What is the process to operate an agricultural spray drone in Victoria?

There are two sets of requirements: The first component is governed at a federal level by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the second is governed by a state's agricultural body (in Victoria’s case this is Agriculture Victoria). The rules for gaining Aerial Application authorisation varies from state to state so the focus for this article is the requirements for operating a spray drone Victoria. 

The good news is that the CASA side of things is the same no matter what state you are in, however there are different rules for those who wish to only spray on their own property and those who want to contract out their services so I will unpack each of these step by step.

Drones in Agriculture

Operating as a Contractor.

This process is well defined at a federal level and is centred around licensing. Unlike their smaller cousins all Medium category drones (25kg-150kg) are certified by specific model and you will need a different endorsement for each aircraft you operate. For example, the Agras T40 and T50 are different models and while very similar require individual endorsements. 

This means when selecting a drone you should consider its longevity (how many hours it's rated for), parts availability and batteries.

Make sure to purchase enough batteries and spare parts when you purchase the drone/s so that you can maintain the fleet for a minimum of two years. The reason for this is that most manufacturers are bringing a new model to market every 12-18 months so if a unit breaks down and needs replacing there is every chance it will need to be a new model which will mean new parts and new training for everyone that will be operating the new system. This gets very expensive very quickly so make sure you do your homework. 

Start to finish the process runs as follows:

1. Complete your RePL in the Small Category (up to 25kg). The delivery mode does not matter so whether it is conducted face to face or as a hybrid course with some components online and some components face to face the end resulting licence is the same. 

2. Complete upgrade training on the Aircraft you want to use (ie DJI Agras T50 or XAG P150).

3. Apply for your Remote Operators Certificate (ReOC). This can be done with an application directly to CASA or through one of their Delegates. Visit the CASA website for details on this process and to download their manual template.

4. Complete your pilot (chemical rating) licence (PCRL).

5. Apply to Agriculture Victoria for an Agricultural Aircraft operator licence (AAOL). Visit Agriculture Victoria’s website for details on fees. 

6. Arrange insurances appropriate for drone operations and aerial application. This at a minimum will need to include third party flight risks and spray drift cover. 

   
   

Hot Tips: (a) You don't need to buy your spray drone until step 2 (b) You can work on your operations manual prior to starting step one; it just can't be submitted until you have received the appropriate licensing.    

The total time from start to finish to complete this list is approx. 1-2 months so make sure you take that into account.   

Operating as a landholder.

This process applies only to those who are operating on their own land and is governed under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 101 (CASR 101) excluded category rules. 

Under (101.237) a landholder can operate a medium category RPA (drone) 25kg-150kg  (Most spray drones fit in this category) in the excluded category under the following conditions:

(a) by or on behalf of the owner of the RPA; and

(b) by a person who holds a remote pilot licence that authorises the person to operate the RPA; and

(c) over land owned or occupied by the owner of the RPA; and

(d) in standard RPA operating conditions; and

(e) for the purposes of one or more of the following:

     (i) aerial spotting;

     (ii) aerial photography;

     (iii) agricultural operations;

     (iv) aerial communications retransmission;

     (v) the carriage of cargo;

     (vi) any other activity that is similar to an activity mentioned in the subparagraphs above; and for    which no remuneration is received by the operator or owner of the RPA, the owner or occupier of the land or any person on whose behalf the activity is being conducted.

Put simply, as a farmer you can operate over your own land without the need of an ReOC so the process of getting up and running is simplified. You must still hold a Remote Pilots Licence for the type of aircraft you are operating and you can’t work on any land that is not owned or occupied by yourself.   

The process runs as follows:

1. Complete your RePL in the Small Category (up to 25kg). The delivery mode does not matter so whether it is conducted face to face or as a hybrid course with some components online and some components face to face the end resulting licence is the same. 

2. Complete upgrade training on the Aircraft you want to use (i.e. DJI Agras T50 or XAG P150).

3. Complete your pilot (chemical rating) licence (PCRL).

4. Apply to Agriculture Victoria (or similar state body) for an Agricultural Aircraft operator licence (AAOL). The only difference with this application is disclosing in the application that you are applying as a landholder not a contractor which will make you exempt from needing an ReOC. Visit Agriculture Victoria’s website for details on fees. 

5. Arrange insurances appropriate for drone operations and aerial application. 

Some things to consider…. 

Chemical handling - 

Proper storage and labelling is crucial for compliance and efficiency so make sure you plan that in from the start. 

Manual handling - 

These aircraft are big and heavy so you will need to consider the manual handling of the aircraft on the ground. Single person loading and unloading of a spray drone in and out of a Ute tray is not a viable option long term so plan ahead. This could be having a second person to act as your loader/spotter or having a custom trailer designed from the ground up to mitigate the need for manual handling.  

Appropriate support equipment -

Keep in mind when buying a spray drone the drone is only one part of the puzzle. To use it efficiently it will need support infrastructure. This will include things like a mixing tank, high powered generator for battery charging along with storage for clean water and chemicals. 

For this reason, a custom built trailer where all of these things are included is a very good idea.

Internet -

A connection to the internet is necessary to download maps for planning flights. 

Many of the aircraft controllers have the ability to take a SIM card to access the internet however many locations throughout Victoria have poor coverage and if you are using software on other devices to manage the job internet on the controller can't help you there. Therefore it is highly recommended that you use a vehicle mounted satellite internet service (such as starlink) which will give you reliable internet wherever you happen to be.  

The process of operating drones in Agriculture for spraying and spreading is complex but very achievable and you don't need to be a pilot to get there. 

Proper planning will save you time and money in the short term and make you money in the long term, so time spent at the start of the process before you have spent any money is always a good investment.