CASA has changed the rules regarding the commercial use of drone technology which may allow farmers to use unmanned aircraft systems to better manage their businesses.
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The new rules mean that operators do not need a licence to fly drones for commercial purposes that weigh under 2kg.
Harcourt Studios Glen Innes Director Peter Ritter said after more than two years of waiting for the rule change he will now be able to offer his services to local primary producers in the region.
“Feedback has been enormous since the rule changes and I already have six bookings in the Glen Innes and Inverell districts and I believe these new rules will be of benefit for lots of businesses and individuals within the district,” he said.
“These rule changes will allow us to better photograph rural applications such as checking crops and fence lines and for search and rescue operations.
“A lot of places you can’t get into in a hurry but you can use drones to see if livestock or people are in trouble and may need to be rescued, so drone technology is now an essential part of living in a rural area and now I know I will be better placed to carry out this type of work.”
Mr Ritter said a licence only benefits operators of drones that are above 2kg.
“However I see no point in using the heavier drones as the quality available is no better and they are bigger and more awkward to transport,” he said.
“I am CASA Registered and I am an approved operator for commercial purposes, but I like to use the drones that are under 2kg because I think they are more flexible.
“Now that anyone can use the lighter drones for commercial purposes I am sure more local businesses will see the benefit of the technology.”
Local real estate agent and farmer Ben Thorpe said drone technology is useful but needs to be used cautiously.
“As a farmer I haven’t had cause to use a drone as yet, but I do think the technology is useful,” he said.
‘I would look at using the service to check my fence line for example but I would be concerned about my neighbours’ privacy, I think as it stands it could still create some issues.”
However Mr Thorpe said as a real estate agent drones are a brilliant tool for marketing a property.
“Using drones gives us a better perspective of the property and we are using them within our advertising platforms more and more,” he said.
“In today’s world people like to feel they have all possible information.
“Drone technology is fantastic for showing a potential buyer the full benefits of a property.”
Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
