“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $289,215 civil penalty against Gorge Drones of Stevenson, Washington, for alleged unauthorized drone operations.” Agricultural Drone Operations Face Additional FAA RequirementsThe FAA regulates drones used to apply agricultural materials differently from aircraft flown only for imaging or inspection. “The FAA alleges Gorge Drones operated a drone on 15 occasions to dispense fertilizer when it did not have an agricultural aircraft operator certificate. In addition to Part 107 certification for remote pilots, operators who conduct aerial application generally need exemptions and operating authority specific to agricultural aircraft operations. A proposed civil penalty represents an allegation by the agency, not a final determination.