Our Drone Articles

To fly a T100 on your own property you need an REPL and a TR; 

REPL

To fly it on your own property only requires a ‘standard’ drone licence , this is called an RePL ( Remote Pilot License) which can be done in 4 days; 3 days from home doing online theory, and 1 day  in a park flying (practical). The RePL costs about $1500.0 depending on which training school you choose.

TR

A T100 "TR" Type Rating (also called ‘Endorsement’). This typically involves flying your T100 with a assessor standing next to you for about 2 hours. The assessor is basically looking to see if you can operate this relatively large drone (T100) safely - i.e. flying certain maneuvers and checking the environment before take off (nearby powerlines, animals and closeness of regional aerodromes). They might also ask about some basic aircraft specs ( e.g. max wind speed it should fly in, battery capacity) amongst other things. Cost is $890.0.

To fly a T100 on someone else's property requires a 3rd item - a REOC

REOC

A CASA ReOC. A Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator’s Certificate (ReOC) is something you need that basically tells CASA you have your knowledge and procedures in place to be able to fly your T100 safely in unfamiliar properties/environments such as a new client's property. The process involves learning, preparing a response to a scenario you will be given , and then doing a phone interview to see if you pass. An example scenario may be something like: “Fred Smith has asked you to spray his 100 ha canola plantation at map location X. You may notice this location has a nearby public footpath, is close to a regional aerodrome, and a local helicopter company performs periodic powerline checks nearby.  You will need to factor in how to manage these risks, amongst various other considerations, in your scenario response. Cost is about 2300.0 at the time of writing.  

 We are a local Sydney (Chatswood area) based small business and are seeking a technical sales person , part time / contractor.

 

·         Drones, agriculture, robotics

·         2-4 days  per week.

·         Negotiable hourly rate , bonus scheme also applies.

·         Chatswood office/warehouse location 

 

Drones For Hire is looking for an enthusiastic team member to help with:

 

1.      Drone hardware sales and marketing

2.      Customer support and account management

3.      packing and shipping orders

4.      marketing software, CRM

5.      Manage our dry hire fleet of drones – test fly, maintain, ship, battery management

6.      some tech support and repair work

7.      In field product demonstrations and customer setups

 

Ideally you will have a demonstrable interest in drone technology / robotics/aviation , and agriculture – our main target market.

 

The job is based in our office + small warehouse in Lindfield and you will be working with a small team , 2-4 days per week.

 

We also have a agricultural service centre in Goulburn NSW which you will be required to travel to about once a month for a day or 2.

 

Suit a 3^rd or 4^th year student who has a passion for drones and farming and is studying something relevant to the these topics. 

 

We look forward to meeting you 

 

To apply please send an email along with your CV to [email protected]

From CASA Non-significant change: here.

More details from CASA on Very your ReOC: here.

Definition of Significant change

The definition of what is considered a significant change depends on the Part. You can find a list of significant changes in the relevant legislation. While these changes are not the same across the different legislation, there are some common significant changes across legislation. These can include: changes to operational locations changes to organisational structure other changes that do not maintain or improve, or are not likely to maintain or improve, aviation safety. Approval of a significant change is chargeable under the Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995. You will receive an estimate of costs to assess these changes.

For drones Significant changes:

Definition of Non-significant change

A non-significant change is any other change that doesn’t fall into the definition of a significant change. You must notify us of non-significant changes to your RPAS Operations Manual within 21 days after the change occurs. We do not review these changes, so you can start using the new procedures immediately. There is no fee for making non-significant changes.

Examples of non-significant changes include:

• adding a new RPA to Schedule 1 of your RPAS Operations Manual, as long as it is within the approved scope of your ReOC

• updating or removing serial numbers in Schedule 1 of your RPAS Operations Manual, if required by your ReOC

• removing RPA from Schedule 1 of your RPAS Operations Manual

• correcting spelling errors or formatting issues

• improving aviation safety:

• adding procedures for a safety observer or spotter

• enhancing training and checking process

• implementing remote pilot recency requirements

• setting limits on driving and flying hours

• increasing inspection or replacement periods for parts based on maintenance trends.

General preparation / steps

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1. Important Pre-Requirements

Before submitting the change to CASA, ensure:

• You have successfully passed the T100 Type Rating Assessment.

• CASA has officially issued the T100 type rating on your RePL.

• You can confirm this through your myCASA portal under Licences.

• Do not submit the ReOC change until the T100 endorsement is visible.

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2. Why This Is a Non-Significant Change

• Both T50 and T100 fall under the Medium Multirotor (25-150kg) category.

• The addition does not affect operational risk level, company structure, or safety assurance system.

• No changes to the type of operation, airspace category, or operational area.

• Therefore, it qualifies as a non-significant change under CASA Part 101 MOS.

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3. Required Documents to Update

Prepare the following before submitting through myCASA:

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How to Submit (2methods)

You can either 

1. submit the form and supporting documents via email, OR 

2. via myCASA portal, attach the supporting documents (generally faster)

CASA form via email

1. Log in at https://mycasaservices.casa.gov.au

2. Go to "Organisations" > Select your ReOC

3. Click “Submit Variation / Change to ReOC”

4. Choose "Non-significant change – Aircraft addition (Medium category)"

5. Upload updated documents:

• Revised Operations Manual pages

• Revised Procedures (if applicable)

• Copy of RePL with T100 endorsement

• Cover letter explaining the change

6. Submit the application. CASA typically takes 5–15 business days to update.
   
   

Email the updates to: [email protected]

Include:

• ReOC Change Summary

• Filled and Signed ReOC Non-Significant change update form

• Updated ReOC manual (all docs)

• Updated RePL Copy (including your updated type ratings)

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Via myCASA portal (recommend as faster)

1. Create or log in to your myCASA portal account.

2. Go to your ReOC holder profile (either individual or business).

3. Click Manage certificates and select your ReOC certificate from the list.

4. Click “Notify CASA of a non-significant change”, fill in what is required.
   
   

Provide the required details:

• State you are adding the DJI T100 to your operational aircraft list.
  
  

• Confirm that it is a medium multirotor, eg. same category as DJI T50.
  
  

• Confirm no change to organisational structure, safety systems or operational risk.

Upload supporting documents:

• Updated sections of Operations Manual and Procedures Library.

• Copy of your RePL with T100 endorsement.
  
  

Submit the notification.

• CASA will send an email acknowledgement—no assessment or fee is required for non-significant changes.

What a fantastic weekend at the Murrumbateman Field Days! Our team — Oscar, Nick, Charlie, Chloe, Ali and George — had a brilliant two days meeting hundreds of growers, graziers, and rural innovators who stopped by to learn about the latest in agricultural drone technology.

We showcased the DJI Agras T100, T50, and T25 spray drones, along with the DJI M4 Multispectral (M4T) for animal spotting and precision mapping. Our demo flights on the main oval drew big crowds and plenty of conversation — proving just how fast this technology is transforming the way farms handle spraying and spreading.

It wasn’t just about showing off what drones can do — we also learned a lot from the locals. From broadacre growers keen to automate spraying, to graziers looking for better ways to manage pasture and weeds, to hobby farmers exploring drone use around small blocks — even a few military and emergency services visitors with ideas for surveillance and mapping applications. The insights and enthusiasm we heard from across the community were inspiring.

Across the weekend, we were approached by many local farmers from Murrumbateman, Yass, Goulburn and surrounding regions, keen to see how drones can boost productivity, reduce costs, and help them get the job done faster.

This was our third year exhibiting, and we’re already looking forward to making it our fourth next year. After 11 years in operation, Drones For Hire remains the go-to agricultural drone partner for setup, training, and support across the region.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by — and to those who missed us, we’ll be back even bigger next year!

 Learn more about how drones are changing farming at dronesforhire.com.au

DJI Terra is a powerful software solution for 2D and 3D mapping, reconstruction, and data analysis. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of each version, along with guidance to help you decide which one fits your project needs best.

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1. Terra Standard (Online)

Best for: Photographers, real estate professionals, small-scale mapping projects, or anyone creating simple 2D/3D models in areas with reliable internet.

When to choose: Choose this version if your projects are primarily small and you often work in urban or suburban environments where online connectivity is consistent. It’s perfect for quick mapping tasks where speed and accessibility are key.

Key features: Supports 2D and 3D Mesh Reconstruction, LiDAR point cloud processing, and basic data export for simple workflows.

Limitations: Not designed for electricity/power line inspection.

Extra note: Its online nature allows for cloud-based processing, meaning you don’t need a high-powered computer to handle data-heavy reconstructions.

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2. Terra Standard (Offline)

Best for: Surveyors, builders, engineers, and agriculture teams operating in remote locations without reliable internet.

When to choose: Opt for this if you need to process mapping or reconstruction data directly in the field. Offline capabilities ensure you can continue working without internet access, which is ideal for construction sites, rural land surveys, or agricultural fields.

Key features: Provides the same 2D/3D mapping and LiDAR processing as the Standard Online version but works entirely offline.

Limitations: Not designed for electricity/power line inspection.

Extra note: Offline processing allows teams to work autonomously in remote or isolated locations, ensuring project continuity even in areas with no connectivity.

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3. Terra Flagship (Pro)

Best for: Commercial survey companies, engineering firms, universities, and businesses scaling operations requiring high-precision mapping.

When to choose: If your projects involve large datasets, multiple types of reconstruction, or specialized applications like electricity modeling, Flagship offers the versatility and performance needed for professional-grade results.

Key features: Everything in Standard, plus Electricity Application for visible-light power line modeling. Handles larger, more complex projects with higher accuracy requirements.

Limitations: More expensive than Standard versions and may offer features unnecessary for smaller operations.

Extra note: Flagship is often the choice for organizations that need reliable, repeatable high-precision outputs for client deliverables. It is also more suitable if you are doing electricity/ powerline inspections.

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The Terra Electricity license is specifically designed for power utilities, infrastructure inspectors, and energy providers who work primarily with transmission lines, poles, and other electrical assets. It is ideal for organizations whose main focus is inspecting, modeling, or maintaining power infrastructure, as it offers high-precision tools for visible-light inspections. With this license, users can perform accurate power line scene modeling, detect faults, monitor infrastructure conditions, and ensure safety compliance, all while reducing the need for manual inspections. Unlike other Terra versions, Terra Electricity is not intended for general 3D mapping, multispectral agriculture, or projects outside the electricity domain. Its specialized capabilities enhance data accuracy and improve the safety of personnel working on or near live electrical infrastructure.

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4. Terra Cluster

Best for: Large organizations, research labs, or government agencies that need to process massive datasets using distributed computing.

When to choose: If your projects are extremely large, involve multiple data-intensive 3D models, or require simultaneous processing across several computers, Cluster allows you to handle workloads that would otherwise overwhelm a single machine.

Key features: Distributed processing across three or more nodes, enabling faster, scalable reconstruction of large datasets.

Limitations: Overkill for small businesses or light survey work. It is meant for organizations dealing with enterprise-level projects.

Extra note: Cluster computing ensures efficiency and reduces turnaround times for massive mapping projects, such as city-wide 3D reconstructions or multi-location infrastructure surveys.

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6. Terra Agras

Best for: Farmers, agronomists, agricultural drone operators, and anyone working with crop monitoring, orchards, or vineyards.

When to choose: If your primary need is 2D field mapping, crop analysis, or multispectral imaging with drones like the Mavic 3M or Phantom 4 Multispectral, this version offers specialized tools for agriculture applications.

Key features: 2D field/fruit tree mapping, multispectral reconstruction, and crop analysis workflows optimized for precision agriculture.

Limitations: Does not support 3D reconstruction — it’s tailored for 2D agricultural mapping.

Extra note: Agras helps improve crop monitoring, irrigation planning, and health assessment, providing actionable insights without the complexity of full 3D mapping software.

Feature list

Note 1: Only the following models support importing flight routes of detailed inspection projects: (1) Phantom 4 RTK (remote controller without screen) (2) Matrice 300 RTK + H20 series payload (3) Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced (4) Matrice 30 series (5) DJI Mavic 3 enterprise series (6) DJI Matrice 4T, 4D, 4TD, and 4E

Note 2: Scale constraints are only available for visible light reconstruction tasks

Note 3: A license bound to one device can be unbound once per calendar year. Licenses bound to three or more devices can be unbound twice per year. All devices under the license will be unbound after applying. Free trial licenses do not support unbinding. 

Hi all, we have been super busy with DJI T40 demonstrations and customer setups since the units arrive in late 2022. Please see a variety of images and videos below and please feel free to reach out with any questions or for a list of upcoming demo dates and locations. Thanks to AJ, Simpko, Oscar, Damo and Danny for all your hard work to get these days organized and executed. As a team we have learned a lot about the system in the past few months and feel very confident in addressing customer questions regarding spraying and spreading methods, prescription mapping, Terra , NDVI, nozzle types and just about everything. We have also stipped down a T40 in order to understand its components and inner workings more thoroughly.

Henty Machinery Field Days 2025 

Our DJI Agriculture Authorised Service Center (ASC) at Mummel NSW

Mummel NSW, February 2024

St Helens QLD, November 2023

Murrumbateman Field Days 2023

Warroo NSW, October 2023

Harcourt VIC, October 2023

Henty Machinery Field Days 2023

Previous T40 setup days & demo days

Henty Machinery Field Days 2025 - Drones For Hire presenting T100

Drones For Hire recently showcased the cutting-edge DJI Agras T100 spray drone at a field demonstration in Collie, NSW, hosted in partnership with local farmer Terry Wyatt on his canola crop.

The event drew strong interest from local farmers and agronomists, who were eager to see how large-scale spray drones can transform crop protection and input application.

During the demo, the Drones For Hire team highlighted the T100’s versatility and ease of use by showcasing its spraying and spreading abilities over canola, flying both manually and autonomously.

The hands-on demonstration gave attendees a clear picture of how drone technology can improve efficiency, reduce labour costs, and deliver consistent results in Australian farming conditions.

Drones For Hire is proud to support growers like Terry by bringing the latest agricultural drone technology directly into the field, and by offering guidance on training, licensing, and ongoing support.

Here’s the straight talk for cane growers getting into drones and weighing up DJI’s T100 vs T70. We’ll keep it practical, Australia-focused, and cane-specific.

The short answer

• If maximum hectares/day is the priority: T100 has the edge — a touch more capacity (within AU limits), broader effective swath, stronger downwash for canopy penetration, faster connection routing, and more precise height-keeping over uneven cane.

• If you’re tight on trailer space, budget, or mostly doing lighter work: T70 still gets it done — just expect to run a little slower in cane to keep spray quality up.

Note the T100 is currently selling in Australia (Sep 2025), we suspect the T70P may come here in 6-12 months but don’t have the official news yet. 

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Speed (spray vs routing)

• Top speed: T70P’s max varies by region. Some markets allow 20 m/s; others (e.g., EU) cap it at 13.8 m/s. AU cap is not yet confirmed.

• Why it matters: High top speed is valuable for return-to-home and connection routing (non-spray legs). If AU gets the higher cap, that’s a T70 plus. If AU is limited to 13.8 m/s, routing will be slower.

• Realistic spray speeds in cane: To land droplets and push spray into the stalks, plan on ~8–10 m/s. In comparable conditions, the T100’s stronger downwash means you can often run ~1–2 m/s faster than a T70 for the same on-crop quality.

Bottom line on speed: Faster non-spray legs go to whichever platform has the higher regional cap; on-crop spray passes will typically be quicker with the T100 for the same coverage quality.

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Legal payload (AU)

• T100 (AU): 75 L liquid or 75 kg granular (MTOW-limited).

• T70P: 70 L liquid or 70 kg granular.
  So, within CASA limits, the T100 nets you +5 L/kg per flight. That’s not huge, but over a day it adds up.

Note: Some operators talk about loading beyond 75 L/kg — that’s outside CASA rules. We don’t recommend it.

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Spray performance in cane

Brochure effective swath (ideal conditions):

• T100: 5–13 m

• T70: 4–11 m

Cane reality check: Dense canopy and tall stalks usually compress brochure numbers. A conservative, real-world expectation might look like:

• T100: ~5–10 m

• T70: ~4–8.5 m

Why T100 pulls ahead: Larger airframe and stronger downwash drive droplets deeper into the crop — that’s what lets you hold pattern quality at slightly higher speeds or open swath a little wider without sacrificing deposition.

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Granular spreading (when you’re not spraying)

• T70 tank: 100 L, 70 kg

• T100 tank: 150 L physical volume, but AU MTOW still caps you at ~75 kg (heavier loads may be allowed elsewhere; follow AU rules).
  If you’re spreading low-density product, the extra 50 L volume on T100 is handy. For typical cane programs where spraying dominates, this is secondary.

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Sensing, height-keeping & smoothness

• T70: Vision/radar based; no LiDAR listed.

• T100: Adds LiDAR height sensing alongside other sensors.

In variable cane height, LiDAR helps the aircraft track canopy changes more precisely, reducing bobbing and keeping nozzle-to-target distance consistent. Practically, that means smoother passes, fewer sensor-induced slow-downs, and more uniform deposition — especially where stool height and ratoon vigour vary across the block.

(We’ll keep saying it plainly: these are grounded expectations — they align with physics and spec sheets — but on-cane flight hours will always teach you the fine tuning on your farm.)

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Productivity per day

Put the pieces together — slightly wider effective swath, a bit more legal payload, stronger downwash allowing ~1–2 m/s higher spray speed for equal quality, faster routing (if caps permit), and fewer sensor-induced stalls — and the T100 should cover meaningfully more hectares per day.

If AU’s T70 speed is capped to 13.8 m/s, the T100’s routing legs pull further ahead.

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When the T70 still makes sense

• You’re space-constrained and want a simpler single-operator rig.

• You’re budget-sensitive and can trade some throughput for lower capital outlay.

• Your work is mostly lighter canopy or shorter blocks where the T100’s advantages don’t compound as much.

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Setup realities (don’t gloss this over)

• T100 is bigger. To run it efficiently solo (or to run multiple T100s), plan your vehicle layout, mixing station, battery flow, and staging properly. With a smart truck fit-out, the size penalty disappears and the throughput gains dominate.

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Bottom line

• Chasing throughput in cane? Choose T100.

• Balancing cost, space, and adequate performance? T70 can still be the right call.
  Either way, keep spray speed realistic for cane (think ~8–10 m/s), set swath by on-crop coverage checks, and stay within AU MTOW limits.

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If you’d like block-specific settings (speed, swath, flow, runs, battery rotation) for your cane, we’ll map it out with you and get the numbers dialled. Please ask for Nick or Oscar! 1300 029 829 or [email protected] 

Drones For Hire (DFH) — here when you’re ready to push more hectares, with fewer headaches.

This step-by-step guide shows ReOC holders how to apply for special approvals when your job needs anything outside the basic Part 101 rules (e.g. controlled aerodrome, >400 ft AGL, BVLOS). It also lists what to prepare before you fill in CASA Form 101-09 and how to keep your application clean and fast.

Here is the link to the CASA Form 101-09.

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1) Know what you’re asking for (tick all that apply)

On Form 101-09 you’ll select one or more of:

Area Approvals (CASR 101.030)

• Above 400 ft AGL in controlled airspace
  
  

• Above 400 ft AGL in non-controlled airspace
  
  

• Within 3 NM of a controlled aerodrome
  
  

• Within 3 NM of a military controlled aerodrome
  
  

• Above 400 ft AGL within 3 NM of a controlled aerodrome
  
  

• Over a movement area of a controlled aerodrome
  
  

• Over an approach/departure path of a runway at a controlled aerodrome

RPA Permissions (CASR 101.080)

• Over a movement area of a non-controlled aerodrome
  
  

• Above 400 ft AGL within 3 NM of a non-controlled aerodrome

Visual line-of-sight (CASR 101.029)

• BVLOS (beyond visual line-of-sight)
  
  

Tip: If your job is near a towered airport and above 400 ft AGL, you will usually need to tick both the aerodrome proximity item and the above 400 ft item.

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2) Pre-application checks & evidence pack

Prepare these before you open 101-09:

Airspace & approvals

• Use OpenSky (or another approved planning tool) to see whether your site is inside CTR/CTA, near an aerodrome, or within restricted/prohibited areas.
  
  

• Verify with Aviation charts (VTC/VNC/PCA) and the ERSA entry for the nearest aerodrome. Access free resources from Airservices Australia.
  
  

Mission planning documents (attach to 101-09):

• 

  Updated RPAS operations manual

• 

  Updated RPAS operational procedure (library)

• 

  Filled Flight Authorisation (from your Ops Manual)

• 

  Filled JSA (Job Safety Assessment) with a map/screenshot showing site hazards, eg. TOL sites, observers, exclusion & safe zones, signage etc.

• 

  Filled Risk Assessment (RA) created for this specific mission (not a generic “tick-and-flick”)

• 

  Site coordinates/ Maps of the operational area (lat/long in aviation format) (KMZ file) 

• 

  Aeronautical radio qualifications (AROC) is attached

• 

  Permissions (landowner, council, facility manager) if required

• 

  Letter of Agreement (LOA) for Defence oversighted aerodromes 

• 

  BVLOS Concept of Operations document (CONOPS) is attached (if applicable)
  
  

If near/inside controlled aerodrome (CTR)

• VHF radio capability and ATC coordination plan (who/when to call, standing instructions)
  
  

• Be ready to publish/arrange a NOTAM if your approval/ATC requires it (many approvals impose a NOTAM lead time). Keep a NAIPS login handy for briefings and any NOTAM coordination requirements.
  
  

If the site is DJI-geofenced

• Complete a DJI GeoZone unlock for the aircraft/RC that will be used:
  How to unlock the DJI geozones

Record-keeping

Ensure your records system:

• Complies with AIP & Part 101 MOS;

• Can show evidence of planning on audit;

• Retains records 7 years and has a backup (or you must cease operations while down).