Agricultural Drones

UAV Agricultural Rating

Specialist training for pilots looking to carry out agricultural drone operations, including spraying, topdressing and VTA application.

3 endorsements Spraying, topdressing, VTAs
Nationwide Examiners across NZ
$4,000 + GST Per person

ABOUT THE RATING

Ready to take your drone into the paddock?

The UAV Agricultural Rating is the specialist qualification for pilots looking to carry out agricultural drone operations across spraying, topdressing and VTA applications.

Already have the preceding qualifications under your belt? Great, you’re ready to take the next step. Still working through the pathway? No problem. We’ll help you understand what’s needed before your agricultural rating assessment.

WHAT YOU’LL COVER

Get ready for life in the paddock

Agricultural drone work is a little different from your average flight. You’ll need to know your equipment, understand how to apply materials accurately and be confident operating in real-world conditions.

The training focuses on putting those skills into practice across three endorsement areas.

AGRICULTURAL APPLICATION

Spraying

Aerial application of agrichemicals using an agricultural drone.

Agricultural drone spreading fertiliser over grape vines

FERTILISER APPLICATION

Topdressing

Aerial distribution of fertiliser and other agricultural materials.

SPECIALIST APPLICATION

VTA application

Application of vertebrate toxic agents in agricultural operations.

UAV AGRICULTURAL RATING

Ready to get started?

$4,000 + GST

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Endorsements Spraying, topdressing & VTAs

Course dates are arranged on request. Head over to our courses page to find out more and enquire about availability.

View available courses →

IS THIS RATING RIGHT FOR YOU?

Your next move depends on where you’re starting

The training and assessments you’ll need depend on your existing qualifications and experience. Whether you’re already flying commercially or just getting started, there’s a pathway to get you ready for agricultural drone operations.

Already qualified?

Have your Part 102 certificate, chemical handling training and an organisation’s UAOC sorted? You may be ready to move straight to the Agricultural Rating assessment.

Starting from scratch?

New to agricultural drone work? No worries. There’s a pathway to get you there, with the right training, experience and assessments along the way.

Explore the full pathway →

Interested in VTA work?

Looking to get into pest control? VTA operations come with a few extra requirements. Get in touch and we’ll help you figure out what’s needed.

GOOD TO KNOW

Before you get started

DURATION

2 days

Practical application training building on the foundation of the pilot chemical rating.

ONGOING REQUIREMENTS

Keep your qualifications current

Every 12 months OCA / ACA assessment

Every 5 years Pilot Chemical Rating renewal or refresher

BEFORE YOU START

Insurance is required

You’ll need appropriate chemical trespass cover in place for the rating.

AFTER QUALIFICATION

Supervised first operations

Your initial agricultural operations are supervised before you receive examiner sign-off to operate independently.

WHAT’S NEXT

Explore related training

PILOT CHEMICAL RATING

Build your chemical knowledge

Develop the knowledge required for agricultural chemical operations.

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ASSESSMENTS

Combined ACA/OCA

Complete both assessments together.

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TRAIN WITH AIREX

Have any questions?

Not sure whether you meet the entry requirements or want to know more about the course? Our team can help you understand the next steps.

Explore Our Courses →

Get in Touch →