With the use of drones increasing as an important adjunct to farm management, more people are enrolling in an accredited course from which they will qualify to operate drones in a professional manner.
One accredited course was recently conducted in Wagga Wagga and the students included two agricultural science students on the point of graduating from Charles Sturt University and Australian Defence Force (ADF) Veterans from a local veterans network.
It was run by The Institute of Drone Technology and the qualification the students will receive is a CASA issued Remote Pilots Licence (RePL).
Course facilitator, Peak Hill-based StevTech, director Tristan Steventon said this licence allows them to conduct commercial drone operations as part of StevTech which holds a Remote Operations Certificate.
“CASA issues accreditation that authorises StevTech to operate as a drone business, and once qualified, the students will be offered the opportunity for work with StevTech Pty Ltd in the emerging agricultural drone services market,” Mr Steventon said.
“From my perspective, as a former Army Officer I know that former military people represent an incredible source of human capital.
“They possess high levels of self discipline and fortitude and are used to producing accurate results efficiently.”
Mr Steventon said those with military experience know how to work within, and support a business vision and they can be trusted to act ethically and proactively to drive business efficiency.
Pete Jackson has a background in aviation with five years in the Australian Airforce as a baggage handler and aircraft refueler.
“I’ve always been fascinated with anything that flies and if I can make a career out of something that I enjoy doing all the better,” Mr Jackson said.
Enrolling in the Wagga Wagga course has broadened his knowledge of the functions behind the safe operation of drones.
“Hopefully I can use this knowledge to put it into a career and further my interest in the commercial use of drones.”
He is also keen to involve students with an academic training in agricultural because they have great futures ahead of them in the agricultural industry.
“These guys either have, or are soon have agricultural science degrees and I would love for them to stay with StevTech for as long as possible,” he said.
“Even if they do not, the skills and expertise they will gain from working with StevTech and the cutting edge agronomists that are using our services, will stand them in good stead for where the agricultural industry is heading.”
Amy Perry has just completed her agricultural science degree after study at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga and is interested in pursuing an agronomic career.
“I grew up on a farm near Mathoura and have always been interested in agriculture for a career particularly in agronomy,” she said.
“I think the use of drones is becoming more prevalent in agriculture and I would like to know how they are going to use that technology.”
Ms Perry thought participating in the course will give her more options as she pursues her preferred career.
“I have done some work experience with agronomists and they are using drones and having a licence will be valuable.”
Over the next few months StevTech will be delivering precision agricultural services primarily to cotton agronomists and cotton growers to allow them to quickly, accurately and precisely apply PIX and at the end of the season defoliants at a variable rate.
“The students that are successful from this course will get further training in different type of drones, but most importantly, how to turn the data they collect into actionable proscription maps based on the agronomic advice of the agronomist being serviced,” Mr Steventon said.