Agricultural Aviation: FAA Part 137 Operators
March 1, 2026
FAA Part 137 agricultural aircraft operators — commonly called crop dusters or aerial applicators — perform the specialized work of applying fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides from aircraft over farmland. It's a niche but economically important segment of general aviation.
What Part 137 Covers
Part 137 governs the dispensing of any biological or chemical material from aircraft. This includes:
- Pesticide and herbicide application
- Fertilizer spreading
- Seeding operations
- Firefighting retardant drops
Certification Requirements
Part 137 operators must hold a commercial pilot certificate with appropriate ratings and obtain an agricultural aircraft operator certificate from the FAA. State-level pesticide applicator licenses are also typically required.
Where Agricultural Operators Work
Agricultural aviation is concentrated in the major farming states. Browse FAA Part 137 agricultural operators by state to see where aerial application is most active.
Aircraft Used
Common crop-duster aircraft include the Air Tractor AT-802, the Grumman Ag Cat, and the Piper Pawnee — purpose-built aircraft with large hoppers, low-speed handling, and chemical-resistant components.