesticide laws and regulations and aerial pest control techniques. Join our mailing list for opportunities with continuing education.

Looking for Journeyman Oversight?

Breaking into the ag drone industry can be difficult because apprentice pilots need supervised hours before becoming journeyman pilots.

Valley Aerial Ag is building a network to help connect serious, safety-minded aspiring pilots with experienced journeyman pilots where available.

Interested in becoming an unmanned ag pilot?

Use our contact form and select:

“Aspiring Ag Pilot / Journeyman Oversight”

Please include:

• Your location
• Current FAA certificates or training status
• DPR license status, if any
• Agricultural or equipment experience
• Whether you already own a spray drone
• Counties where you hope to operate
• Whether you are looking for training, supervised hours, employment, or mentorship

We cannot guarantee placement, supervision, employment, or licensing approval, but we may be able to point qualified candidates toward the right next step.