Additional rules and regulations govern the application of agrichemicals by UAV. The Hazardous Substances (Hazardous Property Controls) Notice 2017 requires that the aerial application of highly ecotoxic agrichemicals by unmanned aircraft is only performed by a "person ... operating under the authority of, and in accordance with the terms of, a valid unmanned aircraft operator certificate under Part 102 of the Civil Aviation Rules". This provision applies to class 9.1A, 9.2A, 9.3A or 9.4A pesticide or plant growth regulators and certain other agrichemicals specified in section 62 of the Notice. In addition, the size of any drone that can carry a useful spray payload means that your drone will exceed 15kg at take-off. This means that in order to fly the drone you must be authorised by a person or organisation approved by CAA. Pilot Training and Qualification As you will be spraying ecotoxic chemicals, CAA will require that you have appropriate chemical training. Typically you will be required to hold either a Pilot Chemical Rating or a UAV Chemical Rating. You will also be required to obtain a UAV Agricultural Rating, which involves practical hands-on training under the direction and supervision of an experienced agricultural pilot. Clients Our clients for agrichemical application by drone include:
Additional Resources Key New Zealand Resources:
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