Section 44807 exemptions for spray drones, explained

Updated 2026-11-14 · Sources linked throughout · Not legal advice

Short answer: a Section 44807 exemption is FAA permission, under 49 U.S.C. 44807, for an unmanned aircraft to operate without meeting rules written for crewed aircraft. Spray drones 55 lb and up, like the DJI Agras T40, T50 and T100, need one before they can get a Part 137 certificate. In return you follow a list of conditions, and the exemption runs about two years.

Why spray drones need it

At 55 lb and up (including the tank load), a drone is outside Part 107 and falls under Parts 91 and 137, which assume a pilot on board, an airworthiness certificate and crewed-aircraft maintenance. 44807 lets the FAA decide, based on risk, that a specific UAS can operate safely without those rules. The aircraft must be on the FAA's List of Approved UAS (docket FAA-2023-1271) at its listed maximum takeoff weight.

The 27 sections relieved in 2026 grants

Exemption 27023 (Agras T100, granted November 9, 2026) relieved these sections of 14 CFR:

§61.3(a)(1)(i)
§61.3(c)(1)
§61.23(a)(2)
§91.7(a)
§91.119(c)
§91.121
§91.151(a)
§91.151(b)
§91.209(a)(1)
§91.403(b)
§91.405(a)
§91.407(a)(1)
§91.409(a)(1)
§91.409(a)(2)
§91.417(a)
§91.417(b)
§137.19(c)
§137.19(d)
§137.19(e)(2)(ii)
§137.19(e)(2)(iii)
§137.19(e)(2)(v)
§137.31(a)
§137.31(b)
§137.33(a)
§137.33(b)
§137.41(c)
§137.42

In plain terms: the Part 61 and 91 items are crewed-aircraft requirements (pilot and medical certificates, airworthiness certificate, minimum altitudes, altimeter, fuel reserves, lights, maintenance and inspection records), and the Part 137 items (certain certificate requirements, aircraft requirements, carrying chemicals, safety belts) are written for a pilot on board. The grant replaces them with its own conditions.

Conditions you agree to

Visual line of sight at all times; at night, with unaided vision.
200 ft AGL or lower unless your COA is more restrictive, with NOTAMs 24–72 hours before operations.
A Part 107 remote pilot certificate for each pilot in command, kept current.
A current third-class medical certificate for night or non-automated flying.
No more than three aircraft per pilot at once, only in automated operations with independent control of each.
An operations manual and training program tailored to your operation, available to the FAA on request.

55 lb and up vs under 55 lb

	Under 55 lb	55 lb and up
Operating rules	Part 107 + Part 137	Parts 91 + 137
Registration	FA-number	N-number
Exemption	§107.36 + several Part 137 sections	Section 44807, 27 sections of Parts 61, 91, 137
Approved-UAS list	Not required	Required (FAA-2023-1271)
Example grant	26434, Jul 29, 2026	27023, Nov 9, 2026

How fast are they granted?

Two 55 lb+ petitions dated October 23, 2026 were granted November 9, 2026 (17 days), and one dated August 26 was granted September 28 (33 days). Complete petitions move faster; the FAA sends a request for information when details are missing and closes petitions that don't answer it. The FAA still asks you to file 120 days ahead.

After the grant

File FAA Form 8710-3 with your exemption number to UAS137Certificates@faa.gov for your Part 137 certificate. Our Part 137 certificate guide walks through it. Plan to renew before your exemption expires; grants issued this fall run to late 2028.

Skip the blank page

SprayCert drafts your petition, operations manual, training program and Form 8710-3 worksheet from a 15–20 minute form. Preview free, $599 to download.

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