Are you interested in advancing your drone technology skills? Drones for Hire provides the DJI T40/T50/T100 Type Rating Certification, designed for current Multi Rotor RePL holders. With this certification, you gain the ability to operate your personal T40 drone on your property. If you plan to extend your flying activities to other properties, consider obtaining an additional ReOC license in conjunction with your type rating certification.
FAQs’
Q1: Can I fly my T40/T50/T100 drone anywhere with the type rating?
A1: The DJI T40/T50/T100 type rating certification allows you to operate your T40/T50/T100 drone on your property. However, if you intend to fly on other properties, you may need to obtain an additional ReOC license.
Q2: Can I fly any large drone with the type rating?
A2: No, the type rating is specific to the DJI T40/T50/T100 drone and does not grant permission to operate drones over RePL standards. Different certifications or licenses are required for larger drones.
Q3: How long does it take to complete the type rating certification?
A3: The duration to complete the DJI T40/T50/T100 type rating certification varies based on prior experience. If you are familiar with DJI products, such as the T30, the endorsement can take just a few hours. However, for those less experienced, it typically involves training courses and assessments, spanning several days to weeks.
Q4: What are the prerequisites?
A4: To obtain the DJI T40/T50/T100 type rating certification, you typically need to hold a Multi Rotor RePL (Remote Pilot License) and fulfill any additional qualifications specified by relevant authorities.
Q5: How much does it cost?
A5: The cost of obtaining the DJI T40/T50/T100 type rating certification varies, but it's generally around $1300. If you get it with a T40/T50/T100 drone get $300 off your purchase.
Q6: Does it expire?
A6: The DJI T40/T50/T100 type rating certification does not expire.
Q7: What should I expect during the training?
A7: During DJI T40/T50/T100 Type Rating Certification training, you can expect to learn the following:
- Comprehensive instruction on the operation of the DJI T40/T50/T100 drone.
- Training on the maintenance and care of the drone.
- Practical hands-on experience in flying the DJI T40/T50/T100.
- Guidance on safety protocols and regulations.
- Evaluation through assessments or exams to ensure competency.
Elevate your projects with our cutting-edge drone rental service! Whether you're a professional photographer, farmer, or an enthusiast, our fleet is ready for you.
Purchasing a new drone for your business is a big investment, it is always nice to try out the drones before purchasing them. Renting a drone from Drones For Hire (DFH) is a very easy and straightforward process. Here is what to expect:
Submit Inquiry - Aside from leaving us a message on the page, feel free to contact us via phone or email with your rental request. Our staff is happy to answer your questions! Think about these questions to help you to recommend the drone that best suits your needs.
Specifying the drone model if you have one in your mind.
Tell us your job or purpose, what do you want to use the drone for!
When do you need the drone, and the duration of it.
Recreational or Commercial.
Prior experience in using it? We can help!
Receive Quote & Invoice - We will confirm stock availability and send a rental quote along with a proforma invoice.
Make Payment - Secure your rental by making the payment, including the refundable safety deposit.
Shipment & Tracking - We ship the drone to your location and provide tracking details.
Use & Operate - Enjoy your rental for the agreed duration.
Return Process - We will arrange the shipment pickup for you! Hassle free, just stay home and someone will come to you. We will provide return shipping instructions and you just have to stick the shipping labels for easy delivery.
Inspection & Refund – Upon return and inspection, we process the refundable safety deposit.
DJI Mavic 3 Thermal
It also includes a thermal camera that you can zoom in for thermal images. The thermal and RGB images can be displayed sided by side for comparison in real time. Best suit if you are doing night operations or in a low light environment. It is really popular for search and rescue, or wildlife jobs. Compared to the M4T, it is a bit more compact, it’s also more cost-effective and effective enough for general and daily operations.
DJI D-RTK 2 GNSS mobile station with Tripod
It comes with a tripod and WB37 batteries. Very useful in surveying and precision tasks, definitely get this to increase the accuracy to cm-level. It is compatible with most of the mapping drones like the Mavic, Matrice, and phantom 4 series.
Chemical Spraying Certification for Drone Operations in Australia
Disclaimer
This document provides general information on chemical spraying certification for drone operations in Australia. Licensing requirements may change, and applicants should verify details with their respective regulatory authorities before proceeding with any application.
Overview
To legally conduct aerial chemical spraying using drones in Australia, each state has its own regulatory body and specific requirements for the necessary licenses and certifications.
Pesticide Discharge Restriction: Not allowed within 150 metres of a dwelling, school, factory, or public place without prior written permission from the occupier.
Exempt Areas:Roads, travelling stock reserves, and State Rail land are not considered public places under this regulation.
Landowner Responsibility: The owner of the land where pesticides will be applied must obtain written permission from the occupiers of any affected premises within 150 metres.
Required for individuals or businesses conducting aerial spraying services using an RPA, or in any other case operate (own, lease, borrow) RPA that carry out aerial spraying..
Required for any pilot conducting aerial chemical spraying in Victoria, or applying pest animal baits via aircraft.
Cost: $367.40 (as at 1July 2024)
Validity: 3 years
Application Process:
Obtain required training and certifications.
Apply for PCRL (if operating as a pilot).
Comply with chemical use regulations under the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (Control of Use) Act 1992.
For more information about the AAOL and PCRL, please check here or contact their Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.
Additional endorsement
Standard Agricultural Chemical Users Permit (ACUP)
Authorize the use of agricultural chemical products that include: Schedule 7 poisons (Dangerous Poisons), atrazine, metham sodium, or ester formulations of 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, MCPA, or triclopyr.
Where a 'restricted use' chemical is used, a Standard endorsed ACUP is not required by people who are operating under the direct and immediate supervision of a Standard endorsed ACUP holder.
Training Requirement: ChemCERT AQF3 Course.
There are five different ACUP endorsement types, depending on the agricultural chemicals you intend to use. Including: Standard, 1080 and PAPP, Pindone concentrate, Fumigants, and Copper chromium arsenic.
Training units for the Standard endorsement:
AHCCHM307 — Prepare and apply chemicals to control pest, weeds and diseases (previously AHCCHM303)
AHCCHM304 — Transport and store chemicals.
Cost: $60.40 (as at 1Jul 2023)
Validity: 10 years
Application Process:
Complete ChemCERT AQF3 Course.
Send certified copies of your statement of attainment to Agriculture Victoria.
In Western Australia, the regulation for aerial chemical spraying using RPA is managed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER).
Key Requirements for Aerial Spraying (Drones) in WA
Agricultural Chemical Permit
Required for anyone applying agricultural chemicals via drones.
Issued by DPIRD WA under the Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007.
Application must specify chemical type, intended area of use, and operational procedures.
Application process
Submit an application to DPIRD WA with:
Details of chemicals used.
Intended spraying areas.
Register a Pest Management Business (PMB)
If you are offering pest control or pesticide application services commercially, you must register your business as a PMB under WA Health Regulations. Remember you can only employ licensed Peticide technicians!
Application process
Submit Business Registration Application
Provide a completed application form (available on the WA Health website).
Include details of licensed technicians employed.
Submit business registration documents (ABN, liability insurance, operational procedures).
Pay the required registration fee.
Pass Compliance Review
The WA Department of Health may inspect the business to verify compliance with Health (Pesticides) Regulations 2011.
Receive Business Registration Certificate
Once approved, the Pest Management Business Registration is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.
Pesticide Technician Licence (PTL)
The PTL is required by anyone who wants to apply pesticides commercially.
Eligibility and requirements
Complete Approved Training
Successfully complete unit of credits including:
AHCCHM307 – Prepare and apply chemicals to control pests, weeds, and diseases.
AHCCHM304 – Transport and store chemicals.
Submit an Application to WA Department of Health
Provide a completed application form (available on WA Health).
Include certified copies of training certificates.
Pay the required application fee.
Pass Background & Compliance Checks
The WA Department of Health may conduct compliance checks to ensure applicants meet health and safety regulations.
Receive Your Licence
Once approved, the Pesticide Technician Licence is valid for 5 years.
Renewal requires proof of ongoing compliance and refresher training.
One Indiana farm family is making the most of constantly evolving precision agriculture technology to help them be successful. The poynter family of Putnam County used to hire spray planes to apply fungicides. When their oldest son, Noah, gained experience with drones, they found they could reach more of their crop and save money in the process.
They now use two of their own drones to spray fungicide on all their corn. They also do some spot-spraying.
"Before, when we were using spray planes, there were 500 acres on rotation that could not be reached because of obstacles that stood in the plane's way," Noah Poynter says. That's what prompted the family to make the switch to drones.
"Spray planes can be something hard to come by," says John Evans, assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering at Purdue.
How drone use started
"It started out as creating videos for my mom for Ag Day," Poynter recalls. He got his first drone in 2015, and has used numerous models throughout the years. One of the ways he's used his drones is to take videos and pictures. He produces videos and pictures for his business. Noah Poynter Media. He collaborates with different ag companies and even Purdue's College of Agriculture on some events.
Poynter and his brother got licenses to spray with their drones in 2022. Poynter then started using his drone in 2022 to spray fungicide on their corn.
After the poynters started using drones, they found they were saving money.
"With drones, your window of operation can be better; you don't have to wait for the ground to dry," Evans says
"Using drones works very well for us," Poynter says. "We do not have to pay someone and can now get fungicide on corn that has never seen it before."
He says this is something that they will keep doing. Right now, the family has the largest drone available for spraying.
Serious sprayers
The Poynters have two DJI Agras T40 drones, which are 220 pounds at take-off, poynter says
Evans explains that drones can compete with ground sprayers and spray planes because they make it possible to cover more acres in one day.
In addition to applying fungicide on all their corn, Poynter does some custom application for a few neighbours and family friends.
After two years of spraying with the drones, the Poynter family has seen better results. “The drones are more consistent across the whole field; they are able to maintain a more consistent height above the crops without having to pull up like a plane would,” Poynter says.
Purdue is starting to research how drones will economically impact farmers in the future, Evans notes.
Poynter says they can get all their corn sprayed in about a week. The DJI T40 has a 10.5-gallon tank. Poynter and his family can spray 500 acres on a good day.
“We crossed 40 acres per hour in a good running field,” he says. He gets around 5 acres sprayed on one tank, depending on the rate he flies the drone.
Poynter may have started this practice on the farm by getting the drones, but it takes the whole family to make their operation run smoothly. Each person plays a part in spraying. Poynter and his brother, Jonathan, control the drones while their dad mixes and fills them with chemicals. Poynter’s mom changes batteries.
Passion for Ag
Poynter's involvement in 4-H and FFA contributed to his passion for working with people in agriculture. He really enjoys working with drones. He says it has allowed him to meet new people and teach them about drones as well.
Being a teacher of agriculture outside of the classroom has given Poynter a variety of opportunities, like speaking to a class at Purdue about drones. He also uses his experience advocating for ag and his family’s farm on his social media pages. Poynter enjoys selling drones as a brand dealer because he gets to give lessons and help people earn certification to fly their new drones.
“I really enjoy being able to help others get started with their own drones,” he says.
China is leading the way on using drones to spray arable crops, and the presence of Chinese drone giant DJI’s agriculture division at the Agritechnica event in Hanover showed it is keen to flex its muscle in a market where it sees huge potential.
Up to now, Europe has lagged behind the US and China, but the sight of drones spraying arable crops may be getting closer, with signs that Europe is opening up regulation to permit their use.
DJI Agriculture has so far sold about 200,000 drones for spraying, 80% of which are in China.
It brought two new agricultural drone models and some of its top team from China to Agritechnica last month to discuss its research and development work and its collaboration with regulators to make the technology more accessible.
Opening up
DJI Agriculture pointed to its latest annual Agricultural Drone Insight Report, published in August, which highlights a gradual opening up of regulation in Europe.
The EU Commission proposed an update to its Sustainable Use Directive in summer 2022, which will exempt some unmanned aerial vehicles from the 2009 law prohibiting aerial pesticide application.
This is because spraying drones – when used in conjunction with remote sensing technology to produce application maps – can be much more targeted and reduce overall pesticide use, which is a key goal for the EU’s Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy.
Furthermore, the European Aviation Standards Authority ecently softened requirements for risk assessments when using a drone for a specific purpose such as chemical application, including lifting a 25kg weight limit, as long as it is within a maximum dimension of 3m.
Individual member states including Italy and France have already granted licenses for spraying of vineyards and orchards where steep slopes restrict access for ground sprayers.
Germany is also granting permission for agricultural drone use below 50kg.
In Switzerland, Agroscope, the country’s centre of excellence for agricultural research, has concluded that the environmental impact of using drones for spraying is similar to ground sprayers and has backed use of the technology.
Here in the UK, there is now a mechanism to get a permit for aerial spraying, with users able to submit application plans to the Health and Safety Executive for consideration.
The Health and Safety Executive is also leading a global partnership on how drones could be used to apply pesticides in the future.
This will help understand the risks to humans and the environment and adapt regulatory systems to better accommodate drone applications.
Positive outlook
All this paints a positive outlook for drone spraying operations in Europe, and DJI Agriculture’s Zhong Wing tells Farmers Weekly that drones can complement existing spraying technology very well.
In the short term, this will mostly be on difficult terrain and for spot spraying applications, but she says efficiency of drones, in terms of hectares covered, can already compete with a medium-sized 18m boom sprayer.
With relatively short flight times on existing batteries, this would require multiple drones, batteries, a fast charger, and well-trained operators to achieve constant flight.
“On the other side is efficacy. A drone creates a downwash, which is something unique [to the technology] and makes better penetration [of the crop canopy].
“If you are spraying a crop with a thick canopy like potatoes, the downwash of the drone will push the droplets [to the target] better, so in some ways there is a possibility to replace ground sprayers in the future,” she explains.
DJI Agriculture is working with research organisations globally, including Auburn University in the US, to improve efficiency, efficacy and drift control when using drones.
Data on the latter is key to maintain momentum in opening up regulation where adoption is behind regions like Asia, such as in Europe.
“From the technical side, there is a lot we can do to change the regulatory ecosystem, like reducing drift by enhancing downwash, adding agents into the solution, and improving the precision of the systems,” explains Zhong.
Advanced technology
The first of two new DJI Agriculture drone models, the Agras T50 has been available in China since last year and is the largest and most advanced agricultural drone DJI has produced thus far.
Superseding the T40, the quadcopter has a coaxial dual rotor design with 54in blades and high-power electronic speed controllers (ESCs).
This means it is capable of flying at faster speeds while carrying a liquid spraying payload of 40kg and spreading (fertiliser or seeds) payload of 50kg.
Following the lead of other agricultural drone manufacturers, the unit moves away from hydraulic nozzles and uses centrifugal nozzles to deliver chemical to the target.
These have a motor-driven disc that rotates at high speed, dispersing spray droplets by centrifugal force. Droplet size is regulated by the speed of the disc and the flow rate from pump to nozzle.
Flow rates have improved dramatically compared with previous models, with 16 litres/min and 24 litres/min possible with two and four nozzles, respectively.
Its twin pump system is now integrated into the spray module rather than the drone, which makes cleaning and maintenance more straightforward.
If applying solid materials, the spreading module has an upgraded motor with increased torque and a spiral flow channel spinner which it is claims spreads more evenly and smoothly than before at rates up to 108kg/minute.
Improved camera
Other upgrades see the T50 carrying an ultra-high-definition first person view gimbal camera for better image collection and a powerful obstacle sensing system. This uses two phased array radars and two dual binocular vision systems front and rear.
Better LED spotlights also improve abilities when working at night and its combination of surveying and product application is claimed to make it a complete drone solution.
The second new model is the Agras T25P, which trumps the T20P model, and is a more flexible and portable option aimed at precision applications carried out by a single pilot on smaller farms.
Payload is 20kg for spraying and 25kg for spreading and the T25P benefits from all the other upgrades of the T50 for improved operation.
Given the cost and current regulatory roadblocks, will many be investing in agricultural drones from DJI and others in the short term?
ISO Standard
Joanna Wang, DJI Agriculture’s policy manager, says a recently published international standard (ISO23117) will help drone makers comply with a set of minimum requirements for reducing the risk of environmental issues when using drones for spraying.
Once agricultural drone models have this ISO certification, it will inevitably encourage regulators to permit their use where the country recognises the ISO standard.
Another significant roadblock is the agrochemical approvals in Europe, as almost all product labels will not include aerial spraying with drones as a means of application.
Joanna says there might be two routes for the EU and other countries including the UK to take.
One would be to follow the model used by Asia Pacific countries such as China and Thailand, which decided to permit use of most products applied with ground sprayers for drones.
The other is to follow the lead of Japan and have a separate list of registered products for drones, individually approved by the country’s health and safety regulators.
This would be a very heavy workload for the relevant department, but may be considered necessary here due to the use of low water volumes – meaning higher concentration of chemical in spray solutions – associated with drone spraying, for example.
Brochure & sales speak aside, the DFH Ag team has come up with our own top 5 reasons why we think the T50 is the best spray drone in Australia.
1. More hectares covered per hour
Spraying: The manufacturer quotes 21 ha per hour. This is higher than any other similar model in Australia, the T50 achieves this due to its upgraded speed and flow rate of 24L per min (running all 4 x spray lances).
Spreading: The manufacturer quotes 108 kg per minute (empties the hopper in about 30 secs), or 1.5 tonnes per hr. Also higher than any other similar model in Australia. The T50 spreader is larger than the T40 one and has a more consistent output rate of granules.
Even the older DJI T40 model was able to cover more hectares than the current closest competitor in Australia . In an online comparison video the T40 achieved 18 acres after 4 batteries and the other brand achieved 14.9 acres after 4 batteries. Compared to the T40, the T50 fly’s faster, and has a higher max flow rate, and larger capacity hopper. As a result, the upcoming T50 comparison videos will likely show a widening the gap even further , between DJI and its nearest competitors.
In addition to the T50 being the most efficient in its main function - spraying and spreading, the next point below discusses the importance of understanding the drone/aircraft itself is just one part of your whole setup out in the field – which involves various systems working together in order to achieve overall workflow efficiency.
2. A much more considered and integrated system as a whole
DJI is by far the largest drone maker in the world. Estimated more than 85% market share of the global drone market. Employing over 14,000 employees of which 25% are research and development-based, a testament to the company's list of world leading innovations and achievements. DJI’s depth and breadth of experience allows it to compound its strengths across multiple market segments such as agriculture, inspection, thermography, delivery, mapping and recreational flying. Some of DJI’s marked achievements are noted below:
2.a. In addition to agricultural drones DJI also makes the best mapping drones in the world by far (e.g. M3M, M350RTK), which are designed to work in unison with their spray drones.
2.b. DJI also designs and produces a long list of other world leading industrial drones such as the M3T thermal drone (animal spotting), Flycart30 (delivery) , Dock 2 (continuous automated monitoring) 2.c. DJI has by far the most advanced and easy to use remote controller (RC) with Ocusync 3 transmission technology , 4 x RF antennas on the AC and a large bright integrated screen and smart menu system.
2.d. DJIs thorough and unmatched testing process: the T50 was tested for over 12 months in China before being sent out to Australia and other markets.
2.e. Peace of mind regarding nozzle and droplets regulation: DJI has a manufacturer declaration that the T50 has been developed, constructed and verified to meet the technical requirements of the regulation and ‘certified nozzle’ LX8060SZ.
2.f.
Engineered to achieve good spraying results, not just short term sales. From our observations and testing, our opinion is that a spray drone operating at more than 10 MPS (meters per second), is likely to be significantly compromising its ability to achieve its job - getting spray droplets sufficiently down into the target (the weed or crop), and out to the sides (swath / spray width). This is likely because the aircraft is moving too far ahead of its own “sphere of influence” – the forces coming from the rotors. The rotors on a T50 are carefully positioned and engineered to drive and circulate the spray droplets downwards and outwards for optimal spraying efficacy, but only whilst the droplets remain inside this sphere of influence (not behind it). Be wary of any spray drone with a top speed of more than 10 MPS as whilst it may be flying over more hectares per day, it may only be applying some of the application rate that it was set to achieve. Also be wary if the spray drone has a ‘flat’ rotor layout – this suggests it is engineered only for lift, and not for both lift and optimal spray efficacy.
What does all this mean for an Australian farmer? It means that when you use DJI equipment, it feels right - the different components, systems, software’s, integrate together well. DJI has considered the wider user experience as a whole, rather than picking equipment specifications to work on in an isolated way.
Some of the benefits listed above of these are less visible when ‘window shopping’ but play a very important role when you’re out in the field trying to get hectares treated by a deadline. At the end of the day DJI have succeeded by being customer-centric - understanding that farmers want - a dependable machine that is productive, not overly complicated, and well thought out. You might choose the T50 for the same reasons you choose the LandCruiser - it focuses on the right things and gets the job done, and is the most dependable and well supported asset every time.
3. Unique dual-purpose design (broadacre and complex terrain)
Some spray drone manufacturers took the easy path - designed their machines for broad acre work – large flat areas with no trees or obstacles. These are easy conditions for the drone to perform in. Getting a spray drone to confidently navigate and spray in trickier country is much more difficult – steep terrain, trees, powerlines, gully’s etc. The T50 has a uniquely powerful perception system - phased array digital radars on both the front and back, plus 2 x sets of binocular vision cameras. These features form a much more advanced overall perception system for the aircraft, enabling it to confidently move through and spray/spread on areas of your property you’ve never been able to access with a quad or tractor or quick spray setup.
T50 is the only choice if you're looking for a flexible multi-terrain machine. It is not simply a flying boom sprayer. Put your T50 to work on a wider variety of tasks such as seeding, stabilizing steep areas, spraying weeds in gully’s or rocky areas, spraying up close to trees and fence lines on ridges. And see a faster return on investment from your spray drone.
4. Superior features and performance when compare to nearest competitors
As with any farming machine, by buying the best and most ubiquitous spraying drone from the largest and best drone manufacturer in the world, you are making a relatively safe investment and will see a more reliable resale value than choosing a sub-par brand.
5 reasons why spray drones are booming in Australia in 2024
1. Availability: By having a T50 yourself, you can spray/spread anytime, day or night in a moment's notice. No more waiting for spray contractors, helicopter pilots to show up, or for the ground to dry out. Spend less time worrying about missing tight time frames that are right to spray in.
2. Efficacy: The drones' propellers sit just 3m off the ground, forcing the droplets down and circulating them to get more liquid on-target. Drones very often achieve the same kill rate / desired effect with less water and less chemicals.
3. No ground compaction Meaning no yield loss & no machine wear from ground impacts. Particularly so for small plot broad acre drone spraying
4. Accuracy and precise control: Spray drones can get into steep areas you've never felt safe taking your tractor into, or near fence lines, close to trees, gullies etc.
5. Safety: spraying via drone allows you to stand back at a distance meaning reduced risk of chemical exposure.
El Niño's demise and La Niña's emergence is gaining traction, increasing the odds Australia will face another lengthy period of above average rain and cooler temperatures by the back half of 2024 (ABC article). Not being able to spray because the ground is too wet or the area is inaccessible can create large losses for any farmer - sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars. An event like this can make the cost of adding a spray drone to your list of machines insignificant. Even having a spray drone purely as a backup can create a return on investment in just a year or two when used at those critical times when your boom sprayer is out of action, helicopter pilot is too busy, or your contractor is unavailable. It's also quite likely your neighbors will take an interest and ask you to spray sections of their property as well, meaning there's potential for a new side-income stream.
Important to note, there's more to it than just buying one - spraying by any method, needs to be done at the right application rate, performed carefully to manage drift, and done on-time. Like most farming activities, it is a workflow which can also be done efficiently or inefficiently. The drone spraying workflow usually involves designing aircraft missions with the controller (see 2-min video), moving chemical/granular into it, battery charging, trailer design and whether pre-mapping (see 7-min video ) is needed or not.
It helps to be supported by people who use the equipment themselves and know what they're doing and to be connected to a community of other drone sprayers. People who can assist you with understanding your spraying goals and the capabilities of drone, setting you up properly and with legitimate equipment, planning suitable spray missions for each section of your property, supplying useful value-adding accessories and supplying parts and support quickly when needed to reduce machine downtime. The initial cost of the equipment is important, but it's only the first step and only one part of the consideration set when you plan for long term success and cost minimisation.
Choosing between the DJI Agras T25 and T50 for agricultural purposes depends on the specific requirements of your farming operations. Here are some scenarios where the T25 might be a preferable choice over the T50:
Smaller Farm Size: The T25 is light, nimble, and flexible, with smaller dimensions when compared to the T50. This makes it better suited for smaller or more confined agricultural lands where a smaller drone can maneuver more easily and efficiently. A T25 tends to be the go to option for farmers with land smaller than 100 hectares and who won’t be spraying often (often is considered twice a month or more).
Cost Efficiency: The T25 comes at a lower cost. Additionally both initial investment and operational expenses are less. If budget constraints are a concern, opting for the T25 could be more economical while still providing the necessary capabilities for agricultural tasks.
Ease of Handling and Transportation: Due to its reduced dimensions and weight, the T25 can be easier to transport and set up , especially if your planning to be operating on your own. Easy to put on and off the back of the ute, easy to quickly pack up and move up to the next patch of weeds, again - especially if your a single person operation.
Specific Crop Types: Certain types of crops or agricultural practices may not require the higher application rates and range that the T50 offers. In such cases, the T25's capabilities might be perfectly adequate, making it a more targeted and efficient choice.
When considering which drone to use, it's important to assess the specific needs of your operation, including the size of the area to be serviced, the type of crops, available time to complete the tasks and budget considerations. The T25, with its compact size and flexibility, may just be the better option for smaller, more budget-sensitive operations.
Why choose DJI
Market Leadership and Global Presence: DJI was founded in 2006 and has grown to become the world's leading drone manufacturer. The company has a significant global presence, with its products available in over 100 countries.
Versatility: DJI offers a diverse range of drones catering to different needs and budgets. From compact consumer drones like the Mini 4 Pro and Mavic 3 series, enterprise drones like the Mavic 3 Enterprise and Matrice 30 series, to the Agriculture drones like T50, T40 and FlyCart, DJI provides options for aerial photography, cinematography, mapping, agriculture, search and rescue, and more.
Quality and Reliability: DJI drones are known for their high build quality and reliability. They undergo rigorous testing to ensure they can withstand various environmental conditions and deliver consistent performance. Whether it's capturing stunning aerial footage or performing complex maneuvers, DJI drones are trusted by hobbyists, professionals, and industries alike for their dependability.
Agriculture Solutions: DJI has a dedicated line of drones and solutions for the agriculture industry. Their agriculture drones, such as the Agras series (i.e. Agras T50, Agras T40, Agras T10, etc.), are specifically designed for efficient crop spraying, field monitoring, and data collection. These drones help farmers optimize their operations, save time and resources, and improve crop yields.
Ecosystem and Software: DJI's software ecosystem includes apps for flight planning, post-processing, and data analysis, providing comprehensive solutions for drone users across industries. Specifically for agriculture, the DJI Terra app provides a comprehensive solution for farmers, agronomists, and agricultural professionals to plan, execute, and analyze drone operations for various agricultural tasks, such as Field Mapping and Surveying, Plant Health Monitoring, Crop Scouting and Inspection, Variable Rate Application, Irrigation Management and Workflow Automation.
Accessories: DJI has built a robust ecosystem around its drones, offering a wide range of accessories and add-ons to enhance functionality and performance. This includes spare parts, batteries, propellers, gimbals, and camera upgrades, allowing users to customize their drones according to their requirements.
Customer Support and Community: DJI is known for its strong customer support and active user community. The company offers comprehensive customer service, tutorials, and resources to help users get the most out of their drones. Additionally, DJI has a vibrant online community where users can share tips, techniques, and discuss their experiences.
Why choose DFH
1. DJI Agriculture Authorised Service Center (ASC) & Authorised Dealer
Our stock (T40’s, M3M’s etc) is legitimate and correct for the AU region and backed with an official DJI warranty. Being an Ag focused DJI dealer means our capability is uniquely focussed around spray drones and mapping drones. Here are some example imagesfrom setup days and demo days. And some example instructional videos . DFH has supplied over a hundred Agras units to growers and contract sprayers nationwide. Clients also include the QLD dept. of Agriculture and Fisheries, WA Dept. of Primary Industries, CSIRO, AECOM, Department of Defence, Charles Sturt University, Southern Cross University, and Anglo Coal. Other non-ag focused DJI dealers are likely to be focussed on the more common consumer drones which significantly affects their capacity to guide and support agricultural customers.
2. Onsite training on your property
DFH has technicians in most states who own and use this equipment themselves and are competent in drone-spraying and mapping operations. Our technicians are qualified with CASA type ratings/endorsements, and are often farmers themselves. Doing the setup day at your property is important as it means your technician will be able to understand the terrain in conjunction with your specific spraying/spreading goals and be able to advise the best spraying methods for each section of your property. They may also be able to map and start spraying/spreading the paddocks that are the highest priority for you to get started. Before the day, your technician will send you a list of pre-setup day procedures (activations, charging, firmware updates etc) that you can do at home so you can hit the ground running when he arrives.
The DFH team also includes degree qualified engineers, photogrammetry experts, PhD’s, OAM, robotics experts, members of agribusiness advisory committees, and an ex-RAAF pilot. The team has a diverse mix of capabilities who can assist with the various goals and challenges our customers face and bring to us for professional advice. This could be about facets of their unique workflow design to maximize hectares covered per day, capture and interpretation of multispectral data, software setup, trailer design and engineering (to carry drones, IBC carrier tank, batching tank, chemical tank, generator, pump etc), custom modification of your spray drone, and payload lifting kits.
3. Included spares kits and spares availability
DFH includes a spares kit with your spray drone order - spares that typically wear out sooner than other items (e.g. washers, sealing rings), and items that are good to have onsite ready to go if you have a mishap (e.g. propellers). Being able to continue spraying on the same day can make a huge difference especially when under time pressure with e.g. weather coming in.
In addition to supplying spares kits, DFH also maintains an extensive parts supply in NSW, ready for express shipping when customers need to get flying again fast.
4. DFH-exclusive value adding products
The DFH team of engineers and technicians has developed our own DFH-unique products designed to help our customers optimise their workflow when spraying/mapping. These include for example our T40 Fast Mover wheel sets, fast-fill tank caps, custom spares kits, HDS: Heavy Droplet Spinner discs, Granular Sherpa System, dual 15-amp socket extension cables, cooling station modifications, custom made CNC hard cases, and modified laptops for faster image processing on the go.
5. Backed by the largest drone site Australia since 2013
DFH has deep roots in the Australian drone industry. We started in 2013 , building DJI Flame Wheel F550 ARF Kits (pre the first Phantom and pre the MG-1P - DJIs first spray drone). With 10 years of relevant experience DFH has now grown to become Australia's largest drone site, supplying $M of hardware sales each year and attracting more than 40,000 drone marketplace requests.
When do i need an RTK mobile station, and when do I need a mapping drone?
Complexity of your country
RTK makes your drone more precise and stable in how it moves around. So if you have a lot of trees, steep hills and complex country in general, RTK will help you operate and steer the drone with extra surety and confidence.
Adding a mapping drone such as an M3M adds more surety again to your spraying mission as it essentially gives your spray drone all the information in advance as to the ‘lay of the land’ its about to head in to - in effect showing the spray drone the height changes and trees etc before it even takes off.
The ‘google map’ showing on your controller screen is relatively low resolution, relatively old (maybe 1-3 years), and low accuracy (it was created by GNSS satellite imagery, not RTK ).
By mapping an area with a mapping drone, you will be able to solve these limitations:
High resolution - zoom in and mark precise spraying area boundaries,
Recency - you know that the map your looking at was made as at the day you flew the mapping drone,
Accurate - because the mapping drone needs to connect to your RTK base station, you know the position of trees and other features are correct to centimeter level accuracy. This means it's good to prepare prescription spraying missions from.
GPS, Size of area and frequency of spraying
Basically , the more you spray in general the more important precision becomes, because the cost of any inaccuracy increases proportionally to how often you're spraying. Especially if ‘GPS’ (GNSS) is known to be relatively weak on your property, you will be more likely to be slightly overspraying or under spraying since the spray drone may not maintain its route spacing and or height as well. This GNSS accuracy affects every drone and make , since 99% of drones determine their position based on satellite connections . GNSS accuracy is a contingency on every property, but is pretty good in many areas of Australia compared to some other countries.
Using RTK in conjunction with a mapping drone
If you have a RTK mapping drone such as the M3M, you can produce a high resolution map, view it on your PC then shade-in specific areas of the map to spray - you then save the map and put it into your T50 RC to execute the mission as a prescription spraying mission rather than a blanket spraying mission. You will need an RTK base station to do this since the spray drone needs to know precisely where the clump of e.g. blackberry is otherwise it will head out and spray e.g. 2m to the side of the clump of blackberry.
To take things further, the M3M has a regular camera and a multispectral camera meaning you can create NDVI maps that show where there are variances in health across your crop, and then automatically prepare a variable spray rate mission for your T50. See the M3M page for more information on this.
If you're planning to be a contract sprayer (spraying on other peoples properties for an income), it's very likely you should get the RTK base station and M3M as you will be spraying more often and in a variety of conditions described above which you will need to be prepared for in advance.
Whereas if you are using the T50 on your own property, and on a more casual basis, you may not see the need for RTK or mapping drone. you can always add these later if you are initially unsure. The DFH team will always be ready to help by asking the right questions to help you decide.
What licencing is required to fly a spray drone
Flying a spray drone, such as the T50 and T25, entails two essential licenses and one optional certification:
Remote Pilot Licence (0-7 kg RePL):
The RePL is indispensable for drone pilots as it imparts fundamental knowledge and regulations essential for safe drone operations. It covers the basics of flying drones and ensures compliance with aviation rules.
Type Rating:
A Type Rating is necessary for operating aircraft weighing over 25kg. Given the T50 has a minimum weight of 39.9kg and the T25 is 25.4kg, they both mandate a Type Rating. Despite similarities between predecessors (T40 and T10), each model requires a separate Type Rating according to CASA rules. Type Ratings are not interchangeable. For instance, if you own both a T50 and T25 drone, you will need a different Type Rating for both.
If intending to undertake contract work with the T50 or T25, obtaining an ReOC is necessary. This certificate allows individuals or businesses to operate drones commercially under specific regulations.
In summary, an RePL and a Type Rating are mandatory for flying the T50 and T25, while a ReOC is optional - its for commercial contract work / work not done on your own property.
How much can I earn as a contract spray drone operator?
DFH maintains the largest network of agricultural spray drone and regular drone operators in Australia. On average, spray drone operators tell us they earn around $35 per ha for broad acre work and $275.0 per hour for spot spraying work. You should always consider the amount and type of competition available at each specific site. Some customers will opt for a boom operator if lower cost, but will quickly pay more for a drone operator if the boom is unavailable due to wet country, repairs or if hes just too busy / booked out. And some sites literally cant be done by any other means such as steep country with powerlines – in these cases a T50 with its advanced radars can be the only way to treat that area and e.g. unlock more valuable grazable land for your customer.
Other useful material
Droplet size and drift study report for DJI T40 & T50: download here.
Manufacturer declaration for certified nozzle: download here.
MSDS sheet for DJI Agras T50 battery: download here.
Upgrade: The H30 series is upgrade version of the H20 series and include 2 models (H30/H30T)
Replacement: H30T will cover the full capability of the H20T/H20N
Enhancement: The H30T has been significantly enhanced in terms of daytime visible camera performance and nighttime night vision capability, infrared thermal performance
2. Application Scenarios
Public safety, firefighter, search and rescue, powerline inspection, oil and gas inspection, traffic law enforcement, asset inspection, agriculture and forestry fire prevention, wildlife protection, etc. 3. Core Selling Points
1) Better Visual Camera
Car License plate details can be seen from 700 meters away
Maximum zoom is 400x, doubling the zoom capability of the H20T
3km laser rangefinder and pinpoint, 2.5 times better than the H20 series
2) Better Night Vision
Support full-color, black-and-white night vision in dark environments. Support NIR Auxiliary light (invisible to human eyes) to see the target clearly with an active illumination in a completely lightless environment
3) More Powerful Infrared
Infrared imaging and temperature measurement capabilities are both dramatically improved
The higher thermal resolution of 1K (1280x1024) makes it easier and clearer to search the target in scenarios like patrol, SAR, etc. The temperature measurement range is larger and more accurate, which benefits the powerline inspection, firefighter, SAR, etc.
4) Smarter Multi-scenario Operations
Better image quality on hazy days, backlighting, and dark light;
Enhanced target observation, photo, and video recording capabilities, improving the inspection efficiency of security, powerline, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) How many versions of the Zenmuse H30 series?
There are two versions of the H30 series: H30 and H30T, the "T" version has an additional thermal camera
H30T is powerful enough to offer both day and night vision capabilities.
3) What is the IR Density Filter lens?
The IR Density Filter lens is a mountable accessory for the H30T's IR camera. Once installed, the temperature measurement range of the thermal imaging will be increased, from 0°C to 1600°C, which can be more effective in determining the temperature change and quickly locating the high-temperature point in firefighting scenarios
4) What are the differences between the Zenmuse H30 Series and the H20 Series?
1. Visible light capabilities enhanced:
Supports up to 34x optical zoom and 400x digital zoom
2. Thermal camera capability enhanced:
4 times higher resolution H30T(1280 × 1024) Vs H20T(640×512)
Supports Ultra HD mode for better target searching
The temperature range has been increased 3 times (-20°C to 1600°C).
3. Night vision improved:
Supports the industry's leading night vision capabilities with full-color night vision, black and white night vision, and the near-infrared auxiliary light function for lightless environments
4. The laser rangefinder was increased to 3000 meters
5. Support smart capture, which automatically judges the environment brightness and outputs the optimal photo through the algorithm
6. Supports the electronic dehazing function, which can work well in haze
and high humidity environment
7. Supports video foreground stabilization to enhance the efficiency of powerline inspection and other operations
5) Which drone platforms are suitable for the Zenmuse H30 series? Which gimbal is available for the Zenmuse H30 series?
Compatible with Matrice 350 RTK, and Matrice 300 RTK
Only Compatible with DJI RC Plus for Remote controller
Any gimbal of M300 and M350 is available for the H30 series
6) Does Zenmuse H30 Series support mapping scenarios?
The H30 series is not suitable for professional-level mapping but can be used for non-high accuracy mapping scenarios, with a horizontal accuracy of ≤ 10 cm
Flight parameters to achieve this accuracy: RTK status is normal, flight
altitude is 80 meters, flight speed is 10 m/s, gimbal pitch is -90°, post-processed with DJI Terra, with a horizontal accuracy of 10cm
7) How does the Zenmuse H30 series compare to competitors?
1. Highly integrated, Multi-functional
The H30T integrates 5 sensors, and the capabilities brought by each module are at the leading of the industry. Other manufacturers can not achieve such a variety of capabilities with one unit, some manufacturers have good night vision cameras, but the visible camera is weak, and no laser rangefinder and pinpoint function. Some manufacturers have high-resolution infrared cameras, but the equipment is too heavy, low integration, no visible camera or night vision mode
2. Completed Product Solutions
The highly integrated design allows the M350 with H30T to maximize its
potential of operation flight time, efficiency, and intelligent features. Together with the FH2 platform, the H30 series supports cloud
information sharing, video live streaming, and air-ground cooperation
Here is the main differences between the Zenmuse H30T, H20T and H20N
Modules
H30T
H20T
H20N
Highlights
Wide Camera
Sensor
1/1.3 inches CMOS，
Effective Pixels 48MP
1/2.3 inches CMOS，
Effective Pixels 12MP
1/2.7 inches CMOS，
Effective Pixels 20MP
H30T wide angle camera,
1. With larger sensor size and higher effective pixels;
2. In night scene mode, it supports larger ISO and video frame rate, and the night vision effect is better
Normal：100 to 25600
Night Scene Mode：100 to 409600
Video：100 to 25600
Photo：100 to 25600
Video：100 to 102400
Photo：100 to 102400
Video Resolution
Normal：3840 × 2160@30fps，1920 × 1080@30fps
Night Scene Mode：1920 × 1080@25fps，1920 × 1080@15fps，1920 × 1080@5fps
1920 × 1080@30fps
1920 × 1080@30fps，1920 × 1080@10fps（Night Scene Mode without Enhanced Noise Reduction
1920 × 1080@5fps（Night Scene Mode with Enhanced Noise Reduction）
Max. Photo Size
8064 × 6048，4032 × 3024
4056 × 3040
1920 × 1080
Zoom Camera
Sensor
1/1.8 inches CMOS，
Effective Pixels 40MP
1/1.7 inches CMOS，
Effective Pixels 20MP
1/1.8 inches CMOS，
Effective Pixels 4MP
H30T Zoom camera:
With larger optical and digital zoom ratios
With larger sensor size and higher effective pixels;
In night scene mode, it supports larger ISO and video frame rate, and has better night vision capabilities.
Optical Zoom
34x
23x
20x
Max. Zoom Ability
400x
200x
128x
Lens
DFOV：66.7° to 2.9°
Focal Length：7.1 mm to 172 mm（Effective：33.4 mm to 809.3 mm）
Aperture：f/1.6 to f/5.2
Focus Distance：5m to ∞
DFOV：66.6° to 4°
Focal Length：6.83 mm to 119.94 mm（Effective：31.7 mm to 556.2 mm）
Aperture：f/2.8 to f/11（Normal），f/1.6 to f/11（Night Scene）
Focus Distance：8m to ∞（zoom）
DFOV：67° to 4.3°
Focal Length：6.8 mm to 119.9 mm（Effective：32.7 mm to 574.5 mm）
Aperture：f/1.6 to f/11
Focus Distance：8m to ∞（zoom）
ISO Range
Normal：100 to 25600
Night Scene Mode：100 to 819200
Video：100 to 25600
Photo：100 to 25600
Video：100 to 102400
Photo：100 to 102400
Video Resolution
Normal：3840 × 2160@30fps，1920 × 1080@30fps
Night Scene Mode：1920 × 1080@25fps，1920 × 1080@15fps，1920 × 1080@5fps
3840 × 2160@30fps
1920 × 1080@30fps
Normal：2688 × 1512@30fps，1920 × 1080@30fps，
Night Scene Mode：1920 × 1080@10fps，
1920 × 1080@5fps
Max. Photo Size
7328 × 5496，3664 × 2748
5184 × 3888
2688 × 1512
NIR Auxiliary
Auxiliary Light
Yes
/
/
Recording
Encoding and Bitrate
H.265、H.264 VBR、CBR
H.264
CBR
H.264
CBR
H30T supports richer encoding and recording formats
Modules
H30T
H20T
H20N
Highlights
LRF
Range
3m to 3000m
3m to 1200m
3m to 1200m
H30T has a better LRF sensor：
It is 2.5 times higher than the previous generation and has a longer measurement distance
Target positioning has higher positioning accuracy
Are you interested in advancing your drone technology skills? Drones for Hire provides the DJI T50 Type Rating Certification, designed for current Multi Rotor RePL holders. With this certification, you gain the ability to operate your personal T50 drone on your property. If you plan to extend your flying activities to other properties, consider obtaining an additional ReOC license in conjunction with your type rating certification.
Pricing
Here is the pricing for Type ratings (for T30/T40/T50) in a single booking/day. It's possible to do up to 3 people in one day.
1 person – 889.0
2 person – 1389.0
3 person – 1689.0
Pricing is inc GST
The travel fee is $68c per km and can be calculated when we match your location to the nearest Type Rating Instructors location.
FAQs’
Q1: Does my T40 type rating apply for the T50 as well?
A1: No, type ratings are specific to the drone you got it for. However it does make the process faster and easier for you if you have the T40 type rating given the similarities between the drones.
Q1: Can I fly my T50 drone anywhere with the type rating?
A1: The DJI T50 type rating certification allows you to operate your T50 drone on your property. However, if you intend to fly on other properties, you may need to obtain an additional ReOC license.
Q2: Can I fly any large drone with the T50 type rating?
A2: No, the T50 type rating is specific to the DJI T50 drone and does not grant permission to operate drones over RePL standards. Different certifications or licenses are required for larger drones.
Q3: How long does it take to complete the type rating certification?
A3: The duration to complete the DJI T50 type rating certification varies based on prior experience. If you are familiar with DJI products, such as the T40, the endorsement can take just a few hours. However, for those less experienced, it typically involves training courses and assessments, spanning several days to weeks.
Q4: What are the prerequisites?
A4: To obtain the DJI T50 type rating certification, you typically need to hold a Multi Rotor RePL (Remote Pilot License) and fulfill any additional qualifications specified by relevant authorities.
Q5: How much does it cost?
A5: The cost of obtaining the DJI T50 type rating certification varies and is listed above, however, If you get it with a T50 drone get $300 off your purchase.
Q6: Does it expire?
A6: The DJI T50 type rating certification does not expire.
Q7: What should I expect during the training?
A7: During DJI T50 Type Rating Certification training, you can expect to learn the following:
- Comprehensive instruction on the operation of the DJI T50 drone.
- Training on the maintenance and care of the drone.
- Practical hands-on experience in flying the DJI T50.
- Guidance on safety protocols and regulations.
- Evaluation through assessments or exams to ensure competency.
The below info relates to spray drones that are more than 25kg when filled with liquid (e.g. DJI T30), and used on your own property (different rules apply if you are spraying other people’s properties as a commercial business).
No licence is needed for lighter-weight spray drones
If your spray drone is rated to under 25kg such as the DJI T10 being 24.8 kg, and you are only using it on your own property, you can skip steps 3 and 4 below - you do not need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) or Flight test.
1. Get an ARN
Get an Aviation Reference Number (ARN) from CASA. It’s like a passport number for pilots and drone pilots. Start the process on this CASA webpage
No fee and easy process. Note if you are a manned aircraft pilot (e.g. have a helicopter or crop duster on your property) you will already have an ARN.
2. Get a regular 0-7kg RePL (the most common 'standard' drone licence)
It is normally sold as 5 days – 4 days learning online from home and 1 day (with the other students ) doing the flying test and theory test at a park / open space.
Approx. $1,300.0 - 1,800.0 (depending on the training company).
You can just fly a small drone such as a Mini 3, Air 2S or Phantom 4 as training for, and during the course. If you don't have one, some training companies offer to supply one for the day as part of the course fee. But note you will need to practice beforehand so best to borrow one or buy one before your course
Attention PPL, CLP or ATPL holders
There are reduced requirements for holders of a crewed aircraft licence PPL, CLP or ATPL (fixed wing or Helicopter) to gain an REPL:
do a learning module that addresses Multi Rotor theory,
write a short 20* question exam on multirotors,
do a short practical flight assessment (multirotor)
demonstrate that you have 5* multirotor flight time hours (log book)
All the above is typically done in less than a full day and you will receive some light material beforehand to study. Doing an AROC is usually not required as you would have had that covered already.
3. Take delivery of your spray drone and register it with CASA
After you take delivery, register your spray drone with CASA, here is the myCASA page to register your drone.
$40.0 and valid for 12 months. 1 min video showing how to do it.
After you have your REPL done, and have booked in and paid for your flight test, you can start flying your spray drone on your own property in order to build up some flying hours as training for the flight test. You should ask CASA about this beforehand ( [email protected] ).
4. Get a Type Rating for your T50/T40
This Type Rating means you are now approved / rated to fly a particular aircraft - in this case the T50/T40.
This involves a CASA inspector or approved person observing you flying your spray drone and checking that you are able to fly it safely. You will need to have your REPL completed first. Type Ratings generally cost around $900.0-1400.0 depending on your location and the supplier.
Chemicals licence/s
Note, you should also consider what chemicals licences you may need. These licences are nothing to do with CASA and requirements vary for each state. For example in NSW it is the EPA. Please check out this article for full details.
DJI T100 Clear for Takeoff
CASA has approved the T100 for operation in Australia under the Medium category, just like the T50 and other spray drones. The liquid tank holds up to 100 L and the spreader handles 100 kg. There are no built-in take-off limits or system restrictions in the drone or software. You’ll only see a brief notice on the remote screen if you exceed the MTOW, which disappears automatically. To stay within CASA’s operating guidelines, keep total load to 75 L or kg.
