Last Updated: November 17, 2022

Welcome to your one stop shop for all things aviation in AgLearn!

This training site was created to share information on how to become a USDA certified pilot for each mission area.  As is the case for other training materials, you must have approval from your supervisor to sign up for the courses, certification, and to take part in follow up training, including in-person training. 

For agencies with existing UAS programs, each mission area liaison/point-of-contact has determined agency-specific requirements for certification.  All agency requirements build on common FAA-required training materials.

You will be directed from the classes listed on AgLearn to the appropriate online site to take them. You must follow the process for all classes to receive a certificate. To receive your AgLearn USDA Pilot certificate please remember to return to the course in AgLearn and select the "Confirm Completion" link. This will assist with recertification reminders and any additional required training needs. 

If you have additional questions, please contact your mission area POC or your AgLearn contact listed below. 

If your agency does not have an existing UAS program, please contact USDAGeospatial@usda.gov.

Pilot Training

USDA APHIS

Pilot Training Requirements List:

(POC: Mark Lutman)

1. Obtain Supervisor approval
2. Complete/Pass:
   
   • FAA Part 107 Certification
     
3. Complete in-person training

USDA ARS

Pilot Training Requirements List:

(USDA ARS UAS POC: Dr. Mike Buser)

1. Obtain Supervisor approval
2. Complete/Pass all of the following:
   
   • FAA Part 107 Certification
   • Basic Aviation Safety
   • Mishap Review
   • Basic Air Space

USDA Forest Service

Pilot Training Requirements List:

(POC: Forest/Zone Aviation Officer)

1. Obtain Supervisor approval
2. Complete/Pass:
   
   • FAA Part 107 Certification
3. Attend Agency Approved Training

Other USDA Mission Areas and Office

Pilot Training Requirements List:

(POC: Contact your Supervisor or your IT [Cybersecurity or Geospatial] for approval)

1. Obtain Supervisor approval
2. Complete/Pass:
   
   • FAA Part 107 Certification
3. Complete In-person training
4. Mission specific requirements

Additional AgLearn Resources

• U.S. Forest Service Interagency Training Catalog
• FAA Airman Practice Exams and Test Centers
• Cert Prep FAA 107 Commercial Drone License

Federal Aviation Administration Resources

• Certificated Remote Pilots Guide External Link
• FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Registration External Link
• UAS Test Site Locations External Link