Basis, the organisation that licenses arable advisers and agronomists, has launched an accreditation scheme for pilots of drones and other unmanned aerial systems (UAS). It is a stand-alone course that will provide drone pilots with the agricultural knowledge and understanding to ensure best practice and safe operation.

“Unmanned aerial systems are rapidly changing the science of farm and land management. While this technology offers exciting opportunities for land and farm management, it needs to be used effectively and in a safe manner,” said Richard Green, senior lecturer at Harper Adams University and academic lead at the National Centre for Precision Farming UAS interest group.

“Users need to understand how they can get the most out of these systems to achieve the best financial returns on investments in this technology.”
Richard Green, Harper Adams University

See also: Drones to have a bigger role in mapping arable crops

“Users need to understand how they can get the most out of these systems to achieve the best financial returns on investments in this technology. They also need to be aware of the rapidly developing legislation regarding their use and safe operation, as insurers are unlikely to cover the cost of damage or injuries caused by untrained operators.”

Basis is working with Harper Adams and the UAS industry to develop a range of training courses to address this new accreditation requirement.

Stephen Jacob, Basis business development manager, said: “The number of drones being used in agriculture has increased rapidly and some companies and UAS pilots who offer data collection services will not have come from an agricultural background. 

“The new training course has been developed for UAS pilots and professionals who work in related areas, such as machinery manufacturers, employees of sensors manufacturer and distributors.”

The one-day course will cover topics such as farming and farm practices, the agricultural supply chain, crops and crop management and legislation.

A voluntary professional register for UAS operators will also be launched for those who work in the agricultural industry for field and crop scouting, livestock monitoring, flood, fire and other natural disaster impact recording.

Members of the register will also be required to hold the correct Civil Aviation Authority licence and appropriate insurance.