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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.
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3.2.6.2 When in the vicinity of the target area, pilots should conduct an in-flight survey, assessing any risks, such as Meteorological Evaluation Towers (MET), wind turbines, Airborne Wind Energy Systems (AWES), or other uncharted obstacles. Pilots should survey the area adjacent to the work location to determine that the material dispensed will not damage property or injure persons on the surface. UAS operators should conduct a visual survey of the area from the ground prior to flight.
3.2.6.3 Pilots should be aware of the possible damage to some enterprises from engine and propeller noise emitted as the pilot executes a pullup and turnaround.
3.2.6.4 Investigate the target area for fish ponds, lakes, streams, and drainage ditches, as certain economic poisons may be lethal to fish and wildlife.
3.2.7 Safety Procedures. Pilots should determine whether the potential treatment area could be considered a congested area. They may want to confer with the responsible AFS office.
The pilot should be familiar with the provisions of § 137.51 for operating over a congested area.
3.2.7.1 Operators should be knowledgeable about safe flight and safe application procedures during agricultural operations. Pilots should be familiar with the hazards associated with dispensing materials that may be flammable.
3.2.7.2 When conducting operations over sloping terrain, pilots should exercise caution relative to the direction of swath runs. Flying up the slope may result in stalling the aircraft before reaching the end of the swath run or contribute to an inadvertent stall during the pullup or turnaround.
3.2.7.3 Pullups and turnarounds are normally made on the downwind side of the centerline of the swath run. Unfavorable terrain, wires, guy wires, poles, trees, or other obstructions may require making pullups and turnarounds on the upwind side. If a no-wind condition exists, usually the best procedure is to make the turn into an open area (if available) in the event of power loss or engine failure.
3.2.7.4 The aerial applicator pilot should avoid distraction during a swath run.
Inattentiveness may result in allowing the aircraft to fly into the ground or other obstruction. The aerial applicator pilot may tend to apply forward pressure on the elevator or cyclic control when flying under wires. Pilots should avoid such a tendency because once any part of the structure of the aircraft (e.g., wheels and skids) becomes entangled in crop foliage, it may be difficult, if not impossible, to prevent the aircraft from being pulled to the ground. The vertical fin may also contact the wires as the aircraft passes underneath them. Pilots of aircraft, and especially helicopter pilots, may choose not to fly under wires and dress-up the field parallel to the wires.
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3.2.7.5 When using two or more aircraft (manned or unmanned) to apply chemicals to a field, the pilots conducting the operation should be encouraged to arrange between themselves who performs the cleanup swaths or trim passes, when applicable. Mid-air collisions have occurred between aircraft conducting team operations when no coordination is accomplished.
3.2.7.6 If using Global Positioning System (GPS) swath-marking equipment, use extreme caution to prevent diverting attention away from the task of flying the aircraft safely. The pilot should make it a practice to not adjust the computer while in the swath run. The pilot should plan the turn using the light bar as reference, but should not fixate on it.
3.2.8 Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies. There are numerous hazards and risks associated with low altitude aerial application. Pilots need to identify the hazards and risks, and one tool that is helpful to use is the “PAVE” checklist. The elements of PAVE are: Pilot in command, Aircraft, enVironment, and External pressure.
1. Pilot in Command (PIC)—The Risks and Hazards:
• Pilot’s health, illness, and medications.
• Fatigue.
• Stress.
• Emotions.
2. Aircraft—The Risks and Hazards:
• Ready for flight (preflight accomplished), legal to fly.
• Maintenance issues or concerns.
• Performance considerations.
• Experience in make and model (M/M).
3. Environment—The Risks and Hazards:
• Weather, ceiling, visibility, wind, fog, and Density Altitude (DA).
• Obstacles, such as wires, towers, trees, METs, AWES, and wind turbines.
• Congested areas, such as buildings, structures, and treelines.
4. External Pressures—The Risks and Hazards:
• Finances, the pressure to keep earning money regardless.
• The customer who needs their crops sprayed now.
• The growing season, small windows for applied substances.
• The peer pressure from the boss or family to work.
• The temptation to use cell phones, texting, snapping pictures, and filming while flying.
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3.2.8.1 A risk assessment can then be formulated. Does the proposed operation fall within a low, medium, or high assessment? Using a risk assessment matrix can be helpful. Refer to FAA-H-8083-2, Risk Management Handbook, for examples at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/ aviation/media/FAA-H-8083-2.pdf.
3.2.8.2 Once a pilot has identified and quantified the risk (determined the level or risk), mitigation strategies can then be used. Some examples are:
• Well-rested, not fatigued.
• Adequate weather conditions for safe flight and personal minimums.
• Target field properly surveyed.
• No maintenance discrepancies.
• Partial load versus full load for performance needs.
3.2.9 Night Operations. Pilots may conduct night operations under certain conditions. The following guidance is useful in assessing the basic safety considerations of such operations:
3.2.9.1 Immediately before a night operation, the pilot should obtain any available information concerning the possibility of a temperature inversion in the area of operation. Inversion causes the suspension of dust particles and liquid droplets in the air, which could result in an uncontrollable drift problem.
Conducting operations in an area with temperature inversions is inadvisable.
3.2.9.2 Operators should establish safety practices and procedures for night operations. The following are some suggestions for these practices and procedures:
1. The field where night operations are to be conducted should be checked from the ground in daylight with ground personnel (if used) or with the operation’s supervisor.
2. Develop a plan for working the field. The pilot may find it advantageous to diagram the field and indicate the approximate locations of any obstructions that could affect the safety of the operation.
Note: If operating a UAS at night, an exemption or waiver is required.
3.2.9.3 Night vision goggles (NVG) operations will require operations in accordance with applicable sections of parts 61 and 91 for both certification of aircraft and pilot. The operator using NVGs will be required to maintain currency in accordance with those applicable regulations, including an endorsement for ground and flight training, unless meeting certain requirements per part 61.
3-5 At present time, AFS requires no additional authorizations for NVG use in part 137 operations.
3.2.10 Aircraft Position Lights. Manned agricultural aircraft without position lights may takeoff and land at an airport with a functioning control tower only when authorized by air traffic control (ATC). Pilots may takeoff and land at uncontrolled airports only with the permission of the airport management and when other aircraft operations that require position lights are not in progress.
3.2.11 Use of Safety Belts and Shoulder Harnesses. Unless otherwise exempted, each seat installed in an aircraft must have safety belts and approved shoulder harnesses.
Section 137.42 prohibits operating aircraft without a safety belt and shoulder harness properly secured about an occupant. The shoulder harness may be unfastened if it hinders the occupant in performing his or her required duties.
3.2.12 Prior Coordination. The operator is responsible for coordinating with airport management and ATC before conducting agricultural operations in and around airports.
Note: UAS operations require a waiver and Certificate of Authorization (CoA) to operate in other than Class G airspace and some Class E airspace (refer to § 107.41).
3.2.13 Deviation From Published Airport Traffic Patterns. The pilot in command (PIC) of an aircraft engaged in part 137 operations may deviate from an airport traffic pattern when authorized by the control tower. At an airport without a functioning control tower, the PIC may deviate from the traffic pattern if:
• Prior coordination has occurred with the airport management.
• Deviations are limited to the agricultural aircraft operation.
• Use of ramps, taxiways, or other areas of the airport not intended for landing and takeoff only occurs during emergencies.
• The agricultural aircraft at all times remains clear of, and gives way to, aircraft conforming to the traffic pattern for the airport. (Refer to § 137.45.)
3.2.14 Operations Within Controlled Airspace.
3.2.14.1 Except for flights to and from a dispensing area, pilots may not operate an aircraft within the lateral boundaries of the surface area of Class D airspace designated for an airport. To operate in such airspace, pilots must receive prior authorization from the ATC facility that has jurisdiction over that area.
3.2.14.2 Pilots may not operate an aircraft in weather conditions that are below visual flight rules (VFR) minimums within Class E airspace. To operate under such conditions, pilots must receive prior authorization from the ATC facility that has jurisdiction over that area.