Pest control operations: aircraft operations: private applicator.

(1) Existing law makes it unlawful for any person to operate an aircraft in pest control unless, among other things, the pilot operating the aircraft holds a valid manned or unmanned pest control aircraft pilot's certificate issued by the Director of Pesticide Regulation. Existing law requires each unmanned pest control aircraft pilot's certificate to designate the pilot's status as a journeyman, apprentice, or vector control technician, and requires an applicant for a manned or unmanned pest control aircraft pilot's certificate to pass an examination as a condition of licensure. This bill would additionally include the status of private applicator as a designation under the unmanned pest control aircraft pilot's certificate. The bill would prohibit an individual with a private applicator unmanned pest control aircraft pilot's certificate from applying pesticides except for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity on property owned, leased, or rented by the pilot or their employer. The bill would require a pilot to submit satisfactory documentary proof demonstrating the pilot's completion of a program accredited by the director and possession of a valid private applicator certificate to be eligible for an unmanned pest control aircraft pilot's certificate under the status of private applicator, and to pass an examination as a condition of licensure. (2) Existing law prohibits the issuance of a journeyman's certificate until the applicant has served as an apprentice under an apprentice certificate for one year and until the applicant presents to the director satisfactory documentary proof that the applicant operated an aircraft in pest control activities for a specified amount of time within the previous 2 years, as provided. This bill would, notwithstanding the above limitation, authorize the director to establish specific requirements for obtaining an unmanned journeyman certificate, as specified. (3) Existing law makes it unlawful for any person to act as a pest control aircraft pilot in any county without first registering with the appropriate county agricultural commissioner. Under existing law, it is unlawful to use any fraud or misrepresentation in connection with meeting any license requirement relating to pest control operations. A violation of any of these provisions is a crime. To the extent the bill would expand the scope of existing crimes, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.