Agricultural Spray Drone Pilot Pathway
1. UAOC
The application for an Unmanned Aircraft Operators Certificate involves the creation of an exposition document. This outlines the standard operating procedures that your business has in place to maintain safe operations for people, property, and environment. Lead time from submission to being accepted takes about 8 months, which is why it needs to be done first.
The CAA charges by the hour to assess it - we offer a tailored exposition writing service to make sure yours is polished for your application.
2. Part 102
The Part 102 RPAS Pilot Certificate is the pilot qualification required to fly drones beyond standard recreational limits, including agricultural spraying — provided the pilot is inducted onto a company's UAOC.
You obtain it by completing our approved online theory course, which is self-directed. Most people complete this over a few weeks. It is followed by a practical flight assessment that you book upon completion of the theory exam.
3. Pilot Chemical Rating
The Aerial Pilot Chemical Rating is the qualification you need to legally apply agrichemicals, fertilisers, and VTAs from a drone. It's a requirement for any pilot responsible for aerial chemical application and equips you to handle and apply chemicals safely and competently in real spray operations.
4. OCA
An Operational Competency Assessment tests your competency flying a larger agricultural drone. It proves to the examiner that you've got the skills to operate it safely and that you understand the Standard Operating Procedures listed on the UAOC you'll be flying under.
Once you complete your OCA you'll be able to practice flying your agricultural drone — although you will have to wait to apply chemicals until you've completed an Agricultural Rating.
5. Agricultural Rating
The Agricultural Rating is the final piece of the puzzle to becoming an ag spray operator. It is a two-day course, run with an instructor, that covers everything you're expected to know on the job. From spraying and spreading techniques to mapping your job site, conducting hazard analyses, calculating spray rates, and safely mixing and applying your chem, we'll have you ready to operate with confidence!