National Drones
National Drones team and operations

About National Drones

Aerial operations, practical training and software. Brought together to help people understand their sites and assets.

Our story

Built around work in the field.

National Drones began with a practical question: how could building and roof inspections be done more safely and efficiently? That question has shaped our work since 2015.

Today, we bring aerial services, pilot training and SmartData software together. Our people connect what happens on site with the information customers need to plan, inspect and manage their assets.

  1. 2015

    A practical beginning

    Brad Aylett and Kevin Scrimshaw founded National Drones after seeing how drones could make building and roof inspections safer and more efficient.

  2. 2016

    Aviation and training come together

    National Drones merged with Fly UAS. Ben Harris joined as a director, bringing drone pilot training into the business.

  3. 2018

    Making aerial data useful

    Development of the SmartData platform added a software dimension to the business, helping customers work with information captured in the field.

Certifications & Standards

We maintain the highest industry standards through internationally recognised certifications.

ISO 9001:2015

Quality Management Systems

ISO 45001

Occupational Health & Safety Management

ISO 14001:2015

Environmental Management Systems

BARS

Basic Aviation Risk Standard

What We Do

Our three core solution areas help businesses harness the power of aerial technology.

Inspections & Surveying

Mapping, modelling, and monitoring services for sites and assets across Australia.

Accredited Training

CASA-certified drone training courses available online and in-person nationwide.

SmartData Software

Providing easy access to insightful data through our proprietary software platforms.

Our people

Leadership with practical experience.

Ben Harris and Ben Trollope lead a wider team working across flight operations, training, data and software. Together, our people support customers through the work on site and the decisions that follow.

Ben Harris

Ben Harris

Co-CEO

Instrument Rated Commercial Pilot and CASA-approved Chief RPA Controller for fixed-wing and multi-rotor systems. Advisor to the Australian Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet on drone policy, and collaborates with CASA on regulatory thought leadership.

Ben Trollope

Ben Trollope

Co-CEO

Former CEO of The Ripper Group, where he helped establish the world's first drone rescue operation. Appointed President of the Australian Chapter of the World UAV Federation in 2020. Delivers innovative uncrewed drone solutions to Australian agricultural and commercial sectors.

Ready to See What Drones Can Do?

Tell us about your project and we'll send you a tailored proposal — most quotes are turned around within 24 hours.