MEET THE PRO: Landon Casey, Agriculture Drone Pilot
By Arkansas Next on Friday, October 13, 2023
Hometown: Enola
Age: 25
Where I Trained: Arkansas State University and Arkansas State University-Beebe
What I Earned: Bachelor’s degree in agricultural business
Job Title: Special projects coordinator
Employer: Deveron
Landon Casey always knew he wanted a career in the agriculture industry, and he found his niche in drone technology. While earning his bachelor’s degree in agricultural business at Arkansas State University, he started working for Deveron, a company that uses drones for imaging, collecting data and gathering soil samples for farmers.
“I have had an interest in drones for a long time, so it seemed like a perfect fit for me,” Landon said.
As a special projects coordinator, Landon manages agriculture technicians in the Delta region, which includes Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Alabama. His main priority is to ensure that each employee has a manageable workload and in a safe and efficient environment. When the opportunity arises, he gets to fly drones and sample soil in the field.
“The top qualities for a coordinator of any kind are communications skills, being a good listener, maintaining a level head under pressure, knowing how to be detail-oriented and [master] the ability to focus on the task at hand,” Landon said.
Some of the perks of Landon’s job are full employee benefits, a company vehicle and equipment, travel opportunities and a work pace that he sets for himself.
“My favorite part of my job is the variation and travel,” Landon said. “I could be flying drones in Ohio one day and heading to sample soil in Texas the next; every day is a surprise.”
Landon’s advice to high school students is to follow their passion and find a career that they will love, and take advantage of every opportunity available.
“It’s OK to not know what you want to do after school,” Landon said. “Just focus on what you enjoy, and pursue jobs that you think you will enjoy.”
WHAT DOES AN AGRICULTURE DRONE PILOT DO?
Fly drones over crop fields to inspect damage from recent weather disasters, create topographical maps and thermal imaging. Some drones can be fitted with thermal sensors to inspect crop health, according to arkansasonline.com.
Education Needed:
Associate degree for an agriculture technician career
- Drone use will require a remote pilot license from the FAA (to earn an FAA tracking number); drone pilots must complete Form 8710-1.
- To fly commercially, drone pilots must study and pass the 107 Drone Pilot Exam.
Job Outlook
► In the next five years, the estimated salary for agriculture drone pilots will increase by 13%.
You'll be great at this too if...
► You like playing VR and video games
► You love being outside (no desk job for you!)
► You want to work in agriculture
► You've always wanted to use a drone
► You make movie-quality Reels and TikToks look easy
Best Drones to Get Some Practice
Check out PC Magazine’s top-rated drones for beginners
► Ryze Tello ($119)
► DJI Mini 2 SE ($339)
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$77,598 Annual
$37 Hourly
WHERE TO WORK
- Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Sources: Economic Research Institute
