ANAC Regulations and Agricultural Aviation Rules
The agricultural aviation rule set
Brazil regulates agricultural aviation through specific RBACs covering the operator's certificate, the aircraft configuration for spraying, and pilot qualification for aerial application. Candidates must know that agricultural aviation is a specialized operation with its own authorization, not simply a private flight with tanks fitted. The operator needs an approved operating certificate for the activity, defined procedures, and records of application.
Concepts to master
Learn the requirements for the agricultural pilot's license and the specific aerial-application qualification, including recency and training. Understand aircraft airworthiness requirements for the spray installation: the spray boom, pump, nozzles, hopper and emergency dump are part of the approved configuration, and modifications need approval. Know the rules on flight and duty time, rest, and the medical certificate class required. Know the documentation carried on board and the retention of application records: product used, dose, area, date and time, and weather. Understand the rules on operating near settlements, water bodies and sensitive areas, including buffer distances and notification to landowners.
Traps
Questions often test whether a particular item is a legal minimum or a good practice. Emergency dump capability is a certification and safety requirement, not a comfort. Another trap: confusing the private pilot's privileges with those of the agricultural pilot, or assuming any helicopter pilot may spray. Also watch for the duty-time limits and the medical certificate validity, which differ by age and class.
Rule of thumb
If a question asks "is this allowed?", check three gates in order: operator authorization, aircraft approved for the task, pilot qualified and current. All three must pass. If any fails, the operation is not legal regardless of how safe it looks.
Worked example: A pilot holds a valid helicopter license but no aerial-application qualification and is asked to spray. The correct answer is that the flight is not permitted, because the pilot lacks the specific qualification, even though the license and aircraft may be valid.