| 53 Managing director Alex Owen-Cooper launched OC Aerial in 2024. RURAL SERVICES » OC Aerial Using a multispectral mapping drone, OC Aerial can give farmers detailed insights into crop health, soil conditions, and land use planning. “There’s a bit of hesitation at first because it’s new technology and farmers can be slow to adopt change,” Alex says. “But once they see the results, word of mouth spreads quickly through the farming community, and that’s one of the strongest recommendations you can get.” OC Aerial operates a fleet including the XAG P100 Pro, capable of carrying 60kg of product and covering up to 20 hectares per hour, and a DJI Mavic 3M for mapping and crop health analysis. All operations are fully certified under Civil Aviation Authority Part 102 and supported by GrowSafe and SiteWise qualifications. Farmers are responding positively to the flexibility drones bring. They can operate in wet ground conditions where tractors would cause damage, spray right up to shelterbelts and boundaries, and apply exactly the right rate of product without overspray. GET IN TOUCH - fenixuas.nz - enquiries@fenixuas.nz - 027 287 1468 WHAT WE DO Drone pilot qualifications delivered by a CAA certified training organisation Specialist aerial application training Operating manuals required for CAA certification Guidance through the certification process Spray Drone Regulatory Specialists We navigate the complexity of Civil Aviation regulations so you can focus on the job. That precision not only saves costs but also reduces chemical use and environmental impact. “We’re really focused on sustainability,” Alex says. “By minimising ground compaction, reducing fuel use, and cutting back on chemical inputs, drones help farmers meet both production and environmental goals.” Since its launch last year, OC Aerial has hit the ground running, keeping busy with spraying, spreading, and mapping work throughout the region. The business is also certified for drone maintenance and inspections, providing a fullservice hub for agricultural drones across the lower North Island. Looking ahead, Alex plans to expand the team with additional pilots and mobile drone units to meet demand as more farmers see the benefits. “Drone technology is getting better by the day,” he says. “We’ve only just scratched the surface of what’s possible, and I see this becoming a standard tool in farming over the next few years.”
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