Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Because spray drones weigh more than 25kg and are used to apply agrichemicals by air, you must operate under a CAA Part 102 Certificate.

To obtain your 102 Certificate you will need:

• An exposition (a manual that explains how your business will operate safely). We use Fenix UAS

• A Growsafe approved pilot’s chemical rating. 

• A Part 102 ground and practical course with assessment.

• An agricultural rating.

The exposition must be approved by CAA. We can connect you with trusted partners who specialise in writing expositions tailored to your needs and guide you through the full certification process.

How long does it take and what does it cost?
The certification process usually takes about 6-8 months and costs approximately $15,000.

Most modern agricultural drones (like the XAG P150 or P100 Pro) carry between 50–70 litres per load. Larger payloads mean fewer refills.

The cost can vary greatly depending on what you want to achieve with your aircraft.

• For farmers and small scale growers who simply want to cover the basics on their own property, the investment is usually lower.

• For contractors and large scale growers who intend to earn a living from operating their aircraft and offering the full range of services, the cost will be higher.

Because everyone’s situation is different, we recommend getting in touch with us. If you briefly explain the tasks you want to achieve, we can provide you with a tailored quote outlining exactly what’s required for you.

Batteries typically can last 10–15 minutes depending on payload and wind. On a general autonomous spray run you might use 40-50% of the battery.  As operators we run 6 batteries (3 sets) and have one set in the drone, one set charging and one set ready to go for the next load to maximise efficiency. 

Spray drones offer several advantages compared to ground rigs or helicopter applications:

• Access to difficult terrain – Drones can operate on steep slopes, wet paddocks, or areas inaccessible to tractors and trucks.

• Reduced soil compaction – No heavy machinery driving over paddocks, which helps protect soil structure and pasture growth.

• Precision application – Field Boundaries can be plotted with RTK (Centimetre level accuracy) to allow the drone to spray all the necessary areas. 

• Lower water use – Because of precision spraying and rotor downwash, drones can often achieve the same results with less water and product.

• Flexible timing – Drones can spray in small weather windows, at dawn, dusk, or even at night when conditions are calmer.

• Cost-effective – Ideal for targeted spot-spraying or small blocks where using large machinery or helicopters isn’t practical. 

Yes. The XAG drones are dual-purpose, with spreader attachments for applying granular fertilisers, seeds, and bait, as well as liquid tanks for herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides.