Pilot chemical rating licence

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In this guide:

About the pilot chemical rating licence

All aircraft - whether conventional aeroplanes, helicopters or radio or remote aircraft operated from ground level - must be under the control of a licensed pilot in command when used for aerial distribution (spraying, spreading or dispersing) of agricultural chemicals.

The pilot in command is responsible for the operation and safety of an aircraft from the moment it starts moving to take off until it comes to rest after being airborne.

The pilot in command must hold a current pilot chemical rating licence issued under the Agricultural Chemicals Distribution Control Act 1966 (PDF, 453KB) or a current equivalent licence issued in another state or territory.

Apply for a pilot chemical rating licence

If you wish to obtain a pilot chemical rating licence, you must be at least 17 years old and hold a commercial pilot's licence endorsed with an agricultural rating issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, as well as the necessary qualification.

To be qualified, you must either:

obtain the Spraysafe Pilot Accreditation from the Aerial Agricultural Association of Australia; or
pass a qualifying examination conducted by Biosecurity Queensland.

To apply once you are qualified, you need to complete the pilot chemical rating licence - application form (PDF, 75KB). This licence is issued for either a 1 or 3 year period, which you nominate when you apply.

For information on obtaining a pilot chemical rating licence, including the licence fee, contact our Customer Service Centre on 13 25 23.

Note: you cannot carry out aerial distribution unless you do so under the direction or authority of a licensed aerial distribution contractor. Any aerial distribution contractor must hold an aerial distribution contractor licence. Learn more about applying for an aerial distribution contractor licence.