This season has been brutal. Fields are too wet for rigs, timing is tight, and crop protection windows aren’t waiting for you. If you’ve been thinking about adding a spray drone, you’re not alone, a lot of growers are looking to the sky for solutions.
But buying a spray drone is not like picking up a new gadget for the shop. It is adding a new piece of machinery to your operation. It requires planning, training, and support if you want it to pay off. If you want the drone to actually save you time and money, you need to go into it with a plan. Here is what to think about before you buy and how Airstrike Ag can help you get it right the first time.
1. Start with your goals
Before you look at a single drone, ask yourself: What do I actually want to do with it?
- Are you covering a few problem spots that ground rigs can’t reach?
- Do you want to handle all your own late-season fungicide?
- Are you planning to offer custom application?
- Do you expect to grow from one drone to a small fleet?
Your answers will guide everything from which model you need to how many batteries you’ll require and how much training makes sense. At Airstrike Ag, we help you sort through those questions before you spend a dime so you don’t end up with a drone that won’t accomplish your goals.
2. Know the rules
If your drone will be applying product, you’ll need an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate and a Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operator Certificate—even if you’re only spraying your own fields. On top of that, most states require a pesticide applicator license for drone spraying.
If you’re planning to spray for hire, you’ll also need the appropriate commercial certifications for custom application.
This can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s manageable. Airstrike Ag walks you through the process and helps you understand exactly what licenses and permits you need for your operation.
3. Understand capacity and workflow
Drone marketing materials love to talk about “acres per hour,” but in real-world conditions, that number depends on field size, shape, and how well you manage your turnaround. Spray drones don’t carry much per load, that’s the tradeoff for being able to fly when nothing else can roll.
To get a full day of spraying done, you’ll need to plan for:
- Extra batteries so one is always charging while another is flying.
- A charging setup that can keep up.
- Enough chemical on hand so you aren’t running back and forth.
We work with you to map out a realistic daily capacity based on your goals and setup.
4. Plan for Maintenance & Parts
Here’s the truth: drones crash. Whether it’s a tree line, a power line, a sudden wind gust, or a compromised trailer landing, things happen. When they do, how fast you get back in the air depends on where you bought your drone.
At Airstrike, we:
- Stock the parts you need so you don’t get stuck waiting on backorders.
- Handle in-house repairs, from simple fixes to major rebuilds.
- Provide troubleshooting so you can get back in the air fast.
When you buy from us, you aren’t just buying a drone. You’re buying support.
5. Think about growth
Many farmers start with one drone and quickly realize how much more they can get done with two. Make sure the drone you buy—and the batteries, chargers, trailer, and workflow you build around it—can grow with your operation.
6. Invest in training
A drone is only as good as the person flying it. That means understanding how to use the software, create flight paths, map fields to avoid obstacles like power lines and tree lines, account for wind, manage chemical loads, and optimize your spray pattern. Airstrike offers training so you can fly with confidence and get the most out of your investment.
Bottom line
A spray drone can change the way you farm, but only if you choose the right one and know how to use it. Airstrike Ag doesn’t just sell drones. We provide the equipment, the parts, the training, and the ongoing support you need to stay productive when the season is on the line.
Ready to see which drone is right for you? Call us today at 1-515-417-7247 and let’s build a plan that works for your farm.