CA AB1689

Requires pilots operating unmanned aircraft systems for pest control to hold a valid unmanned pest control aircraft pilot's certificate issued by the director and meet requirements under Section 11902.5.

Replaces journeyman and apprentice status categories for unmanned pest control aircraft pilots with an "unmanned aircraft operator" status, requiring Federal Aviation Administration certification for both agricultural and commercial operations.

Requires unmanned aircraft operators spraying regulated pesticides, fungicides, or herbicides to hold a qualified applicator license and comply with FAA Certificate of Waiver or Authorization requirements, filing notices 48-72 hours in advance of operations.

Mandates that pesticide applications by unmanned aircraft follow label instructions issued by the Department of Pesticide Regulation in compliance with federal labeling under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act.

Establishes that vector control technician status remains available as an alternative unmanned pest control aircraft pilot designation for those certified by the State Department of Public Health.