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Drones are transforming the agricultural industry by improving efficiency and reducing costs through aerial spraying, crop monitoring, and livestock management. However, it’s essential to comply with CASA regulations when operating drones in farming or commercial settings. Below is a guide to the current rules and requirements.

Weight Categories & Basic Requirements

≤250 g (Micro) / >250 g to ≤2 kg (Very Small)

• Operator Accreditation if operating commercially (free, valid 3 years).
  
  

• Drone Registration: (Free for drones ≤500 g, valid for 1 year).
  
  

• Operating Conditions: Must follow Standard Operating Conditions (SOC) at all times.
  
  

>2 kg to ≤25 kg (Small)

Own Land (Landowner/ Private Landholder Excluded Category):

• Operator Accreditation if operating commercially (free, valid 3 years).
  
  

• Drone Registration (1-year validity).
  
  

• Keep operational records.
  
  

• Cannot accept payment for services.
  
  

Commercial / Any Land:

• RePL required for the type/class of RPA.
  
  

• Must operate under a ReOC (or under another operator’s ReOC).
  
  

• Drone Registration (1-year validity).
  
  

• Maintain operational records.
  
  

• Compliance with SOC unless CASA approval is granted for EVLOS, BVLOS, spraying, or swarm operations.
  
  

>25 kg to ≤150 kg (Medium)

For drones over 25 kg, even if operating over your own land, CASA requires:

• RePL with a Type Endorsement for the specific machine (e.g. T50 Type rating).
  
  

• Drone Registration (1-year validity).
  
  

• Keep operational records.
  
  

• Cannot accept payment for services under excluded category.
  
  

Complex Operations (Require CASA Approvals)

Extended Visual Line-of-Sight (EVLOS)

• RePL + ReOC or operate under a ReOC holder.
  
  

• EVLOS procedures in your operations manual (CASA template available).
  
  

• CASA approval required.
  
  

• IREX no longer required for EVLOS.
  
  

Beyond Visual Line-of-Sight (BVLOS)

• RePL + ReOC or operate under a ReOC holder.
  
  

• Pass IREX (or operate under supervising RePL with IREX).
  
  

• CASA approval required.
  
  

• Note: CASA is developing a new BVLOS exam to replace IREX in future.
  
  

Swarm Operations (Multiple Drones)

• RePL + ReOC or operate under a ReOC holder.
  
  

• CASA approval required.
  
  

Spraying Operations

• Own land: No CASA approval required if operating one drone only.
  
  

• Commercial spraying: Requires CASA approvals under ReOC and compliance with local chemical regulations.
  
  

• Check state or territory laws for chemical rating licences, Chemicals License Requirement.

Drones For Hire offers RePL training, ReOC application assistance, and type endorsement courses for agricultural drones such as the DJI T50. We also provide consulting for EVLOS, BVLOS, and swarm approvals.

Contact us today to get started:
Phone: 1300 029 829 | Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer This article provides general information only and does not replace CASA regulations or legal advice. Always refer to the latest CASA legislation and guidance before conducting any drone operations. For official information, visit casa.gov.au.

Note: work suggested below needs to be performed by an electrician.

Fastest charging – use C12,000 charger (3-phase only)

Setup: C12,000 charger connected to a 3-phase min. 16kva genset (petrol or diesel). 

This Hyundai 18 Kva - 3 phases generator is recommended.

Cable setup: merge the 2x black leads that come out of the charger into 1x 32amp 3-phase plug (large round orange one), to go into the corresponding socket on the genset.


2nd Fastest charging – C10,000 charger

Setup - choose either:

a min 15kva single-phase genset (inverter pure sine wave if petrol)
or,
3-phase min 14kva genset (inverter pure sine wave if petrol)

This Hyundai 18 Kva - single phase generator is recommended.

Single-phase cable setup:
Take the 2x black leads that come out of the C10,000 charger, add a 32amp single phase plug to the end of each cable, and a  32amp single phase socket at the genset.  pics below

Merge the 2x black leads that cone out of the charger into 1x 32amp single-phase plug (large round orange one), to go into corresponding 32amp single-phase socket on genset.  

You now have two options when renting a drone from us:

1. Pay a refundable 80% security deposit, which is returned after the rental.

2. OR choose short-term hull insurance (via Precision Autonomy).

Submit a hull insurance application via this link! 

If you choose the insurance option:

1. The policy must include hull coverage and list DFH as an Interested Party

2. You’ll need to provide a Certificate of Currency before dispatch.

3. The insurance premium is non-refundable, but frees up your capital.

What is Hull Insurance?

Hull insurance is a type of insurance coverage that protects the property (eg. drone) itself from damage or loss. It means that if the rental unit is accidentally damaged, lost, or stolen during your rental, the insurance can cover repair or replacement costs. It is a great way to financially protect both parties during the rental period.

The optional short-term hull insurance on the rented units is through Precision Autonomy Insurance (PAI). Precision Autonomy provides drone coverage and offers policies that include hull coverage. This will effectively cover the value of the drone during your rental period, and allow us to waive the standard security deposit requirement. This trade-off is attractive for high-value rentals, it frees up your capital rather than locking up with the safety deposit.

PAI will require you to pay for an insurance premium on the order of only a few hundred dollars (exact figures depend on PAI’s rates and your coverage needs). When you go through PAI’s application, you can tailor the coverage to the drone and equipment you’re renting. You will purchase an insurance policy (or add a rider to an existing policy) that insures the rented drone for the duration of your hire. We will then require proof that the insurance is in place (a certificate of currency will be provided by PAI once it has been paid for).

1. Keep in mind that the insurance premium is non-refundable (it’s the cost of coverage). 

2. DFH must be noted as an interested party on the policy (meaning the insurer acknowledges DFH’s interest in the equipment). 

How to Apply for Hull Insurance (Step-by-Step)

1. Request the Hull Insurance Option: When you submit your rental inquiry or booking with us, let us know that you’d prefer to use hull insurance instead of paying the security deposit.

2. Get a Rental Quote & Info for Insurance: We will provide you with a rental quote as usual, this includes the rental unit cost and shipping fee. We’ll also give you any information you need. This includes:

1. The registration number of the drone (will be confirmed at a later stage along with the proforma invoice, to continue with getting a quote from PAI, simply put in “TBA” in the Regi

2. stration/ Serial number section).

3. The manufacturer, drone model and model year.

4. Agreed value (for how much it needs to be insured).

5. The rental duration/dates.The name of the interested party to list (DFH’s details).

3. Get a Proforma & finalizing the Insurance policy: Once you confirm proceeding with the hire,let us know and we will send over a proforma invoice. This will include the drone SN for you to finalize the insurance policy (and payment) with PAI. 

4. Purchase Hull Insurance via PAI: You will then need to arrange a hull insurance policy for the drone directly with Precision Autonomy. You will need to go to their website for an online quote in minutes → https://login.precision-autonomy.com/landing/dronesforhire

Precision Autonomy will send you a quote for the insurance premium. If you’re happy with the coverage and cost, you can purchase the policy with them. (PAI will also provide the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination during this process for you to review, as required by law). Once payment is made, the coverage is active for the specified dates.

Remember to let them know that DFH must be noted as an interested party on the policy (meaning the insurer acknowledges DFH’s interest in the equipment).

5. Provide Proof of Insurance to DFH: After purchasing, Precision Autonomy will issue you a Certificate of Currency as proof of the drone’s coverage. Make sure this certificate lists Drones For Hire as an interested party (simply request from them when asking for a quote). 

Send this certificate back to us, together with your ReOC, RePL (if applicable to your job type), signed rental agreement

Our team will verify that the policy is adequate. With that confirmed, you’re all set! 

You can then proceed to pay only the rental fee (since the deposit is waived) and we will dispatch the equipment to you as scheduled.

Rental requirements (DFH)

1. A valid Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and Remote Operator's Certificate (ReOC) - depending on your job type.

2. Hull Insurance listing all asset serial numbers and including DFH as an interested party.

3. Covers the full agreed replacement value of the drone and payloads.

4. Fully paid quote.

Important:

1. The insurance premium is non-refundable, while a deposit is returned if all goes well. For short or lower-value rentals, a deposit might be more cost-effective. But for high-value drones or longer hires, insurance often offers better value and peace of mind. 

2. PAI’s hull insurance covers the drone itself but doesn’t include third-party liability. If your job requires liability coverage (e.g. $20M public liability for commercial work), PAI can bundle this too. DFH’s deposit policy never covered liability.

Important Notes & Disclaimer

No Financial Advice: Drones For Hire is not providing financial or insurance advice in offering this option. We are making it available for your convenience, but whether you choose to use hull insurance (and which policy) is entirely your decision. We encourage you to read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any other documentation provided by Precision Autonomy to understand the policy terms, conditions, and suitability for your needs. If you have questions about what the insurance covers or requires, it’s best to consult PAI or a licensed insurance advisor. DFH staff can guide you through the process administratively (e.g., what information you need to provide to get coverage), but we cannot advise you on insurance matters like coverage levels or whether it’s the right choice for you.

Referral to Precision Autonomy: When you opt for hull insurance, you’ll be dealing directly with Precision Autonomy Insurance (or their platform DroneInsure). DFH’s role is simply to facilitate the introduction. Any insurance contract is between you and PAI, not with DFH. Our primary goal is to help you access a reliable insurance solution; any commission is a standard industry practice and does not affect our impartiality in presenting this option.

Compliance and Eligibility: The hull insurance option is available to most renters, but there may be certain eligibility criteria or conditions. For example, PAI may require that the drone is operated by a properly licensed individual (e.g., a RePL – Remote Pilot Licence – if required for the operation, or under a company with a ReOC – Remote Operator’s Certificate for commercial use). This is to ensure the risk is managed and legal requirements are met. DFH will likely ask you for proof of any necessary certifications during the rental setup (as we normally do for certain rentals). Make sure to provide accurate information to PAI about who will operate the drone and for what purpose, so that the insurance coverage is valid. Additionally, note that insurance will not cover reckless or illegal acts, so all standard DFH rental terms and operating guidelines still apply when you choose the insurance route.

In conclusion, DFH’s optional hull insurance program (through PAI) is here to give you more flexibility and confidence when renting drones. We’re excited to offer this alternative to the hefty deposit, and we believe it will make renting high-end drones more accessible to many of our clients. If you’re interested in using this option or want to learn more, please contact us and we’ll happily walk you through it. And if you prefer the traditional deposit method, that’s absolutely fine, it remains available. Our aim is simply to provide the best rental experience for you, with choices that suit your needs.

Purpose and Use Case

DJI T100:
Designed for large, open, and relatively flat properties (300+ ha), the T100 excels in broadacre operations. Its size, speed, and liquid capacity make it ideal for covering long, uninterrupted runs with minimal obstacles like trees or steep hills.

DJI T50:
While the T50 is also suitable for broadacre work, it's more compact and agile-making it better suited to mixed terrain including hills, paddock edges, and tighter spaces. Though it covers less ground per hour than the T100, its versatility is a strength.

Productivity and Performance
T50:
- Already available and field-proven.
- June sale pricing: $27,500 ex GST for the 3-battery bundle.
- Two T50s can cover up to 26 ha/hour combined (13 ha/hour each at 25 L/ha application rate).
- Flow rate: 24 L/min.
- Tank capacity: 40 L.
- Cruise speed: ~28 kph.

T100 (estimated):
- Not yet released; real-world performance still to be confirmed.
- Estimated coverage: ~21 ha/hour at 25 L/ha.
- Flow rate: up to 40 L/min.
- Tank capacity: 75 L.
- Likely spray speed: ~38 kph.

In theory, the T100 could be ~1.5x more productive than a single T50. However, it's still slightly less productive than two T50s combined-though simpler logistically, with just one aircraft to manage and fewer battery swaps.

Labour and Logistics
2x T50s:
- Requires 2 operators.
- More equipment to manage.
- Greater trailer space and more setup time.
- Can operate side-by-side or in different paddocks simultaneously.

T100:
- Operable by a single person.
- Bulkier, but designed to be disassembled for easier transport.
- Easier to manage day-to-day from a staffing perspective.

Reliability and Maturity
T50:
- Well-tested and reliable in Australian conditions.
- A known issue with some battery batches has now been resolved.

T100:
- Brand new platform.
- As with most new tech, expect some initial firmware issues.
- DJI generally responds quickly with updates.

Cost Comparison and ROI
Option A: Two T50s
- 2x T50 kits (3 batteries each): $55,000 ex GST
- 2x Spreaders: $4,000
- 24 kVA generator required
- Total: ~$59,000 ex GST

Option B: One T100
- T100 kit (3 batteries): ~$44,000 ex GST (expected)
- 1x Spreader: $2,000
- 16 kVA 3-phase generator required
- Total: ~$46,000 ex GST

Additional Considerations:
- The T100 will likely hold its value longer due to newer tech.
- T50s are eligible for the instant asset write-off before June 30.
- With two drones, you gain operational redundancy and more flexibility.

Final Thoughts
If you need a solution right now that is proven, versatile, and cost-effective-two T50s are a smart move, especially while EOFY deals and tax incentives are active.

If your primary goal is broadacre efficiency with simpler logistics and you're comfortable waiting (and taking a chance on a new platform), the T100 may be worth holding out for.

We hope these insights help with your decision. For tailored advice, contact the DronesForHire.com.au team on 1300 029 829 or [email protected]

Spec Comparison

Charging and Battery Comparison

View T100 bundles for sale - with option to reserve a kit from our first shipment

View 30 min first impressions video below

For broadacre work, we speculate (we don’t have our first unit yet as at the time of writing – 15/7/25), that the DJI T100 will cover up to 26 ha of crops like cotton per hour  (at 20L per ha application rate (one drone).

For spot spraying, compared to a quick spray, you should expect to be roughly 3x as efficient and be using 20%-60% less chemical to get the same kill rate (spray drones are famous for their efficacy because they have the advantage of their big rotors pushing droplets  down, and circulating them throughout the target.

If you are an existing spray drone operator , operating a T50 or T40, you may perceive the T100 as a very big machine, designed just for large broadacre properties – this is not necessarily the case – the T100 has a new lidar sensory system which will enable it to much more confidently move around tricky country – steep, rocky sections, gullies, trees surprisingly well for a relatively big fella! This lidar system will also, in some cases,  negate the need to pre map the operating area  – because the aircraft is more capable of sensing its surrounding environment on the fly and making more confident (less hesitation ) manoeuvres as a result.

Let’s say you’re doing 500 ha a day with your SP sprayer. You might only need 2x or at most 3x T00 drones to do the same, but it’s important to note an SP sprayer costs about 20x as much ($800k or more), requires a lot more maintenance, and can’t operate on soft (wet) ground. So whilst a T100 is not an SP sprayer, it punches way above its weight considering its size, cost, and versatility. Not to mention its modular design, uncomplicated maintenance program, low cost of parts, no diesel expense, and much more efficient use of inputs.

Keep in mind, operating one or more spray drones requires battery changes and liquid/granular refills as a steady workflow as you’re going. You’re not sitting in the cab of an SP sprayer – rather,  your running an ag drone pit crew!

View T100 bundles for sale - with option to reserve a kit from our first shipment

View 30 min first impressions video below

DJI holds a dominant position in the drone market, especially within the agricultural sector where it commands a global market share of approximately 30-34% of agricultural drone revenue. This dominance extends to the overall civil drone market, with an impressive 70-90% share. By the end of 2024, DJI is projected to have deployed around 400,000 agricultural drones globally. The company's agricultural division alone generates an estimated US$1.2-1.5 billion annually in revenue. DJI is a privately held company with substantial funding, reporting $3.8 billion in revenue in 2021 and employing around 14,000 people. Its global reach is extensive, operating in over 100 countries with a strong presence across Asia, North America, Europe, and Latin America, providing robust support and service to its vast customer base.

View T100 bundles for sale - with option to reserve a kit from our first shipment

View 30 min first impressions video below

View T100 bundles for sale - with option to reserve a kit from our first shipment

View 30 min first impressions video below

As of 17/7/25, official pricing for Australia is $40,900.0 for the standard 3-battery kit. With the spreader adding $2735.0.  Figures are ex GST.

The T100 will be released to the market / available to purchase in the Australian market in August 2025.

Drones For Hire , as the leading ag. dealer and ag. service center, will be amongst the first in the country to receive stock and begin demonstrations nationwide.

View T100 bundles for sale - with option to reserve a kit from our first shipment

View 30 min first impressions video below