Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence
If you operate an aerial spraying business that involves the application of agricultural chemicals, you must hold an Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence. This is essentially a business licence.
Fertilisers are not regarded as agricultural chemical products and therefore there is no need to hold a Licence for the aerial application of fertilisers.
To qualify for an Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence, you must:
| 1. | have an Aircraft Operators Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority; and |
| 2. | be Operation Spray Safe Accredited by the Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia; and |
| 3. | hold a policy or a cover note of indemnity insurance for a minimum amount of $30,000 approved by the Secretary of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. |
Agricultural aircraft operators do not need to hold a Commercial Operator Licence, as this licence only applies to ground-spraying activities.
Application for Agricultural Aircraft Operator Licence (50Kb)
Pilot Chemical Rating Licence
Any pilot who is employed by an agricultural aircraft operator must hold a Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence. This includes the owner of the business if he or she pilots an aircraft in carrying out aerial spraying.
To qualify for a Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence, you must:
| 1. | hold a Commercial Pilots Licence; and |
| 2. | have an Agricultural Pilot Rating; and |
| 3. | hold an Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia Operation Spray Safe Certificate of Approval or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Registrar of Chemical Products. |
A licence may not be granted if an applicant has not supplied the required information, not paid the appropriate application fee, has been convicted of a crime or has committed an offence punishable by imprisonment.
Application for a Pilot (Chemical Rating) Licence (50Kb)
A licence may be cancelled or suspended if the holder has:
- not complied with any condition of the Licence,
- been convicted of an offence against a relevant Act,
- not paid fees by the due date, or
- provided misleading information in applying for the licence.