Pioneering course for drone pesticide applicator pilots

• An accredited training course to equip professionals in the aerial use of plant protection products in accordance with Royal Decree 1311/2012

Agrodex Digital is launching the Drone Pesticide Pilot course, an innovative training program recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food , aimed at those who wish to obtain professional accreditation to carry out aerial applications of plant protection products , both by manned aircraft and drones (RPAs).

This course complies with the provisions of Royal Decree 1311/2012 , specifically in its Annex IV, part D , which regulates the necessary training for the use of aerial means in the agricultural and forestry field.

Official training for professionals in the sector

The course is aimed at operators, technicians, business owners and self-employed workers who need the minimum mandatory training for the aerial application of plant protection products , whether in the agricultural sector or in service companies.

A pilot's license is a legal requirement for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAs) that carry out specialized plant protection treatments. Furthermore, both the pilot and the operating company must be registered in the Official Register of Producers and Operators of Plant Protection Products (ROPO) in the plant protection treatment sector.

Technical content and field practices

With a total duration of 90 hours , the course is structured into 16 modules that cover all technical, regulatory and safety aspects related to aerial applications:

• Principles of plant protection and classification of plant protection products.
• Aerial application equipment and techniques using drones, light aircraft and helicopters.
• Applied meteorology , flight planning and drift control.
• Environmental and human health risk assessment, waste management and legal regulations.
• Introduction to biometeorology, phytotoxicity and occupational safety .

The practical sessions and exams will take place in Pinto and Villaconejos (Madrid) , where students will be able to put into practice the knowledge acquired on calibration, maintenance and operation of aerial application equipment.

Dates, places and registration

The course will take place during the weeks of November 17-30, 2025 , with face-to-face sessions in the afternoon and on weekends:

• November 28: from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• November 29: from 9:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 21:00
• November 30: from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The registration fee is €850 (VAT exempt according to Law 7/1992) and includes:

• Access to the virtual classroom for 60 days (estimated course duration: 45 days).
• Right to one exam opportunity and one retake.
• Places limited to 15 students per promotion .

Towards a safer and more digital agriculture

This pilot applicator course represents a further step in the professionalization and digitalization of the use of drones in agriculture , guaranteeing responsible and sustainable management of plant protection products.