Introduction 

As the agricultural industry continues to embrace advanced technologies, drones have become an indispensable tool for modern farming. Whether you’ve invested in a Talos T60X or a high-performance model like the DJI Agras T50, ensuring that your aircraft is properly registered is a critical step in achieving regulatory compliance and operational readiness. 

Every agricultural drone purchased for use within the United States must be registered with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and assigned an N-number, which serves as the drone’s official aircraft identification. Additionally, many states require a separate registration with the local Department of Transportation. This blog outlines the key steps involved in registering your aircraft, reserving an N-number, and meeting applicable state-level requirements. 

Reserving an N-Number (Optional) 

While not mandatory, reserving an N-number before completing your aircraft registration is highly recommended. Doing so allows you to select a preferred identifier and can help streamline the registration process. 

The first step is to search for available N-numbers using the FAA’s N-Number Availability Inquiry Tool. N-numbers typically consist of the letter “N” followed by a combination of numbers and, optionally, a single trailing letter from A to Z. You are encouraged to try different combinations and reserve a few options that are meaningful or easy to remember. 

After identifying available options, confirm that your selections are not already assigned or in service by using the FAA's N-Number Inquiry Search. Once confirmed, you can proceed to the FAA's reservation portal to officially reserve the N-number. You may submit up to five options for consideration. The reservation fee is $10.00 and must be paid online at the time of submission. 

Registering Your Aircraft with the FAA

Once your N-number has been reserved (or if you choose to have one assigned by the FAA), the next step is to complete the aircraft registration process. This involves two essential documents:

1. Aircraft Registration Application (AC Form 8050-1) 

The AC Form 8050-1 is the primary registration form required for each drone purchased. It is a fillable PDF available through the FAA’s website. After entering all relevant information, you must print and sign the form before submission. It is important to follow the form’s instructions carefully to ensure that all information is accurate and complete.

2. Affidavit of Ownership 

In addition to the registration form, each drone must be accompanied by a notarized Affidavit of Ownership. This document verifies legal ownership and must align exactly with the information provided in the 8050-1 form. It is advisable to have the affidavit notarized promptly after completing the registration application to avoid delays. 

Complying with State-Level Requirements 

In addition to FAA registration, many states require aircraft registration through their respective Departments of Transportation. These requirements vary by state and should be reviewed carefully. 

As an example, the state of Iowa mandates drone registration through the Iowa Department of Transportation. Iowa residents must complete the Aircraft Registration Application, a fillable PDF with instructions outlined on page two. 

When completing this form: 

• Use the year of purchase for the “Aircraft year” field. 

• Enter the actual drone cost as the purchase price (excluding accessories or bundled services). For example, if the invoice lists the drone, such as the “DJI Agras T40”, at $14,999.00, that is the value to report. 

Because every state may have different rules or fees, we strongly recommend contacting your local aviation or transportation authority to confirm the appropriate procedures.

Conclusion 

Registering your agricultural drone is a vital step in ensuring legal operation and maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations. Whether you are deploying a Talos T60X or a DJI Agras series drone, taking the time to complete the FAA registration process and understand your state’s requirements will provide long-term benefits in terms of both operational efficiency and regulatory protection.

At Talos Drones, we are committed to supporting our customers not only with industry-leading drone technology but also with the guidance needed to navigate the complexities of aircraft registration. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.