FAQs

Buying a spray drone

What spray drones does Aerolab sell?

We supply the full DJI Agras range (T100, T70P, T50) plus the TopXGun FP600 and FP700. Prices start from $17,900 NZD ex GST for the base kit, up to $55,000 for the T100.

Is finance available?

Yes, no deposit required.

How long does delivery take?

Usually 2-6 weeks. The drone itself takes around 2 weeks to arrive, but you'll need your Part 102 Drone Pilot Certificate done before the training days, so total time depends on where you're at with certification.

Certification

What certifications do you need to fly a spray drone in NZ?

You'll need a Part 102 Drone Pilot Certificate, and you'll fly under an organisation's UAOC (Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate), not your own personal one. Ag spraying also needs a Chemical Rating and an Agricultural Rating, plus an Operational Competency Assessment (OCA) every 12 months if you're flying under a UAOC. DroneTrust runs all of these, and we work with them so you can sort the gear and the certification in one place.

How long does it take to get certified?

The UAOC approval step through CAA typically takes 8-10 months, so it pays to start that process early, well before your drone arrives.

How spray drones work

How does a spray drone work?

An onboard pump pushes liquid through adjustable nozzles, with flow rate and droplet size tuned to the job. Flight's either manual or automated from an RTK survey or mapping drone, and most ag jobs run automated once a block's mapped.

How accurate is the spray?

Flying automated with RTK connected, positioning holds within 10cm.

Equipment

What's the difference between the T100, T70P and FP700?

  • DJI Agras T100 - 100L spray tank (150L spreading), 5-13m spray width, up to 40 L/min, starts from $55,000
  • DJI Agras T70P - 70L spray tank (100L spreading), 4-11m spray width, up to 40 L/min, starts from $42,899
  • TopXGun FP700 - 60L spray tank (80L hopper), up to 70kg payload, up to 20 L/min, starts from $29,800

Support

What support do you get after buying?

Our support is end-to-end: warranty, maintenance and servicing, certification, and a 2-day training experience that finishes with you holding an OCA. After that, your drone gets annual and 100-hour services, plus repairs whenever you need them.

Wash drones

Do you sell drones for building or window washing?

Yes, we currently supply the DJI Matrice 400 for wash applications like buildings, windows and solar panels. See our wash drones page for more.