Drone Spraying / Agrichemical Application

Come to us for all your training and certification requirements for drone spraying and application of chemicals by UAV.

Background
Additional rules and regulations govern the application of agrichemicals by UAV.
The Civil Aviation Authority requires that any person using a UAV for the aerial application of agrichemicals is certified under Part 102 of the Civil Aviation Rules.

In addition, 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.

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. You will require:
  • Advanced UAS Remote Pilot Certificate (previously known as the UAS Pilot Certificate (Part 102 Operations))
  • Pilot Chemical Rating - Adroit Solutions or Educhem
  • UAV Agricultural Rating - see below

UAV Agricultural Rating
This advanced course is for a person who intends to use a UAV for the aerial application of agrichemicals. Separate ratings (and training) are available for:
  • UAV Aerial Spraying;
  • UAV Aerial Topdressing; and
  • UAV Aerial VTA.

Pre-requisites to obtain a spraying or topdressing rating are are:
  • an approved pilot qualification such as our Advanced UAS Remote Pilot Certificate;
  • a current (within 12 months) flight test on the make and model of machine intended for spraying; and
  • a current Pilot Chemical Rating.

A UAV Aerial VTA rating requires the candidate to already hold a spraying or topdressing rating and have a level of practical experience approved by the CAA.

To proceed to the practical application of agrichemicals within the course, CAA will also require the candidate to hold or be operating under a Part 102 certificate that includes the privilege of aerial agrichemical application.

Clients
Our clients for agrichemical application by drone include: If you are contemplating purchasing a spray drone or already have one and require assistance with Part 102 certification or training contact us.

Additional Resources
Key New Zealand Resources: Other Information: 		DJI Agras T16
XAG P20 Plant Protection UAS
Close up of DJI Agras © Can Stock Photo Inc. / ivanriver
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