TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION

Drone operator feedback required for survey

CASA needs feedback on 'beyond visual line of sight' work with drones.

Staff writer
 A survey from CASA is seeking input from drone users, especially those involved in farm work. Picture Mark Saunders.

A survey from CASA is seeking input from drone users, especially those involved in farm work. Picture Mark Saunders.

CASA specifically is asking for feedback from operators that fly drones beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) for their work.

The survey aims to build a snapshot of the use of BVLOS technologies and the benefits they can provide. Participation will help CASA to design regulations that keep pace with this fast-moving technology and how it can be used in Australia.

CASA would like to hear about the types of BVLOS operations and circumstances intended for BVLOS flights.

The survey will collect information to:
• review the uptake of BVLOS drone activities in Australia
• identify key benefits and challenges of increased BVLOS drone operations
• identify areas where regulatory improvements may be applied for lower-risk, low altitude BVLOS drone operations.

The survey is open to everybody and CASA especially wants to hear from operators who use drones to assist in agricultural work such as:
• spray management
• mustering
• farm and land management
• any activity to deliver agricultural outcomes.

To have a say, visit the Consultation Hub: https://bit.ly/47hcObj.
Submissions close Friday 17 November.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the farming sector, brought to you by the Kondinin team.

editions

Research Report: Cordless Impact Wrenches (July 2025)

Six battery-powered impact wrenches were bench tested in this month's Research Report, focusing on their ability to get nuts done up and undone.

editions

Research Report: Mouse Bait Applications (June 2025)

Mice remain a significant issue for cropping regions and the June Research Report, supported by an investment from the Grains Research and Development Corporation, brings together the latest research and practical recommendations for bait spreading and machinery performance to help growers improve mouse control strategies.

editions

Research Report: Farm Labour (May 2025)

Farm labour, whether temporary, casual, contract or permanent staff, is an essential part of agriculture. This Research Report provides insights to help better source and manage one of the farm’s most valuable assets – its people.

editions

Research Report: Sheep Yards (April 2025)

This month's Research Report includes more than a dozen case studies of new sheep yard builds and renovations from around the country. There are plenty of ideas to make the handling of stock more efficient and stress-free.