Here are a few examples of startup budgets for a drone business in Australia, covering different business models and scales of operation:

Example 1: Small-Scale Aerial Photography Business

This example is suitable for individuals or small teams focusing on real estate, events, or landscape photography.

Expense Item Cost (AUD)
Drone Equipment  
– DJI Air 3 Drone (with accessories) $2,500
– Extra batteries (2) $300
– High-quality camera upgrades $600
– Memory cards and storage $200
Licensing and Certification  
– Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) $2,000
– Remote Operator Certificate (ReOC) application fee $1,400
Insurance  
– Public liability insurance $1,000
– Drone hull insurance $500
Marketing  
– Website development $1,500
– Business cards and flyers $300
– Social media advertising $500
Software  
– Photo/video editing software (e.g., Adobe Suite) $600
Miscellaneous  
– Travel expenses $500
– Office supplies $200
Total $12,100

Example 2: Mid-Scale Surveying and Mapping Business

This budget fits businesses targeting construction, agriculture, or environmental monitoring with a broader service range.

Expense Item Cost (AUD)
Drone Equipment  
– DJI Matrice 300 RTK (with payloads) $10,000
– High-resolution mapping camera $5,000
– Extra batteries (4) $1,200
– GNSS positioning equipment $3,000
Licensing and Certification  
– RePL (multiple pilots) $4,000
– ReOC application fee $1,400
Insurance  
– Comprehensive drone insurance $3,000
– Public liability insurance $2,000
Marketing  
– Professional website $2,500
– Digital marketing campaigns $1,500
– Industry event attendance $1,000
Software  
– Mapping software (e.g., Pix4D, DroneDeploy) $2,500
– Data analysis tools $1,000
Staffing and Training  
– Initial pilot training $3,000
Miscellaneous  
– Office setup $1,500
– Travel and accommodation $1,000
Total $44,600

Example 3: Large-Scale Agricultural Spraying Business

Designed for a business targeting agricultural clients with advanced spraying services.

Expense Item Cost (AUD)
Drone Equipment  
– DJI Agras T40 (agricultural drone) $25,000
– Extra batteries (6) $3,000
– Spraying tank and accessories $2,000
– Ground control station $5,000
Licensing and Certification  
– RePL (multiple pilots) $5,000
– ReOC application fee $1,400
Insurance  
– Comprehensive drone insurance $5,000
– Public liability insurance $3,000
Marketing  
– Professional website $3,000
– SEO and content marketing $2,500
– Print and digital advertising $3,000
Software  
– Agricultural data management software $3,500
– Mapping and analytics tools $2,000
Staffing and Training  
– Pilot training for BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) $6,000
– Technical support staff salary (first 3 months) $9,000
Miscellaneous  
– Vehicle for equipment transport $10,000
– Office setup $3,000
– Travel expenses $2,000
Total $94,400

Example 4: Drone Inspection Business (Infrastructure and Utilities)

This budget is ideal for businesses focused on inspecting power lines, bridges, or other infrastructure projects.

Expense Item Cost (AUD)
Drone Equipment  
– DJI M300 RTK (with advanced payloads) $15,000
– Thermal imaging camera $8,000
– Zoom camera for inspections $6,000
– Extra batteries (4) $1,200
Licensing and Certification  
– RePL $2,000
– ReOC application fee $1,400
Insurance  
– Public liability insurance $2,500
– Comprehensive drone insurance $3,500
Marketing  
– Website development $2,000
– Trade show presence $2,500
– Online advertising campaigns $1,500
Software  
– Drone inspection software $2,000
– Reporting tools and databases $1,500
Staffing and Training  
– Pilot training (including advanced inspections) $3,000
Miscellaneous  
– Office setup $2,000
– Travel expenses $1,500
Total $51,600

Example 5: Real Estate and Property Surveying Business

This budget is for a drone business focused on aerial photography and video for real estate marketing and property inspections.

Expense Item Cost (AUD)
Drone Equipment  
– DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 $2,500
– Gimbal and accessories $500
– Extra batteries (2) $300
– High-resolution camera $1,200
Licensing and Certification  
– RePL $2,000
– ReOC application fee $1,400
Insurance  
– Public liability insurance $1,500
– Drone insurance (basic coverage) $1,000
Marketing  
– Website and portfolio creation $1,500
– Digital marketing and SEO $1,000
– Social media ads and promotions $1,000
Software  
– Real estate video editing tools $800
– Photo editing software (e.g., Lightroom) $500
Miscellaneous  
– Office space (home-based) $500
– Travel costs $500
Total $15,700

Example 6: Drone Videography Business (Film and Advertising)

A budget suited for a drone business specializing in videography for films, commercials, and events.

Expense Item Cost (AUD)
Drone Equipment  
– DJI Inspire 2 (with premium camera options) $9,000
– Cinema-grade camera $6,000
– Gimbal and stabilization systems $3,000
– Extra batteries (4) $1,200
Licensing and Certification  
– RePL $2,000
– ReOC application fee $1,400
Insurance  
– Comprehensive drone insurance $2,500
– Public liability insurance $2,000
Marketing  
– Portfolio website and demo reel creation $2,500
– Networking and industry events $1,500
– Digital and social media marketing $1,500
Software  
– Video editing suite (e.g., Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere) $1,500
– Color grading and sound design tools $1,000
Miscellaneous  
– Travel costs $1,500
– Office space $1,000
Total $36,100

Example 7: Drone Delivery Business

A more advanced and emerging area of drone services that involves setting up a delivery system for packages or medical supplies.

Expense Item Cost (AUD)
Drone Equipment  
– Delivery drone (multiple units, long-range, heavy-lift capable) $30,000
– Backup drones $10,000
– Additional batteries (multiple) $5,000
– Delivery payload system $2,500
Licensing and Certification  
– BVLOS pilot training $6,000
– ReOC application fee $1,400
Insurance  
– Comprehensive drone insurance $5,000
– Public liability insurance $4,000
Marketing  
– Website and e-commerce setup $3,000
– Local and regional advertising $2,000
– Partnership development $2,500
Software  
– Delivery tracking and logistics software $4,000
– Drone fleet management software $3,000
Staffing and Training  
– Technicians and delivery coordinators (first 3 months) $12,000
Miscellaneous  
– Transport vehicle $15,000
– Office setup $2,500
– Launch and landing infrastructure $10,000
Total $118,900

Example 8: Environmental Monitoring and Conservation

A drone business specializing in monitoring wildlife, conservation efforts, and environmental projects.

Expense Item Cost (AUD)
Drone Equipment  
– DJI Mavic 3 Multispectral $7,000
– Thermal imaging camera $6,000
– Extra batteries (3) $900
Licensing and Certification  
– RePL $2,000
– ReOC application fee $1,400
Insurance  
– Public liability insurance $2,000
– Drone insurance (basic coverage) $1,500
Marketing  
– Professional website and portfolio $2,000
– Networking with NGOs and environmental agencies $1,500
Software  
– Data analysis and mapping tools (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS) $2,500
Staffing and Training  
– Pilot training $3,000
Miscellaneous  
– Office space and equipment $1,500
– Travel expenses (remote locations) $2,500
Total $31,800

These additional examples demonstrate how startup costs can vary based on the nature of the drone services provided. Tailoring your budget to match your specific service offerings, industry focus, and geographical market is essential for success.