Frequently Asked Questions
We breakdown some of the most asked questions that we receive about our drone services that we provide.
Agriculture & Aquatic
What are agricultural drones used for?
Agricultural drones are used for crop spraying, mapping, and monitoring plant health. At Pilot DX, our drones apply herbicides, fungicides, and fertilizers precisely—saving time, water, and product while reducing environmental impact.
How accurate are drone spray applications?
Our drones deliver centimeter-level accuracy using GPS and onboard sensors. This precision ensures consistent coverage, minimizes drift, and improves yields—especially compared to traditional ground rigs or aerial planes.
How many acres can an Ag drone spray?
Depending on terrain and product type, our spray drones can treat 15–25 acres per hour. Multiple drone operations can scale even faster for larger fields or variable-rate applications.
How do you prevent drift?
We have safety minimums that we abide by in most situations. We price drift reduction agents with all of our applications as well as use anemometer. If winds are above 8 8 mph in most cases we will shut down operations. Granular materials are slightly higher.
What is the typical cost per acre?
Pricing depends on acreage, terrain, and product type. Most agricultural drone applications range from $15–$20 per acre, but we provide quotes based on your specific needs and location.
How do you calculate application rates?
We follow the label rates that are posted on each product. If it doesn't have an aerial rating we can't applicate it with a drone.
How do you calculate aquatic treatments?
We use industry-standard acre-foot calculations, which take into account both the surface area and average depth of the body of water. This ensures that every treatment is applied at the correct concentration for effective results without overdosing or waste.
How do you ensure aquatic treatments are safe for fish and wildlife?
Every product we use is EPA-approved and applied according to state and federal regulations. We plan treatments based on water temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, and lake aeration activity to minimize environmental stress
Can drones be used for aquatic treatments?
Yes — Pilot DX uses aerial drones for mapping, monitoring, and even applying aquatic treatments in select environments. Drones provide uniform coverage, minimize disturbance, and help track long-term water quality improvements.
Thermal
What What is thermal drone imaging used for?
Thermal drones detect temperature differences across surfaces to reveal issues invisible to the naked eye. At Pilot DX, we use high-resolution thermal sensors to identify heat loss, moisture intrusion, electrical faults, and energy inefficiencies in buildings, roofs, and solar panels.
How accurate are thermal drone inspections?
Our drones use radiometric thermal cameras that record precise temperature data down to 0.1°C variance. Combined with GPS mapping, this delivers repeatable, measurable results ideal for reports, insurance claims, and maintenance planning.
What types of properties can benefit from thermal drone inspections?
Thermal imaging is valuable for:
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Commercial and industrial roofs (detecting leaks or trapped moisture)
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Solar farms (locating faulty cells or inverters)
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Agricultural buildings and greenhouses (checking insulation and heat distribution)
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Electrical substations and power lines (spotting overheating components)
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Residential energy audits (identifying heat loss or missing insulation)
How does thermal roof inspection work?
Thermal drones scan the roof’s surface during specific temperature conditions — typically at dusk or dawn — when heat contrast between wet and dry materials is greatest. This allows us to locate trapped moisture, insulation gaps, or roof membrane failures before leaks appear.
When is the best time to schedule a thermal inspection?
For roof and building inspections, early morning or late evening flights offer the best results due to optimal temperature differentials. For solar or electrical inspections, daytime flights are preferred while equipment is under active load.
How can I schedule a thermal inspection with Pilot DX
You can request a quote or schedule a consultation here: Book a consultation. We serve Indiana and surrounding states, offering commercial, industrial, and agricultural thermal imaging services.