Key Takeaways
- Check the Blue UAS list for approved drones that can be flown in U.S. airspace; search by model or company name.
- Look into the FAA 44807 exemption docket for drones over 55 pounds or complex operations; approval is crucial for commercial use.
- If a drone isn’t listed on either directory, it may face approval difficulties, requiring extensive documentation and safety analysis.
- Before buying, confirm if the drone is on the Blue UAS list and check for FAA exemptions; ask for the exemption number and support with paperwork.
- Avoid dealers who can’t provide clear answers on FAA compliance; a non-compliant drone is just an expensive paperweight.
If you’re shopping for a spray drone, it’s not just about tank size or battery life. Can it legally be bought and flown in the U.S. airspace? That means checking whether the drone model—and the company behind it—has been cleared by the federal government. There are two main ways to check: the Blue UAS list and the FAA 44807 exemption docket.
✅ Step 1: Check the Blue UAS List
The Blue UAS list is run by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). It shows which drone models and manufacturers have passed U.S. government security and safety reviews. These drones are trusted for federal use and often meet high standards for cybersecurity, reliability, and sourcing.
- Where to check: Go to https://bluelist.dcma.mil
- What to look for: Search by company name or drone model. If it’s listed, that’s a strong sign the drone is trusted.
- If it’s NOT listed: That doesn’t mean the drone is banned, but it does mean it hasn’t passed federal vetting for use on federal projects. You’ll need to dig deeper—especially if you plan to use it for spraying or commercial work.
✅ Step 2: Check the FAA 44807 Exemption Docket
The FAA uses Section 44807 to approve drones that weigh more than 55 pounds or perform complex operations like spraying. These approvals are called exemptions, and they’re granted to specific operators for specific drone models.
- Where to check: Go to the FAA’s public docket at https://www.regulations.gov and search for “FAA 44807 exemption” plus the drone model or company name. Sort the results to show the most recent at the top.
- What to look for: You want to see if the drone has already been approved in a past exemption. Look for the model name, company name, and exemption number.
- If it’s NOT listed: You’ll likely need to file your own petition to get FAA approval. That process can take 60–120 days and requires manuals, safety analysis, and flight history. Being approved is a benefit to the manufacturer, and it is likely they will work closely with you to gain approval.
🚩 What It Means If a Drone Isn’t on Either List
If a drone isn’t on the Blue UAS list and hasn’t been used in a 44807 exemption:
- It may be harder to get FAA approval, especially for spraying.
- You may need to write your own safety documents and submit a full petition.
- You may face delays or rejection if the drone lacks proper documentation or safety features.
🧠 Some Advice
Before you buy, ask the dealer:
- “Is this drone on the Blue UAS list?”
- “Has this model been used in an FAA 44807 exemption?”
- “Can you show me the exemption number or docket link?”
- “Do you help with FAA paperwork or do I have to do it myself?”
If they dodge those questions, walk away. A drone that can’t fly legally is just an expensive paperweight.
A Note about Revolution Drones
Revolution Drones is an American company with the rights to design and manufacture drones originally designed and produced by GTEEX, a Brazilian company. The first model sold in the US, the Independence – 19, has been granted approval on the 44807 list of exemptions as a GTEEX model. As of this writing, neither GTEEX nor Revolution Drones has appeared on the Federal Governments Bluelist for use in Government contracts, but farmers are buying Revolution Drones and successfully being granted the rights to fly via the 44807 mechanism.
Things change fast – We recently weathered 18 months of discussion about bans on Chinese drones, and were shocked by the sudden evolution to ban all imported drones. In the midst of all of that turmoil the Federal Government changed the department responsible for maintaining the Bluelist in December 2025. It takes time for review and approvals. Meanwhile, the industry is responding at breakneck speeds with new models and new company structures.
I suspect things will remain confusing for a while. My best advice is to stay in contact with a dealer you trust, and work together to get your approvals.
