A first-of-its-kind autonomous drone course, which equips participants with practical skills for agricultural drone operations, has taken flight at a UK agricultural University. 

The course is a collaboration between Drone Spray Precision in partnership with Harper Adams University and teaches partakers how to safely and effectively operate drones for sowing, spraying and fertiliser spreading.

See also: Northants wheat grower cuts his nitrogen by using a drone

The course runs for five days and is carried out on a monthly basis where participants will become accredited on a Civil Aviation Authority-approved remote-pilot and drone-spraying certification.

Rob Pearson, CEO of UK drone importer Autospray Systems, explains: “According to the forecasts by PwC’s Skies Without Limits report, by the turn of the decade the UK could have 900,000 drones in operation – contributing £45 billion to the UK economy and creating 650,000 high-tech jobs. 

“However, for these operations to go ahead, we need to equip people with the correct skills to manage this technology – which is why courses like this are so important,” he says.

Ian Pryce, business development officer at Harper Adams University, said: “This course will help equip the drone operators of the future with the knowledge and skills they need – and the possibilities it can unlock, for both drone operators and for farmers, have the potential to be truly revolutionary.”

The course costs £3,000 plus VAT and will next run:

• 18-22 September 2023
• 16-20 October 2023

For more information contact: Melissa Powell on enquiries@dronesprayprecision.uk or phone 07961573809.