Spray Operator Readiness Checklist
Evaluate any aerial spray operator before you commit. Ten practical indicators to help you assess experience, compliance, and reliability — so you can protect your crop and your bottom line.
How the Score Works
Each indicator is worth up to 2 points. “Unsure” or “Unknown” answers score zero — because during critical spray windows, what you don't know can hurt you.
Low Risk
16–20 ptsStrong indicators across the board. Verify documentation and proceed with confidence.
Moderate Risk
10–15 ptsSome gaps or unknowns. Clarify before committing — especially during tight spray windows.
High Risk
0–9 ptsMultiple missing indicators. Proceeding without verification puts your crop and liability at risk.
Evaluate Your Operator
Answer these questions about any spray operator you're considering. Be honest — “Unsure” counts as risk during critical windows.
FAA Part 107 Certification
Does the operator hold a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate?
Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator
Does the operator hold or operate under a Part 137 authorization for aerial application?
State Applicator Licensing
Is the operator licensed as a commercial pesticide applicator in your state?
Insurance Coverage for Aerial Application
Does the operator carry liability insurance specific to aerial application work?
Years in Commercial Operation
How long has this operator been providing commercial aerial application services?
Agricultural Experience Background
Does the operator have a background in agriculture or agronomy, beyond just drone piloting?
Operational Scale & Repeat Work
Does the operator have repeat clients, references, and the capacity to handle your acreage?
Online Reputation & Reviews
Does the operator have consistent, verifiable online reviews or testimonials?
Documented Application Process
Does the operator provide written application records, maps, and post-spray reports?
Accountability & Follow-Through
Does the operator have clear policies for callbacks, rework, and issue resolution?
Readiness Score
Answer all 10 questions to see your score.
0 of 10 answered
Red Flags to Watch For
These warning signs don't automatically disqualify an operator, but they should prompt further questions before you commit.
Can't produce certifications on request
A legitimate operator should be able to show Part 107, Part 137, and state licensing quickly.
No insurance or refuses to provide a COI
If they can't name you as additionally insured, you're carrying the liability.
No online presence or verifiable references
Established operators have a track record. No reviews, no website, no references — proceed with caution.
No written application records or reports
If they don't document what they spray, where, and when — you have no recourse if something goes wrong.
Vague answers about rework or callbacks
Ask directly: what happens if coverage is uneven? If there's no clear answer, that's your answer.
Price is significantly below market rate
Unusually low pricing often means corners are being cut on equipment, insurance, or compliance.
Example: How Greenfield Partners Measures Up
We believe in the standards we recommend. Here's how we stack up against this same checklist — provided as an example, not a claim of superiority.
We encourage you to apply this checklist to every operator you evaluate, including us.
Every Greenfield pilot holds a current FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate with regular recurrency training.
Ask for the pilot's certificate number and verify at FAA Airmen Inquiry.
Greenfield operates under Part 137 agricultural aircraft operator certification for all aerial application work.
Request the operator's Part 137 certificate or exemption documentation.
Our applicators hold commercial pesticide applicator licenses in every state where we operate.
Check your state's Department of Agriculture database for license verification.
We carry comprehensive liability insurance specifically covering aerial application, chemical drift, and crop damage.
Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming your farm as additionally insured.
Greenfield Partners has been providing commercial aerial application services since our founding, with thousands of acres treated.
Ask for business registration dates and client history.
Our team includes agronomists and operators with farming backgrounds — we understand crops, not just drones.
Ask about the operator's agricultural training and crop knowledge.
We maintain long-term relationships with farms across the Mid-Atlantic and can provide references on request.
Ask for 2–3 references from operations similar to yours.
Greenfield maintains active profiles with consistent reviews across Google and industry platforms.
Search the operator's name on Google, Facebook, and ag directories.
Every application includes GPS flight logs, rate maps, weather records, and a post-spray summary delivered to the client.
Ask to see a sample application report before hiring.
We have a documented process for addressing any coverage issues, including free re-application when warranted.
Ask the operator directly: what happens if something goes wrong?
Want to see how we measure up in person?
We're happy to walk through every item on this checklist with you — certifications, insurance, references, and all. No pressure, just transparency.
Disclaimer
This tool is educational and informational only. It does not rate, rank, or name any specific operator or company. All indicators are based on publicly available standards or information that operators can provide upon request. Scoring is a simplified guide and does not constitute professional advice, legal counsel, or a guarantee of operator performance. Final responsibility for selecting and vetting a spray operator remains with the farm operator. Information provided by users is not stored or shared. Greenfield Partners makes no warranty regarding the accuracy or completeness of user-provided responses.