AC 137-1A

Historical

Advisory circular · Certification Process for Agricultural Aircraft Operators

A newer version is currentThis is a historical version. AC 137-1B is the version in force, approved August 21, 2017.
Approved
October 10, 2007
Last reviewed
September 6, 2024
Cancels
AC137-1
Cancelled by
AC137-1B
Family
AC 137-1 · 3 versions
Revision
A
14 CFR parts
137, 1, 21, 43, 61, 91, 133, 23, 45
Cited by
1 AD

Guidance, not mandatory unless a rule or AD requires it. DRS record last changed November 21, 2025.

Show pages 17–28

publication may be available at local HHS offices. Several chemical hotlines are available for the use of persons who handle chemicals.

(2) The National Pesticide Telecommunications Network operates a toll-free hotline, 1-800-858-PEST, 7 days a week, 6:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m., PST. During those hours qualified personnel are available to answer questions about pesticides. This hotline can provide information about treatment by a physician after contamination or suspected contamination. The location of the nearest poison control center, cleanup of a pesticide spill, and other related information is also available on the Internet at www.ace.orst.edu/info/nptn —National Pesticide Information Center.

(3) The Chemical Transportation Emergency Center (CHEMTREC) offers emergency phone service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the event of an incident or accident involving pesticides, CHEMTREC can provide emergency response information pertaining to chemical spills. In emergency situations call 1-800-424-9300. For nonemergency, general information or referrals call 1-800-262-8200, 9 a.m–6 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday. They also maintain a Web site at www.chemtrec.org.

p. Operations Over Noncongested Areas. The following applies to part 137 operations in noncongested areas during actual dispensing including approaches, departures, and turnarounds reasonably necessary for the operation. Provided the operation does not create a hazard to persons or property on the surface (refer to 14 CFR § 137.49), aircraft may operate:

(1) Below 500 feet above the surface.

(2) Closer than 500 feet to persons, vessels, vehicles, and structures.

q. Congested-Area Plan.

(1) Applicants should have procedures for preparing congested-area plans in the event such aerial dispensing applications are necessary.

(2) Congested-area plans are operation-specific functions; the plan applies to the specific location of proposed dispensing operations. The applicant must develop the congested-area plan and have it approved by the FSDO that has jurisdiction over the area proposed for dispensing operations. Template A503 is available in the automated Operations Safety System for approving the congested-area plan. The plan should provide:

(a) Insight as to how the applicant intends to ensure maximum safety of the persons and property on the surface.

(b) Assurance that the operator has established appropriate emergency precautions consistent with the proposed operation.

(3) Once approved, the operator must follow this plan without exception. The applicant should submit the congested-area plan of operation in writing with the following:

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(a) A current (preferably within the preceding 24 months to be considered representative of the area) aerial photograph, large-scale map, or diagram of (1) the proposed work area that is appropriately marked to show all obstructions that may present a hazard during the operation, and (2) areas that could be used for an emergency landing and dumping of agricultural materials.

(b) The altitudes and airspeeds during the operation.

(c) The approximate dispensing rate per acre, and the name and type (solid, liquid) of material to be dispensed.

(d) Dates and hours of the day of the performance of proposed dispensing operations.

(e) Coordination with air traffic control.

(f) Other limitations, safety, or operating procedure considerations as may be required for the particular situation.

(4) Agricultural aircraft may operate over congested areas with prior written approval from the appropriate official or governing body of the political subdivision over the area of proposed dispensing operations. An appropriate elected public official or governing body may include any of the following:

• Mayor

• City Manager

• City Council

• County Board of Supervisors

• County Commissioner

• Any other similar elected public official

(5) Under § 137.51(b)(2), a public notice should be given at least 48 hours before dispensing operations begin. The form that the public notice takes is up to the operator.

Newspaper ads, radio announcements, television announcements, or door-to-door handbills are all acceptable methods.

r. Records.

(1) Under § 137.71 commercial operators must keep their records at the operator’s designated home base of operations. It is not necessary for private operators to maintain records under this section.

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(2) Pilot records are usually kept separate from the operating records and they mu meet the requirem st ents of 14 CFR § 137.71(a)(4). Commercial and private operators must present evidence that each person used in the agricultural operations is informed of their duties and respo

s. Additional Operating Procedures. Applicants should develop operating procedures to addres

(1) Dispensing any material or substance in a manner that will not create a hazard to persons o

(2) Ensuring that each person used in the agricultural aircraft operation is informed of their duti aircraft operator.

g.

.

g procedures.

(10) Limitations and operating restrictions for pilots and aircraft conducting operations over cong

(11) General limitations and restrictions for conducting operations over congested areas.

s.

poison.

(16) If the aircraft has an approved minimum equipment list, procedures for deferring and retur

(17) Operating limitations and restrictions for approaches to the working area, flareout, swath run and jettisoning.

nsibilities.

s the following subject areas.

r property on the surface.

es and responsibilities.

(3) Groundcrew coordination and loading procedures.

(4) Limitations on a private agricultural

(5) Limitations on passenger carryin

(6) Weight and balance limitations.

(7) Procedures for air traffic control coordination

(8) Airport traffic pattern operatin

(9) Night operations procedures.

ested areas.

(12) Conducting operations over noncongested area

(13) Limitations on dispensing in congested areas.

(14) Limitations and operating restrictions for dispensing economic

(15) Procedures for recording and handling aircraft discrepancies.

ning items to service.

s, pullups and turnarounds,

(18) Preflight procedures.

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(19) Procedures for when it is necessary to fly under wires.

2-3.

dge requirements for a commercial aircraft operator may be designated as a pilot for the operation (refer to § 137.19). Applicants for a commercial operator c

(1) At least one person who holds a current U.S. commercial or airline transport pilot certificate

(2) The aircraft used must be certificated, airworthy, equipped for agricultural operation with the ownership or other property interest in the crop located on that property where the operation will be condu g:

(1) A person holding a current U.S. private, commercial, or airline transport pilot certificate operation.

s ual The plete a knowledge test and a skills test regarding the proposed operation. If the following applies, the CPM decides whether conducting the knowledg

(20) Safe aerial application procedures.

(21) Knowledge of aircraft operating limitations.

AIRMEN-SPECIFIC ITEMS—BASIC ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.

a. Commercial Agricultural Operators. Applicants receive a commercial agricultural aircraft operator certificate after demonstrating compliance with the requirements of 14 CFR § 137.19(c), (d), and (e). The applicant must have the appropriate knowledge and skills, or have the services of a chief supervisor of agricultural operations who has the appropriate knowle and skills. Pilots designated to conduct operations for the commercial operator applicant must hold a current commercial or airline transport pilot certificate with the appropriate ratings.

Applicants who meet the airmen certification ertificate must have the following:

and rating for the aircraft to be used.

, and in a condition for safe flight.

(3) The pilot must successfully complete a knowledge test and a skills test.

b. Private Agricultural Operators. An applicant for a private agricultural aircraft operator certificate is entitled to that certificate if the applicant demonstrates compliance requirements of § 137.19(b), (d), and (e). Applicants seeking a private agricultural operator certificate should be familiar with the limitations set forth for private operators (refer to § 137.35). Private agricultural aircraft operators may not conduct operations for compensation or hire, or conduct operations over a congested area. The operator must provide proof of property cted. Applicants for a private agricultural operator certificate must have the followin and are properly rated for the aircraft to be used.

(2) The aircraft used is certificated, airworthy, and equipped for agricultural

(3) The pilot must successfully complete a knowledge test and a skills test.

c. All Agricultural Operators. Commercial and private agricultural aircraft applicant can designate someone as the chief supervisor of agricultural aircraft operations. That individ should have satisfactory knowledge and skills regarding agricultural aircraft operations.

chief supervisor must satisfactorily com e and skills test is necessary.

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(1) The chief supervisor has previous part 137 experience.

(2) The chief supervisor provides evidence of a logbook endorsement or a letter of comp ving The pilot in command also must have 25 hours of flight time in the make and basic model of the aircraft. At least 10 of the flight hours must have been acquired within the prece

in operations in proximity to the area of proposed night operations. To enhance safety, operators should require a pilot to work an area during daylight before working

2-4.

CFR §§ 21.25 and 21.185 for restricted-category aircraft, and §§ 21.191, 21.193, and 21.195 for experimental aircraft (private operator only). The aircraft m

(1) The aircraft is properly certificated, airworthy, and equipped for agricultural operation

(2) The aircraft is equipped with a suitable and properly installed shoulder harness for use b

b.

(1) An aircraft issued a restricted-category type certificate (TC) under 14 CFR § 21.25(a)(1)

(a) The type design approved under the category in which the aircraft previously held certificat ition he type design for the standard category (unless the restricted-category type design data specifies airworthiness requirements that have been found inappropriate for the special pu etency from an FAA ASI that verifies their level of experience.

d. Pilot Experience for Operation Over Congested Areas. Prior to the FAA appro a congested-area plan, operators must comply with § 137.53(b) with regard to flight experience.

The pilot in command must have 100 hours of flight experience in dispensing agricultural materials or chemicals.

ding 12 months.

e. Night Operations Experience. The operator should establish flight experience qualifications for pilots conducting night operations. For example, an operator may require pilots to acquire 15–25 hours the same area at night.

AIRCRAFT-SPECIFIC ITEMS.

a. Aircraft Requirements. Aircraft typically used in agricultural operations are type-certificated under 14 CFR parts 21 and 23. Aircraft type-certificated under part 21 receive a special airworthiness certificate under 14 ust meet the following criteria:

s.

y each pilot (See 14 CFR § 137.31(b)) Certification of Restricted-Category Aircraft.

must conform to the following:

ion.

(b) The type design for the restricted-category modifications to the aircraft.

(2) If no modifications were made to the aircraft, and the aircraft was previously certificated in the standard category, the applicant must show that it is in safe operating cond and conforms to t rpose).

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(3) A restricted-category type certification is a special type-certificate. An aircraft used in agricultural operations must be type certificated under § 21.25 or Civil Air Regulatio (CAR 8) before receiving a restricted-category airworthiness certificate. In the case of an aircraf previously type certificated in another category (e.g., standard category) and modified for a restricted, special-purpose operation under § 21.25 or CAR 8, the previously approved TC and the supplemental type certificate (STC) or approved data can b ns 8 t e considered the equivalent of a restricted TC. The TC and STC or approved design data should define the design parameters that make up

(4) The following are examples of aircraft that are eligible for a special airworthiness certificate (res

(a) Aircraft type-certificated in the restricted category and manufactured under a production ce

(b) Aircraft type-certificated in the restricted category that were surplus U.S.

military aircra ited States and type-certificated in the restricted category under 14 CFR § 21.29 and that have been certified by the country of manufacture t tegory aircraft that have been modified and approved for a restricted purpose under 14 CFR § 21.25, including aircraft type-certificated under CA plus U.S. military aircraft or type-certificated in another category (i.e., § 21.185(b)), must satisfy the following to be eligible for a special airworthiness

(a) The modification conforms to the FAA-approved data that forms the basis for the restricted

(b) The aircraft is in a good state of preservation and repair and is in a condition for safe o e d pilot qualifications may have been prescribed in the aircraft certification. This limitation may require the pilot in command to have an aircraft type rating or ibits carrying cargo for compensation or hire in restricted aircraft. It is, however, acceptable to transport cargo necessary to accomplish the operation for which the restricted TC was issued.

the restricted-category type-certification data sheets.

tricted category).

rtificate, approved production inspection system, or a TC.

ft and manufactured in the United States.

(c) Aircraft that are imported to the Un o conform to the approved type design.

(d) Type-certificated, standard-ca R 8.10(b) for agricultural operations.

(5) Modified aircraft that were either sur certificate in the restricted category.

TC.

peration.

(6) All aircraft type-certificated in the restricted category must operate in complianc with the limitations prescribed in 14 CFR § 91.313. For turbine-powered aircraft, piston-powere aircraft over 800 horsepower, rotorcraft, large aircraft (over 12,500 lb), and any other aircraft deemed necessary, a limitation concerning possess a letter of authorization.

(7) Section 91.313(c) proh Page 10 Par 4

c. Aircraft Operating Restrictions.

(1) The FAA limits restricted-category aircraft to the special-purpose operations for which they have specific approval. The special purposes approved for an aircraft must be listed in the aircraft’s type certification data sheets or in an STC installed on the aircraft.

(2) The provisions of 14 CFR § 21.25, authorizes restricted-category aircraft to conduct the following special-purpose operations:

(a) Agricultural (e.g., spraying, dusting, seeding, and livestock and predatory animal control);

(b) Forest and wildlife conservation;

(c) Aerial surveying (e.g., photography, mapping, and oil and mineral exploration);

(d) Patrolling (pipelines, power lines, and canals);

(e) Weather control (cloud seeding);

(f) Aerial advertising (e.g., skywriting, banner towing, airborne signs, and public address systems); and

(g) Any other operation specified by the Administrator.

(3) Operators must use restricted-category aircraft under § 91.313. Restricted-category aircraft may have a reduced level of safety compared to that of standard-category aircraft. The FAA imposes certain operating restrictions to maintain an equivalent level of safety for the public. Section 91.313 imposes the following operating restrictions.

(a) No carriage of passengers for compensation or hire;

(b) No carriage of cargo for compensation or hire; and

(c) Unless otherwise authorized, no operations may be conducted over densely populated areas, in congested airways, or near busy airports where passenger transport operations are conducted.

(4) Provided that an aircraft certificated as experimental is properly equipped for the agricultural operation, private agricultural operators may use it under certain conditions, as prescribed in 14 CFR § 91.319.

d. International Limitations for Restricted-Category Aircraft. A restricted-category aircraft may not meet the International Civil Aviation Organization, Annex 8, Airworthiness of Aircraft. Before working within foreign airspace, operators must ensure they comply with that country’s pertinent regulations.

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e. Civil Aircraft of U.S. Registry Operating Outside the United States. Agricultural aircraft operators conducting operations outside the United States must comply with § 91.703(a)(2)(3) and (b). Operators conducting flight operations between the United States and Canada or Mexico must file an appropriate flight plan as prescribed in § 91.707.

f. North American Free Trade Agreement Specialty Air Service Operation. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into effect on January 1, 1994 after its ratification by Canada, the United Mexican States, and the United States of America. NAFTA opened up cross-border trade in specialty air service, as defined in article 1213 of NAFTA for aerial mapping, aerial surveying, aerial photography, forest fire management, firefighting, aerial advertising, glider towing, parachute jumping, aerial construction, heli-logging, aerial sightseeing, flight training, aerial inspection and surveillance, and aerial spraying services. For more information consult Advisory Circular 00-60, North American Free Trade Agreement and Specialty Air Services Operations.

g. Noise Compliance. Restricted-category aircraft must comply with the applicable noise requirements of 14 CFR part 36. Small, propeller-driven airplanes and rotorcraft used for agricultural aircraft operations (as defined in part 137, which includes aerial dispensing of firefighting materials), are exempt from part 36 noise requirements.

h. Aircraft Markings. The operator of an aircraft must display on that aircraft marks consisting of the Roman capital letter “N” followed by the registration number of the aircraft.

Each suffix letter used in the marks displayed must also be a Roman capital letter. The aircraft must display the word “restricted” or “experimental” near each entrance to the cabin, cockpit, or pilot station. The letters making up the word “restricted” or “experimental” cannot be less than two inches nor more than six inches in height. (Refer to 14 CFR part 45, § 45.23.)

i. Fixed-Wing Aircraft Markings. Fixed-wing aircraft must display their required markings on either the vertical tail surfaces or the sides of the fuselage. Markings on the vertical tail surfaces must be horizontally affixed on both surfaces of a single vertical tail or on the outer surfaces of a multivertical tail. Markings on the fuselage, must be affixed horizontally on both sides between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the horizontal stabilizer.

(Refer to § 45.25.)

j. Rotorcraft Markings. Each rotorcraft display must include the Roman capital letter “N” followed by the registration number of that rotorcraft. The marks must be displayed horizontally on both surfaces of the cabin, fuselage, boom, or tail. (Refer to § 45.27.)

k. Size of Markings (Nationality and Registration Marks).

(1) The height of the markings for a fixed-wing aircraft must be at least 12 inches.

Aircraft manufactured between November 2, 1981 and January 1, 1983 that are displaying marks of at least two inches high may display those marks until the aircraft is repainted or the marks are repainted, restored, or changed.

(2) Rotorcraft markings must be at least 12 inches high. Rotorcraft manufactured between April 18, 1983 and December 31, 1983 may display the marks required of that time period until the aircraft is repainted or the marks are repainted, restored, or changed.

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(3) If an aircraft will be penetrating an air defense identification zone or distant early warning identification zone, it must display nationality and registration (temporary or permanent) marks of at least 12 inches in height. (Refer to § 45.29.)

FIGURE 2-1. EXCEPTIONS TO DISPLAYING THE N-NUMBER Displaying an N-number on a restricted-category aircraft or aircraft certificated as experimental Unless the aircraft’s category is included between the letter N-number and the registration number (e.g., NR1234 for a restricted aircraft), the aircraft must display near each entrance to the cabin or cockpit the term “limited,” “restricted” or “experimental,” as appropriate. The term should be visible to anyone entering the aircraft and should be 2–6 inches high.

Displaying an N-number on an aircraft with multiple airworthiness certificates The operator may use a removable category placard for the term “restricted” or “experimental,” as appropriate. The term should be 2–6 inches high.

Displaying a minimum-height N-number on a fixed-wing aircraft On an aircraft displaying 2-inch marks before November 1, 1981, and on aircraft manufactured between November 2, 1981, and January 1, 1983, the display marks may remain until the aircraft is repainted or the marks are repainted, restored, or changed. The N-number, after such alterations, must be 12 inches high.

Displaying a minimum-height N-number on a rotorcraft On a rotorcraft manufactured and marked before December 21, 1983, the display marks may remain until the rotorcraft is repainted or the marks are repainted, restored, or changed. The N-number, after such alterations, must be 12 inches high.

Displaying required marks on a surface not large enough to meet size requirements

(1) If one of the surfaces authorized for displaying required marks is large enough to display marks meeting the size requirement and the other authorized surface is not large enough, the display must be full-sized marks on the larger surface.

(2) If neither authorized surface is large enough for full-sized marks, you must display marks as large as practicable on the largest authorized surface.

l. Imported Aircraft. Foreign-manufactured aircraft may be imported and type certificated in the restricted category by following the procedures in 14 CFR § 21.29. Because there are not any published airworthiness standards, the certification basis has to be established before initiation of the certification. Applicants must comply with all other procedures in 14 CFR § 21.29. For example, the country of manufacture: (1) must certify that the aircraft conforms to the approved type design, and (2) the aircraft type must be within the scope of the applicable bilateral agreement. Foreign-manufactured aircraft that are type certificated in the standard category are considered the same as domestic aircraft, and are eligible for a restricted-category TC.

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m. Type Certificate of Military Surplus Aircraft.

(1) The type certification process for surplus aircraft of the U.S. armed forces under § 21.25(a)(2) would include an FAA evaluation of the military safety record of the aircraft model. An aircraft the military declares as not airworthy is not eligible for certification in any category. Title 14 CFR parts 23 or 25 would prescribe the certification basis for approval of modifications to a military aircraft that was never type certificated in any category. The applicant must demonstrate under § 21.25(a) “that no feature or characteristics of the aircraft makes it unsafe when it is operated under the limitations prescribed for its intended use.”

(2) For a surplus military aircraft, § 21.185(b) requires the FAA to determine that the aircraft is in a good state of preservation and repair, and in a condition for safe operation. In making those determinations, the certificating inspector may require any degree of teardown for inspection. The inspector may need to search aircraft records to establish the condition of the aircraft and its systems that could deteriorate over a long period of storage. This inspection can occur simultaneously with the type certification process.

n. Maintenance of Restricted-Category Aircraft. Restricted-category aircraft must meet the applicable maintenance requirements of parts 43 and 91, including the accomplishment of airworthiness directives.

o. Authorized Operations Over Congested Areas. For authorized operations over congested areas, the following are applicable to the specific aircraft listed.

(1) Aircraft other than large or turbine-powered must have completed at least one of the following:

(a) A 100-hour or annual inspection within the past 100 hours of time in service;

(b) A 100-hour or annual inspection by a person authorized by an authorized mechanic; or

(c) An inspection under a progressive inspection system.

(2) An aircraft that is a large or turbine-powered, multiengine civil airplane of U.S.

registry must be inspected under the applicable inspection program requirements of 14 CFR § 91.409.

(3) Except for a helicopter, an aircraft must be equipped and capable of jettisoning at least one-half of the aircraft’s maximum authorized load of agricultural material within 45 seconds. An aircraft equipped with a device for releasing the tank or hopper as a unit must have a means to prevent inadvertent release by the pilot or other crewmember.

(4) Operators must take additional safety measures to ensure persons and property are not at risk when conducting congested-area operations. The operator is required to arrange with appropriate officials to take the necessary measures to conduct the operation safely in the interest of public safety. These measures may include precautionary actions like blocking off streets and other areas that could be used for an emergency landing.

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(5) The aircraft may not be operated over a congested area below the altitudes prescribed in part 91, except during the actual dispensing operation, including the approaches and departures necessary for that operation. Above all, the operator must ensure they comply with the requirements in 14 CFR § 137.51.

(6) Operators who propose to use multiengine aircraft for the congested-area plan must prove that they can operate under the performance requirements in § 137.51(b)(5)(ii). The operator can accomplish this by presenting the FSDO with conclusive, documented performance evidence. If it is necessary to takeoff over a congested area during dispensing operations, the operator must provide such evidence to determine compliance with § 137.51(b)(5)(i). Operators who cannot meet these requirements may not takeoff over a congested area.

TABLE 2-1. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR AIRCRAFT REQUIREMENTS Document Number Document Title AC 00-60 North American Free Trade Agreement And Specialty Air Services Operations AC 21-17 Carriage of Cargo in Restricted-Category Aircraft and Other Special-Purpose Operations AC 21-18 Bilateral Airworthiness Agreements AC 21-21 Use of Automobile Gasoline in Agricultural Aircraft AC 21-23B Airworthiness Certification of Civil Aircraft, Engines, Propellers, and Related Products Imported to the United States AC 21.25-1 Issuance of Type Certificate: Restricted-Category Agricultural Airplanes Order 8110.4C Type Certification Order 8130.2F Airworthiness Certification of Aircraft and Related Products (Chapter 4, Section 2, Restricted Airworthiness Certification) FAA Order 8900.1, volume 8, chapter 5, section 1 Issue Airworthiness Certificate for an Aircraft FAA-P-8740-42 Safe Flying For Agricultural Aviation Par 4 Page 15 (and 16)