About this course

This course is currently being updated for 2027. Contact us for the latest information on when new enrolments will open.
Use drones to make better decisions on your farm

Designed by farmers for farmers, this hands-on course will show you how drones can be used to collect useful information and data on your farm.

You’ll learn how to safely operate a drone and use the data you collect to support better farm management decisions, including fertiliser application, sowing, crop and weed management, and monitoring farm water systems.

You’ll learn how to:

  • safely and efficiently operate a drone in an agricultural setting
  • understand the Australian laws that apply to using drones for private purposes
  • plan and prepare for safe drone operations
  • collect and process drone data for agricultural use
  • use drone data to help create crop planting maps and precision fertiliser programs.

Whether you're new to drones or want to build your confidence and skills, this course will help you understand how drone technology can provide practical benefits on your farm.

Is this course right for me?

Before registering, check that this course suits you. You’ll need to be 16 or older and be comfortable working outdoors.The course involves basic physical tasks, including standing, walking short distances and safely handling a drone. You’ll also need access to a smartphone or computer to complete the online pre-course work.If you’re interested in using drone technology to collect information and improve decision-making on your farm, click on the register now button.

At a glance:

Location: Statewide
Course duration: 1 day face-to-face with pre-course online work
Start date: New course starting 2027

Details

  • How to control your drone – get it to return home
  • Setup, procedures and safety checks
  • Basic maintenance and repair
  • Overviews of available drones on the market
  • Australian laws related to the use of RPA’s for private use
  • Collecting and managing aerial images

TBA for 2027

For more information contact a skills training coordinator in your area here

This course explores the opportunities drones provide in farming operations by working through 4 steps.

Step 1. Identify the farm area or mapping project

Listing the details of the farm, airspace and requirements will help shape where we can use agricultural drones and which airframe may best suit to cover the area required.

In January 2021 new regulations were introduced around the use of Remote Aircraft on farms. This course addresses the additional requirements along with providing the knowledge to complete the CASA accreditation and registration.

Step 2. Preparation

Using drones in your operation is like any other specialised equipment, preparation is key!

Preparation will cover your hardware, battery or fuel systems, ancillary equipment such as sensors or spreaders and finally air maps to help us plan the airspace we wish to operate in.

Step 3. Operation

At the face-to-face workshop you will have hands-on sessions where you will build skills in a range of equipment setups, prestart checks, fundamental flight drills, refuelling procedures, automated operation, and data retrieval

Step 4. Shutdowns and maintenance

Full shut down and maintenance requirements to ensure safe operations and ensure that your equipment is packed away for safe transit and be ready the next time you require it.

This course is a blend of online and face-to-face training.

  • Pre-workshop online component (reading and video, short quizzes and assessment)
  • 1 full day practical workshop

    • Participants must:

    • Be 16 years of age or older.
    • Have the physical capability for outdoor practical work, including standing, walking short distances, and safely handling drone equipment.
    • Have access to a smartphone or computer with internet access to complete required online pre-course work prior to attending the workshop.
    • Be comfortable working in outdoor farm environments.

    Language, Literacy, Numeracy, and Digital Capability Requirements

    To complete this course successfully, participants will need:

    • Reading: Interpreting Australian aviation regulations, manufacturer operating manuals, and farm mapping data.
    • Writing: Completing basic flight logs, pre-flight safety checklists, and risk assessments.
    • Numeracy: Performing basic calculations for flight planning, battery life management, area coverage, and precision application rates (e.g., fertilizer/sowing metrics).
    • Oral Communication & Hearing: Communicating clearly with instructors and team members during practical outdoor operations, maintaining situational awareness, and responding to verbal safety directions.
    • Digital Literacy: Basic computer or smartphone skills to access online pre-course learning, transfer flight data, and operate mapping software.

    This course is mapped to the following national units of competency:

    TBA



    Additional Information

    For information on students rights and responsibilities, and the Tocal College Code of Practice see Industry qualification student policies.