Drones are changing how farmers work. From checking crops to spraying fields, these flying tools save time, cut costs and help make better decisions. But with great tech comes great responsibility. If you’re using agricultural drones in Australia, you must know the rules. This article breaks down the legal side of things, what’s happening now and what might come next.
Understanding CASA Rules for Agricultural Drone Use
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the top body when it comes to drone use in Australia. If you want to fly drones on your farm, you need to follow their rules. These apply no matter how small or large your drone is.
For drones over 2kg used for work, you need to either:
- Get a Remote Operator’s Certificate (ReOC), or
- Fly under the “excluded category” if your drone is between 2–25kg and only used over your own land
To fly legally, you must also have a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL). This shows you’ve had the training and passed CASA’s rules.
If you’re using drones for jobs like aerial spraying, the rules are even tighter. You need special permission and safety plans. These aren’t just red tape—they’re about protecting people, animals and crops from mistakes.
Make sure your drone stays within visual line of sight (VLOS), doesn’t go over 120 metres and stays 30 metres away from people. If your drone hits someone or something, you’re liable. That’s why having a plan—and the right papers—is vital.
Read a guide to integrating drones in your farming operations to make sure you’re set up for success.
Privacy and Data Ownership on the Farm
Drones can gather heaps of data. That’s great for farming—but tricky for privacy. Farmers use drones to take photos, map land, and check crops. This data can show everything from soil health to fence damage. But who owns that data?
Under Australian privacy laws, if you collect personal data, you must handle it the right way. That means:
- Tell people if drones might capture images of them
- Store images and files safely
- Only share data with people who need it
Here’s where things get sticky. Some drone apps store your data on their own servers. If that server is overseas, different privacy laws apply. You might not have full control over your own farm’s info.
Before you use any drone software, read the fine print. Make sure the data stays yours. That way, you stay on the right side of the law—and keep your competitive edge.
For new users, what every beginner should know before using drones will help you get started smart.
Insurance: What It Covers and Why It Matters
If your drone crashes, hurts someone or damages property, the costs can be huge. That’s where drone insurance comes in. But not all policies are the same.
Good drone insurance should cover:
- Third-party damage or injury
- Loss or damage to your drone
- Business disruption if a crash delays work
- Special coverage for tasks like crop spraying
Let’s say your drone drops during a pesticide run and damages a neighbour’s field. Without insurance, you’re liable for cleanup and crop loss. With insurance, you’re protected.
Also check if your insurer supports remote operations. Some only cover basic flights. If you’re mapping paddocks or doing chemical work, let them know.
Drone crashes don’t just cost money—they can ruin trust. Get covered so your farm runs safe and smooth.
Licences for Spraying and Spreading
When drones are used for chemical jobs—like fertiliser spreading or weed control—extra licences are needed. These depend on the state you’re in.
For example:
- In Victoria, you need an Agricultural Chemical User Permit (ACUP)
- In Queensland, the Department of Agriculture requires an Aerial Distribution Licence
- NSW needs a pilot to be licensed under its Pesticide Act
Each state has different needs, but they all focus on one thing: safety. Chemicals in the air can drift. With the wrong winds, they can harm nearby crops or animals. That’s why training and weather checks matter.
Many drones also need calibration to ensure even spraying. If the drone applies too much or too little, it can cause waste or harm the soil. So, knowing how to fly isn’t enough. You must know your product, your land and your legal limits.
No-Fly Zones and Restricted Airspace
Even if you’re in the bush, there might be places your drone can’t go. Airports, heliports, military bases and national parks are often off-limits or need special permission.
CASA has an app—”OpenSky”—to check flight zones. Use it before every take-off. Ignoring no-fly rules can get you fined or grounded.
Also, keep an eye out for temporary no-fly notices. These come up around fire zones, floods or events. Say there’s a bushfire nearby, and you send up your drone. You could block rescue helicopters from doing their job. That’s not just illegal—it’s dangerous.
Using tools like geofencing and real-time maps keeps your drone—and you—on the right path.
Record Keeping and Compliance Tracking
In commercial drone work, record keeping isn’t optional. CASA and other bodies can audit your logs. So, keep good notes on:
- Flight times and locations
- Pilot info
- Drone ID and maintenance logs
- Payload and chemicals used
- Weather conditions
This isn’t just about passing checks. Good records help you track performance, spot issues early and stay efficient.
There are apps to automate this process. Some even connect with your drone to record flights in real time. This saves hours and cuts the risk of human error.
If something goes wrong, clear logs show you followed the rules. That can help in court or with insurance claims.
Future Legal Trends in Agri-Drone Tech
Drone laws are catching up with the tech. Right now, most rules focus on safety and privacy. But the future will bring more layers.
Here’s what’s coming:
- AI and automation rules: When drones fly themselves, who’s responsible if something goes wrong?
- Drone swarms: Using multiple drones at once could need new permits
- BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight): CASA is testing this now. If approved, it could change how big farms work
- Environmental laws: Drone use may affect local wildlife. New laws may protect birds and native species
Governments want to support innovation but keep the skies safe. Expect more guidance—and more paperwork.
Keeping up with how drone tech is transforming agriculture in Australia can help you stay ahead of the curve.
Case Study: A Drone Pioneer in Gippsland
Mark runs a dairy and cropping farm near Warragul. Three years ago, he bought a drone for checking irrigation. Now, he uses it for mapping, monitoring pests and spraying herbicides.
To go legal, he:
- Got an RePL and ReOC
- Applied for an ACUP to handle chemicals
- Set up a record log system and weather-check process
He also hired a drone consultant to help plan air routes. Since going full drone, he cut field check times by 80% and crop losses dropped 10%.
But it wasn’t smooth sailing. His first drone app sent data overseas. He had to switch platforms to keep control. Mark also found his insurer wouldn’t cover crop spraying until he added a special rider.
His advice? “Do the homework. The drone’s the easy part. It’s the paperwork that makes or breaks it.”
Penalties for Illegal Drone Use
Flying without the right licence or in banned areas can lead to:
- Fines up to $11,100
- Drone seizure
- Insurance refusal
- Legal action if someone gets hurt
In 2023, over 200 complaints were made to CASA about farm drones flying too high or too close to roads. Some operators thought their land gave them full air rights. That’s not true. Airspace laws sit above land rights.
If you’re caught, CASA doesn’t just warn you—they can ban you from flying.
The fix? Know the rules, follow them and update your permits every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Do I need a licence to fly a drone on my own farm?
Yes, if your drone is over 2kg and used for work, you need at least an RePL. If you stay under 25kg and fly only on your own land, you might qualify under the “excluded category,” but must still notify CASA before you start.
2) What happens if my drone crashes into someone else’s property?
You are legally liable. If damage or injury occurs, you may have to pay for repairs or medical costs. That’s why third-party liability insurance is a must. Even if it’s an accident, you are responsible.
3) Can I fly at night or during bad weather?
No, standard rules say you must fly during daylight and in good weather. Flying at night or in fog is only allowed with CASA’s special approval. Visibility is key. If you can’t see the drone, you’re breaking the law.
4) Are there any drone laws for spraying crops with chemicals?
Yes, and they vary by state. You must hold chemical handling permits and follow safety rules about drift, distance, and timing. CASA also needs to approve drones used for aerial application.
5) How do I know if I’m flying in a restricted zone?
Use the CASA “OpenSky” or “Can I Fly There?” app. Enter your location and it will show restrictions. You must check this before every flight—even if you’ve flown there before.
Take the Lead With Confidence
Using drones on farms isn’t just a smart move—it’s the future. But staying legal is what turns a tool into a real asset. The law is there to protect you, your neighbours and your farm’s reputation. If you stay informed and compliant, the sky’s the limit.
If you’re ready to bring smart, legal tech into your paddocks, visit Precision Ag Services. Your next big upgrade is already flying.
Please fill out our enquiry form for more information or to make a booking.
