The Ag Drone Podcast

Developing Professionals in UAS Part 137 Operations

UPCOMING WEBINARS

Webinar Fall Series -

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

David Hintz, FAA Inspector and FAASTeam Program Manager at the Des Moines FSDO, will review accidents and incidents from the 2026 agricultural spray season.

This session focuses on practical takeaways for UAS Part 137 and Section 44807 operators. Understanding what happened, why it happened, and what can be done differently is one of the most direct ways to improve operational safety and decision-making.

This free educational webinar will cover:

Review of notable accidents and incidents from the 2026 Ag Spray Season
Common contributing factors relevant to agricultural drone operations
Regulatory and operational lessons that apply to Part 137 and 44807 operators
Practical steps operators can take to reduce risk
Live Q&A with David Hintz and the hosts

Safety Zone:
A dedicated segment covering a current safety topic for UAS Part 137 operators.

2026 Webinars and Podcasts

EPA Regulatory Compliance and Changes

Tuesday , September 22, 2026
Title:The Ag Drone Podcast - EPA Regulatory Compliance and Changes for Agricultural Drone Operations

Speaker(s):Nathan Davis, Certification & Licensing Manager, Office of the Indiana State Chemist; Chair, AAPCO Technology Workgroup

Brief Description:State pesticide programs and EPA labeling/use requirements continue to shape how agricultural drones can be operated legally. 44807 Exemption Condition and Limit require compliance with both EPA and State pesticide requirements. Understanding those rules—and the changes still coming—is essential for safe, compliant Part 137 and Section 44807 operations.
This free educational webinar will provide practical guidance on:

Current EPA and state pesticide compliance expectations for UAS aerial application
Label language, applicator certification/licensing, and how drone operations fit existing regulatory frameworks
Anticipated EPA-related changes affecting agricultural drone spraying
How AAPCO and state lead agencies are approaching UAV/UAS pesticide application

Safety Zone:

Lost Link Requirements — Meaning, Testing & Reporting

Jeramy Williams

Drones and Swath Testing

Tuesday , May 26, 2026 7 PM CDT

Presented by: Joel Jones, Drone Crop Services and Jonathan Rupprecht, Rupprecht Law

Guest Expert: Dennis R. Gardisser, Ph.D., P.E., WRK of Arkansas

Contact at dgardisser@icloud.con or 501.676.1762

Description:Accurate swath width, pattern uniformity, and droplet distribution are essential for effective, efficient, and environmentally responsible agricultural drone spraying.

This free educational webinar will deliver practical, expert-led guidance on:

Principles and best practices for conducting drone swath testing and pattern analysis
Techniques for measuring effective swath width, uniformity, and droplet spectra specific to UAS application systems
Calibration methods to optimize coverage while minimizing drift and off-target movement
Real-world application insights and proven testing protocols from Dr. Dennis R. Gardisser, Ph.D., P.E. — a nationally recognized leader in aerial application technology, longtime Operation S.A.F.E. analyst and trainer, and President of WRK of Arkansas with decades of experience improving pattern testing for both manned and unmanned ag aircraft.

Navigating Insurance For Aerial Application

Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Why it matters: Insurance is a critical part for any operator. First of for Drift claims and the considerations for hull coverage
Guests: Luke Petty
What you’ll get:
- Clear explanation of how crewed ag aviation experience directly benefits UAS operators
- Overview of NAAA resources, membership value, and professional development opportunities
- Actionable steps for UAS operators to engage with professional organizations
Safety Zone: The dedicated segment covering relevant safety issues for UAS Part 137 operators.
Hosts / Moderators: Joel Jones (Drone Crop Services) & Jeramy Williams (American Drone)
Format: Live Zoom webinar with interactive Q&A for everyone who joins live. FAASTeam SPANS event

Ensuring Compliance and Professionalism in the Aerial Application Industry - NAAA

Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Why it matters: UAS Part 137 operators are entering the professional aerial application space faster than ever. There are decades of hard-earned crewed ag aviation experience that can be accessed—especially from the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA)—can dramatically shorten the learning curve on safety, decision-making, regulatory navigation, and operational excellence.
Guest: Andrew Moore, CEO of the National Agricultural Aviation Association (NAAA). With more than 25 years serving the ag aviation industry (starting in 1997 as Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs), Andrew has led NAAA’s efforts in safety advocacy, regulatory affairs, and support for both manned and emerging uncrewed aerial application professionals.
Safety Zone: Operating Near Airports.
Hosts / Moderators: Joel Jones (Drone Crop Services) & Jeramy Williams (American Drone)

Getting Your Drone Registered with the FAA

Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Why it matters: FAA registration is required for all drones in Section 44807 exemptions and Part 137 operations. Get it wrong, and you're grounded before the season starts.
Safety Zone: Compliance is Safety
Expert Guest: Callie Meier, AIC Title Service (OKC) – Aviation registration pros since 1989 (35+ years), with a team of 600+ combined years experience, handling 15,000+ title searches and 4,000+ closings yearly. She'll share insider insights few in the drone world know.
What you'll get: Steps in getting an N-number, pitfalls to avoid, compliance tips, and available service
Hosts: Joel Jones (Drone Crop Services) & Jeramy Williams (American Drone)
Live Q&A: Those that join the live Zoom get your questions answered.