The 24-Month Rule: What Every Ag Drone Pilot Needs to Know

Here's the hard truth: The FAA won't send you a reminder, and 24 months disappear faster than you think.

If you're flying ag drones commercially, the number 24 should be burned into your brain. The compliance deadline governs most of your critical certifications and permissions. Miss it, and you could be grounded—or worse, operating illegally without realizing it.

Let's break down exactly what expires every 24 months and how to stay ahead of it.

Your 44807 Exemption: 24 Months

Most Part 137 exemptions for agricultural drone operations are granted for 24 months. Your expiration date is printed on the last page under "Conditions and Limitations"—find it now if you don't know it.

Critical deadline: The FAA expects you to apply for renewal 120 days before expiration. When you renew, your exemption will typically be updated to the latest summary grant version, which may include new requirements or clarifications.

What happens if you let it expire? You'll need to petition the FAA for a completely new exemption—a much longer and more complicated process than a simple renewal.

Action item: Mark your calendar 120 days before your expiration date and start the renewal process.

FAA Third Class Medical: 24 Months (If You're Over 40)

If you're 40 or older, your third-class medical is valid for 24 months. Under 40? You get 60 months.

Check your current 44807 exemption to confirm your medical requirements. The newest exemptions only require a medical for night operations, but if you're operating under an older exemption, you may need it for all flights.

Don't know your status? Pull out your exemption and read it. Now.

For details on what the third-class medical exam involves, visit: FAA Third Class Medical Exam Requirements

Remote Pilot Certificate Currency: 24 Months

Your Remote Pilot Certificate never expires—but your currency does.

Here's what matters: Before every flight, ask yourself: Have I completed a recurrent training course in the past 24 months?

Your initial Part 107 test counts as meeting this requirement. After that, you need to complete an FAA-approved recurrent course every 24 months to remain current.

If it's been more than 24 months: Your certificate is still valid, but you cannot legally fly until you complete the recurrent training. You don't lose your license—you just lose the right to exercise it until you get current again.

Where to find recurrent courses: FAA Recurrent Training Courses for Drone Pilots

Retain your completion certificate. You'll need proof if you're ever ramp-checked.

Part 137 Operating Certificate: No Expiration (But Keep It Updated)

Good news: Your Part 137 Operating Certificate never expires unless you surrender or the FAA revokes it.

However, you must update it whenever you add equipment or employees. Submit amended FAA Form 8710-3 to UAS137Certificated@faa.gov. Don't expect a response—the FAA typically doesn't confirm receipt of amendments. Keep your own records.

The Bottom Line: Set Reminders Now

You're juggling multiple compliance timelines:

• 12 months: Some state pesticide licenses

• 24 months: Exemptions, medicals, Part 107 currency

• 36 months: Aircraft registrations (in some cases)

• 60 months: Medicals if you're under 40

• 7 years: Drone registration renewals

Use technology to your advantage. Set calendar reminders on your phone, Outlook, Alexa, Siri—anywhere you'll actually see them. Set multiple alerts: one at 120 days out, one at 60 days, and one at 30 days before expiration.

Build a simple spreadsheet with all your expiration dates. Review it quarterly. Make compliance part of your standard operating procedure, not something you scramble to address when you're already behind schedule.

Don't Wait for a Reminder That's Never Coming

The FAA doesn't send renewal notices. Your exemption won't remind you when it expires. Your medical will not alert you when it's time to schedule an appointment.

24 months go fast. One season blurs into the next, and suddenly you're looking at an expired exemption or lapsed currency that grounds your operation.

Take 15 minutes right now:

1. Find your 44807 exemption and note the expiration date

2. Check when you last completed Part 107 recurrent training

3. Verify your medical status and expiration

4. Set reminders for all three

Stay current. Stay legal. Stay flying.

Need help tracking compliance? Consider using a digital logbook system that tracks currency and sends automatic alerts. Your future self will thank you.