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HomeFood and Agricultural CodeDiv. 6Ch. 5Art. 1§ 11901 Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Requirements

§ 11901 Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Requirements

Food and Agricultural Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 11901 Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Requirements

This law says you can’t fly a plane or a drone to do pest control unless you have the right pilot certificates and FAA approvals.

Key Takeaways

  • •To fly a manned aircraft for pest control you need three things: a manned pest‑control pilot’s certificate, a commercial pilot’s certificate, and a current FAA medical certificate.
  • •To fly an unmanned aircraft (drone) for pest control you need either a manned or unmanned pest‑control pilot’s certificate and FAA authorization to operate that specific drone for pest control.
  • •Operating any aircraft for pest control without the required certificates or FAA approval is illegal.

Example

A farmer wants to use a drone to spray pesticide over his fields.

The farmer (or the person flying the drone) must have a valid pest‑control pilot certificate and be authorized by the FAA to operate that drone for spraying. If they don’t have those, they’re breaking the law.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 11901 Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Requirements

(a) It is unlawful for any person to operate a manned aircraft in pest control unless the pilot operating the aircraft holds a valid manned pest control aircraft pilot’s certificate issued by the director and an appropriate and valid commercial pilot’s certificate and a current appropriate medical certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. (b) It is unlawful for any person to operate an unmanned aircraft system in pest control unless the pilot operating the unmanned aircraft system holds a valid manned pest control aircraft pilot’s certificate or a valid unmanned pest control aircraft pilot’s certificate issued by the director and is certified or otherwise authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration to operate an unmanned aircraft system approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct pest control. (Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 404, Sec. 1. (AB 527) Effective January 1, 2018.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

manned aircraftunmanned aircraft systempest controlmanned pest control aircraft pilot’s certificateunmanned pest control aircraft pilot’s certificateFederal Aviation Administration

Related Statutes

  • § 11902 Pest Control Pilot Certification
  • § 11902.5 Unmanned Pest Control Pilot Certification
  • § 11910 Pest Control Aircraft Pilot Certification
  • § 11902.1 Pesticide Drone Use Limits
  • § 11903 Certificate Application Fee

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Food and Agricultural Code. Section 11901.
View Official Source