Agricultural drone pilot courses provide the necessary training and qualifications to use unmanned vehicles in the field.
You drones are gaining increasing traction in agricultural fields. These so-called unmanned aerial vehicles allow producers to, among other tasks, map crop areas, monitor pest and disease incidence, and apply fertilizers, pesticides, and biological agents. The advancement in the use of these equipment is increasing the demand for qualified professionals with high-paying prospects: agricultural drone pilots.
Flying an agricultural drone involves much more than knowing how to turn on the device and operate the remote control. Flying over crops requires qualifications. There are different types of devices, and some activities require specific authorizations. Currently, there are several drone pilot courses agricultural. Learn what it takes to qualify and become a professional in the sector.
Drone classes
Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) are divided into three classes, according to the maximum takeoff weight, which takes into account battery or fuel and any cargo carried.
Class 1
Vehicles weighing more than 150 kilos, most commonly used by security and military services.
Class 2
Vehicles weighing between 25 kilos and 150 kilos, commonly used in agricultural spraying.
Class 3
Vehicles weighing up to 25 kilos, used in agricultural mapping and monitoring.
Requirements for flying Class 3 drones
Class 3 drones, for agricultural mapping and monitoring, must be piloted by individuals over 18 years of age who have received pilot training. Experts also recommend prior agricultural knowledge.
"Interested applicants must come to the piloting course with some basic training in agriculture," says Valéria de Fátima Gini, sponsor of the São Paulo Center for Agribusiness Studies (CPEA), which offers technical training courses in various areas for agribusiness.
Drones must be approved by the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel). This can be done online and free of charge. They must also be registered with the Unmanned Aircraft System of the National Aviation Agency (ANAC). After that, they must be registered with the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Access Request (SARPAS) service, managed by the Department of Airspace Control.
Because they're used for mapping and monitoring crops, they must be piloted by trained personnel. "Pilots of these aircraft are typically trained in precision agriculture," explains Antonio Mendes, an agricultural engineer and sales manager at Arpac Drones, which offers services to the sugarcane, grain, and citrus industries.
Requirements for flying Class 2 drones
Class 2 drones are used for spraying seeds, biological agents, fertilizers, and pesticides. The regulations are set out in Ministry of Agriculture Ordinance No. 298. Pilots must complete specific training, including the Remote Agricultural Aerial Application Course (CAAR), offered by institutions registered with MAPA, and be certified.
"The course covers important topics such as legislation and handling of pesticides, protective equipment, and application areas, and should therefore help raise awareness among professionals about proper and safe spraying," says Luís Almeida, aerospace engineer and production manager at Eavision, a drone technology company.
These medium-sized drones must be approved by Anatel, and must carry a Space Airworthiness Certificate (CAER), in addition to having and carrying a license and qualification issued by Anac.
Professionalization of the market
CAAR emerged due to the demand for drone spraying, as a growing number of farmers opt for these aircraft. The goal is to train pilots who will operate in accordance with legislation, observing safety issues and avoiding environmental damage.
According to estimates from the São Paulo Center for Agribusiness Studies, the average cost of courses to obtain the CAAR ranges from R$ 2,000.00 to R$ 2,500.00. And the investment pays off. Professional salaries vary according to the activity, region, skilled labor supply, and productivity. In Mato Grosso do Sul, for example, they can range from R$ 4,500 to R$ 15,000.
"The market operates with a fixed salary plus a percentage that varies according to the pilot's productivity," says Luís Almeida. He estimates that pilot productivity can reach 500 hectares sprayed per week.
Agronomist Michelle Lilian Sígoli, from São Carlos, São Paulo, participated in the Precision Agriculture Course offered by CPEA in late 2023. She plans to specialize in piloting agricultural drones. "These courses are crucial for advancing the careers of those who want to work with technology applied to agribusiness," she says.
Source: Globo Rural in: https://globorural.globo.com/educacao/noticia/2024/03/piloto-de-drone-agricola-veja-quanto-ganha-e-cursos-para-se-tornar-um.ghtml
