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10. Aircraft reaction during takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing in the event of a lost link.
11. Operations from a moving vehicle, if applicable.
12. Loss of sight of UA procedures.
13. Manned aircraft avoidance.
2.6.11.4 Applicants must demonstrate their knowledge of the limitations involved with agricultural aircraft operations, which includes:
1. Limitations on passenger carrying.
2. Limitations on W&B.
3. Limitations on operating without position lights.
4. Limitations on dispensing in congested areas.
5. Limitations on not observing standard airport traffic patterns.
6. Limitations on altitude, per § 91.119, concerning ferrying to and from dispensing sites.
2.6.11.5 If applicants seek approval to dispense economic poisons, they must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of 1) the methods to safeguard the pilot against contamination, and 2) the safe handling of economic poisons. The knowledge test will consist of the following subject areas:
1. Steps to be taken before starting operations, including survey of the area to be worked.
2. Safe handling of economic poisons and the proper disposal of used containers for those poisons.
3. The general effects of economic poisons and agricultural chemicals on plants, animals, and persons, with emphasis on those normally used in the areas of intended operations; and the precautions to observe when using poisons and chemicals.
4. Primary symptoms of persons affected by economic poisons, the appropriate emergency measures to take, and the location of poison control centers.
5. Safe flight and application procedures.
2.6.11.6 Economic poisons manufactured for interstate use must, by regulations, be registered with the EPA. Those poisons must be labeled, showing the brand name, active ingredients, inert ingredients, directions for use, warning, net contents, and name and address of manufacturer or registrant. The label normally contains other detailed instructions concerning the effects on plants, animals, and persons. When required by § 137.19(e), applicants must have
2-10 satisfactory knowledge of the general effects and precautions described on the label of the economic poison that they normally use in the area of operation.
2.6.11.7 Applicants should be knowledgeable about recommended methods for disposing of used pesticide containers. EPA-approved methods for disposal are contained on the pesticide label. Applicants should be aware of state and local laws that may require additional precautions.
2.6.11.8 If an applicant does not apply for authorization to dispense economic poisons, the inspector will not test them on § 137.19(e)(1)(ii)–(iv). The statement of competency that is issued will reflect that the pilot is not authorized to dispense economic poisons. The knowledge test will consist of the following subject areas:
1. Steps to take before starting operations, including a survey of the work area.
2. Performance capabilities and operating limitations of the aircraft to be used.
3. Safe flight and application procedures.
2.6.11.9 Applicants should be aware that the Operations inspector may give the knowledge test in either an oral or written format. Applicants may find it useful to study the following samples to prepare for the knowledge test:
1. When dispensing a highly toxic chemical, what instruction would you give your flagger, if one is being used?
2. How would you dispose of containers that held a toxic poison?
3. What are some of the symptoms of chronic toxic effect, the cumulative buildup of chemicals in the body?
4. Where is the nearest poison control center?
5. If you have mild symptoms of organophosphate poisoning, can you administer the recommended antidote yourself and continue work until an appointment with a doctor can be arranged?
6. What emergency action would you take if a known contamination exists?
7. Indicate your swath runs and procedure turns over the following field, when dispensing a herbicide that could damage plants in the congested area.
8. Would you apply a chemical, such as a highly toxic insecticide, to this field? (If so, how and when?)
9. How long should you keep records that are required by § 137.71?
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10. While airborne, what steps would you take before starting your first swath run?
11. What precautions should you take in applying insecticides adjacent to a lake, stream, or fish-stocked earth tank?
12. Does your agricultural aircraft operator’s certificate allow you to fly under 500 feet over-the-top, or closer than 500 feet horizontal to a farm building site while going to or from your base of operation and the field you are to treat?
13. What steps should you take before you can dispense chemicals over a city, town, settlement, or other congested area?
14. Does your aircraft have to be inspected before you can engage in applying insecticide over a congested area?
15. In your procedure left turn, you misjudge your turn and roll out 300 feet to the right side of your intended course. How would you correct this error?
16. In order to dispense chemicals over a congested area, you are required by part 137 (unless otherwise exempted) to have your aircraft equipped with which of the following:
• Stall warning horn.
• Tank quantity gauge.
• Emergency dump valve or chemical jettison device.
• Boom pressure gauge.
17. What certificate or certificates have to be carried on an aircraft engaged in agricultural aircraft operations?
18. You are flying a restricted-category agricultural aircraft with a belly unit and two seats. Can you use this aircraft for purposes other than agricultural operations?
19. Are you required to wear a crash helmet during operations?
20. Describe in detail the dangers involved with a hot, heavy, downwind turn.
21. As your bank increases, what happens to your stall speed?
2.6.11.9.1 UAS-specific types of questions:
1. Performance of the aircraft within the proposed flight envelope.
2. System response and safeguards used to mitigate the risk of engine power loss.
3. Failed signal input from the control station procedures.
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4. Considerations for payload equipment configurations that significantly change W&B, electrical loads, or flight dynamics.
5. Aircraft lost link and emergency recovery procedures.
6. Sequence the UA will follow in the event control link is lost.
7. Determination of and thresholds for radio signal strength and/or health.
8. Communication procedures between the PIC and the VO during operations, including loss of sight of UA.
9. Method(s) in place for see and avoid, including the flightcrew members that hold this responsibility.
10. Aircraft reaction during takeoff, climb, cruise, descent, and landing in the event of a lost link.
11. Manned aircraft avoidance.
2.6.12 Skill Test. For the skill test, the aircraft’s tanks or hoppers must be loaded with any suitable material (e.g., water, lime, or sand). Load to the maximum certificated takeoff weight or the maximum weight established for the special-purpose load, whichever is greater. Current environmental conditions can also be a factor for the maximum weight.
Operators must ensure that the dispensing equipment is free from chemicals and chemical residue.
2.6.12.1 While not required by regulation (but may be required by the AFM), a flight helmet can provide the pilot with added protection in the event of an accident.
The FAA encourages pilots to wear a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)-approved or military specifications flight helmet when operating agricultural aircraft in dispensing operations.
2.6.12.2 Before beginning the skill test, the inspector will inform the pilot/applicant of expectations and performance requirements, and factors that could lead to disqualification. The pilot/applicant are evaluated on piloting skill and operational judgment in the following skill testing task areas:
1. Crewmember (including ground crew and VOs, if applicable) coordination and loading procedures.
2. Engine start, warm-up, and taxi procedures.
3. Short-field and soft-field takeoffs (airplanes and gyroplanes only), directional control, liftoff, and climb.
• One soft-field takeoff and climb (airplanes and gyroplanes only).
• Short-field takeoff and maximum performance climb.
4. Approaches to the working area (may be exempted for UAS).
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• Satisfactory aerial survey of area for obstructions (manned aircraft and UA).
• Proper method of beginning operations (normally, starting operation crosswind on downwind side of field).
5. Flareout.
• Should not touch ground or crop during flareout.
• Should be consistently at same height and proper position over field on several flareouts.
6. Swath runs.
• Consistent altitude (plus or minus 5 feet).
• Four or more passes demonstrated.
Note: Looking behind the aircraft at the spray pattern during swath run is disqualifying. The flight should be executed so as not to fly through the spray droplets or the dust of previous swath. Spacing successive swath runs to place the wing tip into or overlapping the vortices of the previous swath is not disqualifying.
• Start and stop the spray application within the target area and prevent drift onto adjacent fields.
7. Pullups and turnarounds (may be exempted for UAS).
• Consistent height in turnarounds, obstructions permitting.
• Smooth and coordinated.
• Turn in proper direction relative to wind, obstructions, and field layout.
• Obstruction clearance before starting turn.
• Proper throttle, flap, and hopper or tank control.
8. Clean-up swath or trim passes.
• Recognize the need for clean-up swath.
• Adequately cover area to be treated.
9. Jettisoning of remainder of load after swath runs in the event of in-flight emergency.
10. Rapid deceleration or quick stops (helicopter and rotorcraft UAS only).
11. Approach, touchdown, and directional control on landing.
• One landing.
• Adequate precautions used around turning propellers or rotor blades.
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12. Taxi, engine shutdown, and securing of aircraft.
13. For UAS operations:
• Communication procedures during normal and lost communications between the PIC and essential crewmembers (e.g., VO).
• Ability to operate the UA in accordance with applicable operating documents.
• Lost link procedures.
• Risk mitigation associated with UAS operation (e.g., radio signal interference, and separation from manned aircraft)
2.6.13 Phase Completion.
2.6.13.1 If either the knowledge test or skill test results are unsatisfactory, the CPM notifies the pilot and applicant in writing of the disposition of the test. The pilot and/or applicant must schedule another appointment with the team to retake the test.
2.6.13.2 Applicants may not progress through the certification process before satisfactorily completing the tasks of the Demonstration and Inspection Phase.
The CPM terminates the Demonstration and Inspection Phase only upon the applicant’s successful completion of the required tasks.
2.7 The Certification Phase. Applicants receive the appropriate Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate (private or commercial) after the certification team concludes that all qualifications are met. Applicable authorizations, such as an approval to use an MEL, will be prepared and issued from WebOPSS. The operator will be issued an LOA from WebOPSS. These are considered “part 137 authorizations” and are not OpSpecs. These are used as a national tracking system for all part 137 operators and aircraft.
2.8 Termination of the Certification Process. During any phase, the CPM can terminate the certification process if an applicant does not adequately correct a discrepancy noted by the certification team. Applicants receive written notification of denial of certification through a notice of disapproval. This document, denying the issuance of an Operating Certificate, includes the remarks pertaining to the denial. The application is returned with the notice. The certification team returns any other documentation an applicant submitted. If they address all of the remarks in the notice of disapproval and wish to become a candidate for an Operating Certificate, they must start the certification process again from (at least) the Document Compliance Phase.
2-15 Figure 2-1. Sample Letter of Intent [Your Letterhead] [Date] [Geographically responsible Flight Standards (AFS) office address] Greetings:
This is to notify the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of our intent to become a certificated commercial [or private] agricultural aircraft operator under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 137.
We plan to begin operations on [date], and are ready for your certification inspection at this time.
Operations will be confined to [geographic location] and will involve the operation of [number and type of aircraft].
Enclosed are two copies of FAA Form 8710-3, Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate Application. Our three requested letter certificate designators are [list preferred designators], in that order of preference.
Sincerely, [Operator’s name and title] Attachments
Figure 2-2a. FAA Form 8710-3, Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate Application (Front) OMB No. 2126-049 09/30/2014
AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS US Department of Trarisportation CERTIFICATE APPLICATION light Standards District Offic ubmit in triplicate to the loc Federal Aviation aaminstraton
1. APPLICATION FOR PRIVATE TYPE ECONOMIC POISONS FOR DISPENSING (Check one) | ORIGINAL AMENDMENT
COMMERCIAL OTHER THAN ECONOMIC POISONS REISSUANCE
2. NAME AND ADDRESS OF APPLICANT 3. PRINCIPAL OPERATIONS BASE (Airport, Cay, State)
TELEPHONE NUMBER TELEPHONE NUMBER INDMVIDUAL OTHER (Specify) 5. NAME OF CHIEF SUPERVISOR OF OPERATIONS IF OTHER
4. OPERATING THAN SHOWN IN ITEM 2. (COMMERCIAL OPERATIONS ONLY)
AS CORPORATION PARTNERSHIP (First) (Middle Initial) (Last)
6. AIRMAN CERTIFICATE HELD CERTIFICATE NUMBER
GRADE RATINGS PRIVATE ASEL AMES TYPE RATING(S) (Specify)
COMMERCIAL AMEL HELICOPTER
AIRLINE TRANSPORT ASES GYROPLANE 7A. DO YOU HOLD A CURRENTLY EFFECTIVE CERTIFICATE OF WAIVER FOR NO CONDUCTING AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS? YES (Complete 7B) 7B. WAIVER HELD DATE ISSUED EXPIRATION DATE FAA DISTRICT OFFICE WHERE ISSUED
8. AGRICULTURAL AIRCRAFT TO BE OPERATED MAKE MODEL LIQUID EQUIPPED FOR SOLID TOTAL NUMBER EACH AIRCRAFT OPERATED REGISTRATION MARK (List a minimum of one)
9. LIST THE NAME(S) AND AIRMAN CERTIFICATE NUMBER(S) OF AGRICULTURAL PILOT(S) WORKING FOR YOU AT THE PRESENT TIME (Use separate sheet and attach if additional space is needed.)
NAME CERT. NO. NAME CERT. NO
10. REMARKS
11. CERTIFICATION: I CERTIFY THAT STATEMENTS MADE ON THIS FORM ARE TRUE AND CORRECT
DATE TITLE SIGNATURE FAA Form 8710-3 (10/12) SUPERSEDES PREVIOUS EDITION Page 1 2-16
Figure 2-2b. FAA Form 8710-3, Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate Application (Back) INSPECTION REPORT - For FAA Use Only (To be completed by the General Aviation for Flight Standards District Office)
COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE REGULATIONS
1. PILOTS NOT REQUIRED SATISFACTORY UNSATISFACTORY A. CERTIFICATES B. RATING(S) C. KNOWLEDGE TEST D. SKILL TEST
2. AIRCRAFT A. CERTIFICATED B. AIRWORTHY C. EQUIPPED FOR AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS
10. REMARKS (Include an explanation of denial if application is disapproved).
4. DISTRICT OFFICE ACTION
CERTIFICATE ISSUED INSPECTORS SIGNATURES
APPLICATION DISAPPROVED
DATE INSPECTION COMPLETED FAA Form 8710-3 (10/12) SUPERSEDES PREVIOUS EDITION Page 2 2-17
2-18 Figure 2-3. Schedule of Events 14 CFR PART 137 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Name of Operator Names of Management Personnel Name:
Title: Address Applicant Date Ready FAA Date Received FAA Date Returned FAA Date Applied/ Accepted Inspector Initials Letter of Intent Application (FAA Form 8710-3) Chief Supervisor Knowledge and Skill Test
Other Pilots Knowledge and Skill Test
Aircraft Lease/Proof of Availability
Aircraft Conformity Inspection (Airworthiness)
Aircraft Records (Airworthiness) Operator Recordkeeping System (Commercial)
Proof of Bona Fide Property Interest (Private Operators)
Proof of Registration for UAS (FA number or N-number)
Other
Figure 2-4. Flowchart for Applicants Seeking a 14 CFR Part 137 Operating Certificate Applicant Without Previous Part Applicant With Previous Part 137 137 Experience Experience Preapplication Meeting Eligibility Eliminate the Met Preapplication' Phase Formal Application Phase Reschedule Evaluation Unsatisfactory Results
•Unsatisfactory Results • Applicants must make the appropriate corrections to the items Results found unsatisfactory. Once these Satisfactory corrections have been made, the applicant must reschedule an Reschedule _appointment with the team to Evaluation reevaluate the phase or task and Documentation Compliance Phase •Unsatisfactory Results continue the certification process.
Results Satisfactory Reschedule, Evaluation Unsatisfactory Results Demonstration and Inspection Phase Termination of the Certification Results Process Satisfactory The CPM may terminate the certification process during any phase of the process for the following conditions:
Certification Phase • Failure of the applicant to correct discrepancies previously noted.
• Unsatisfactory results after a reexamination of a phase or task
• Unsafe operating procedures or practices.
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3-1 CHAPTER 3. PART 137 OPERATOR-SPECIFIC, AIRMEN-SPECIFIC, AND
AIRCRAFT-SPECIFIC ITEMS
3.1 Purpose. This chapter provides operators with highlighted items for airmen, aircraft, and operation.
3.2 Operator-Specific Items.
3.2.1 Business Name (Commercial Applicants). A commercial operator must conduct their agricultural aircraft operation under the business name shown on their Commercial Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate. If operators intend to operate under different business names, they must submit a letter that reflects each doing business as (DBA) to the responsible Flight Standards (AFS) office that has jurisdiction over their operation.
3.2.2 Change of Address. If an agricultural aircraft operator changes the address of their home base of operations, they must notify the FAA in writing before the change becomes effective.
3.2.3 Amendment of Operating Certificate. Operators should be knowledgeable of the procedures for amending their certificate with the FAA. As prescribed by § 137.17, operators should apply with the responsible AFS office. The application procedure for an original certificate applies when an operator desires to have dispensing economic poisons added to or removed from their Operating Certificate.
3.2.4 Display of Operating Certificate. Under § 137.57, an agricultural aircraft operator must keep the certificate at their home base of operations. Per § 137.33, operators must have a facsimile of the Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate in the aircraft, unless otherwise exempted. Upon request, the Administrator or any Federal, state, or local Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) may view the certificate or facsimile.
3.2.5 Registration and Airworthiness Certificates. Original airworthiness and registration certificates need not be kept in the aircraft, but they must be available at the operator’s base of operations (home base or temporary base) from which dispensing operations are conducted. A temporary base where operators station maintenance facilities and personnel is considered the base from which they conduct dispensing operations;
therefore, operators must keep any airworthiness or registration certificate that was removed from aircraft available for inspection when requested.
3.2.6 Additional Preflight Procedures. In addition to the preflight action required by § 91.103 (if Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), refer to § 107.49), operators should take the following steps before starting agricultural aircraft operations:
3.2.6.1 If obstructions to flight include structures, trees, unfavorable terrain, housing areas, towers, etc., and the pilot has not previously worked the particular area, it may be useful to obtain a description of the work area from a person familiar with that area and/or conduct a ground survey. A ground survey may be crucial when a pilot finds it necessary to fly under wires.