Thinking of using a drone for weed work?

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Weed control, management, ecology, and minutia

Author: Cheryl A. Wilen

Published on: December 11, 2017

Aerial drones are cool. But they can't do everything (just yet). Here are a couple tidbits of information you should consider if you are thinking about getting one (or more) to help you with your weed scouting or plan to use it for herbicide application.

You need to get a Remote Pilot Airman Certificate (FAA Part 107) if you are going to do anything commercial with it. That includes even if you are using it on a job where you will not be paid.
You can use it for scouting but you can't fly it over people (unless you get a waiver). You also always have to have it in your or an assistant's (the spotter with radio communication) line of sight.
Even if you have a drone that is capable of doing a spray application, the Dept. of Pesticide Regulation currently requires that the drone pilot have an Airman's Certificate (Pilot's license). This is in addition to the Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certificate from DPR. However, things may change in 2018. See pages 3-47 to 3-52 in http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/enforce/compend/vol_1/entirerep.pdf

Inspire 1 drone over Blue Oak Ranch Reserve

Tags: drone (3)

Comments: 3

Comments:

by Leah Gardner

on November 20, 2018 at 1:57 PM

Is anyone actually using drones for applying herbicides in wildland settings (not agriculture)? If so, any information or contacts would be appreciated.

by Cheryl A. Wilen

on November 20, 2018 at 2:43 PM

No pesticides in drones yet. CDPR is still looking into changing the pilots license requirement. However, looks like there is some movement in other states so CA might not be far behind.
See:
https://www.postregister.com/klamath/news/local_news/oregon-firm-is-first-to-use-drones-for-pesticides/article_750c9821-0c07-5ad7-90a1-3d456d807b62.html

by John Alfred Roncoroni

on November 21, 2018 at 6:50 AM

Commercial applications of fungicide are being made in Napa(first in the country) with unmanned aircraft. I know that Dr.Giles (UCD) and Dr.Leary( Un. of Hawaii) are looking at rangeland applications.