Launch Your Professional Drone Career
Part 101 • Part 102 • Night Rating, Certificate Courses

CAA-certified drone training trusted by commercial operators, councils, and industry leaders across New Zealand.
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Welcome to NZ Drones Academy

Why train with NZ Drones Academy?

✔ CAA Part 141 Certified Training Organisation
✔ Real-world commercial UAV experience — not just theory
✔ Trusted by pilots, councils, and commercial operators nationwide
✔ Clear certification pathways — Part 101 → Part 102 → Night Rating → OCA

We don’t just prepare you to pass an assessment we prepare you to operate safely, legally, and professionally in real-world environments across aviation, agriculture, surveying, security, film, and commercial operations — so you’re ready to operate with confidence from day one.

“Drones aren’t just the future of aviation. They’re your future career.”

 CAA Online Drone Training Courses

New to drones? Start with Part 101. Most pilots add Night Rating next, then progress to Part 102.

Which drone training course is right for you?

This guide reflects current NZ CAA requirements and real-world commercial operating pathways.

Part 101 Pilot Certificate

Best for:
  • New or first-time drone pilots
  • Hobby flyers who want to fly legally and confidently
  • People planning to move into commercial work
  • Anyone unsure where to start

You should choose this if:
  • You’ve never completed formal drone training
  • You want to clearly understand NZ CAA drone rules
  • You want a recognised foundation certificate
  • You plan to progress to Part 102 later

Outcome:
You become a certified Part 101 pilot and can legally operate drones under NZ CAA rules.

Recommended starting point for beginners.

Part 102 RPAS Pilot Certificate

Best for:
  • Pilots wanting to fly commercially
  • Anyone needing to operate outside Part 101 limitations
  • Pilots working for councils, infrastructure, utilities, events, agriculture or industry
  • Anyone intending to operate under a UAOC

You should choose this if:
  • You need to fly closer than 4 km to an aerodrome
  • You need to fly over people, at events, for clients, or on critical sites
  • You want to access to higher-paying commercial work
  • Your employer requires Part 102 competency

Outcome:
You become eligible to operate under a Part 102 UAOC and conduct professional commercial drone operations. 

Most common pathway for commercial drone careers.

Night Rating Pilot Certificate

Best for:
  • Pilots who need to fly at night
  • Event operators, security teams, SAR volunteers, cinematographers
  • Pilots wanting to fly unshielded at night under Part 102 and Part 102

You should choose this if:
  • You expect to fly after sunset
  • You want to fly unshielded at night 
  • You do security, event, or emergency operations
  • Your employer or UAOC requires a night authorisation

Outcome:
You are certified for safe, legal night operations under Part 101 and Part 102.

Essential for commercial night-time drone operations.

Operational Competency Assessment (OCA)

Best for:
  • Organisations with internal drone operators
  • Councils, utilities, forestry, agriculture, construction, events
  • Teams requiring documented CAA-aligned competency

You should choose this if:
  • You need pilots assessed to a recognised standard
  • Your UAOC requires ongoing or annual competency checks
  • You want a third-party verification audits of pilot skills

Outcome:
You or your staff receive documented CAA-approved competency validation suitable for audits contracts and UAOC requirements .

Recommended for businesses, teams, and professional operators.

Still unsure?

We’ll recommend the right course based on your experience, goals, and operating requirements.

Why Choose Us

At NZ Drones Academy, we don’t just teach you to fly; we prepare you to operate safely, professionally, and in full compliance with Civil Aviation Authority standards.

With years of operational experience and recognition as a CAA Part 141 Training Organisation, we deliver training that goes beyond the basics.

Quality Learning Solutions

We are a certified CAA Part 141 Training Organisation, delivering courses that meet the highest aviation safety standards in New Zealand. Our certificates are recognised nationwide and trusted by industry leaders.

Flexible Options

Whether you’re just starting under Part 101, advancing to Part 102, or adding a Night Rating, we provide both in-person and online options to suit your needs, with practical flight testing included.

Client Focused

We tailor our training for commercial operators, councils, defence, agriculture, and film production — ensuring your certification has real-world value and opens doors to new opportunities.

“Your pathway to becoming a professional UAV pilot starts here.”

Courses taught by New Zealand’s leading UAV experts

At NZ Drones Academy, your training is delivered by CAA-recognised instructors and commercial UAV pilots with thousands of flight hours across infrastructure, agriculture, film, defence, and emergency response.

Our team doesn’t just teach theory; they bring real-world operational experience, from drone swarms at major events to precision agricultural spraying, forestry LiDAR, and live security operations.

When you train with us, you gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to meet industry demands and fly to the highest professional standard.
“At NZ Drones Academy, we’re not just teaching people to pass a test, we’re shaping the next generation of UAV professionals ready to lead New Zealand’s drone industry.”

Jack Scott

Jack Scott, Director & Founder, NZ Drones Academy

NZ Drones Academy – New Zealand’s best CAA certified training provider

We are proud to be approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand as a Part 141 Training Organisation.

This recognition means our training meets the highest aviation standards, giving you confidence that your certification is fully compliant and industry-recognised.

CAA Training Organisation Certificate

3,000+ UAV operational hours

Years of experience trusted by councils, defence, events, and major infrastructure projects

“From hobbyist to professional we train the next generation of drone pilots.”

From Beginner to Certified Pilot

Master drone operations through classroom learning, eLearning, and practical flight assessments.
Earn your official CAA-recognised certification and take your career to new heights.
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Online Learning

Access flexible, CAA-approved training designed to fit around your schedule.
Learn the theory online, then put it into practice with guided flight assessments from experienced UAV professionals.

Flight Operations Training

From airspace awareness and navigation charts to mission planning and risk assessment, we provide the tools and knowledge to help you fly safely, legally, and confidently in New Zealand’s airspace.

Advanced Certification Pathways

Whether you’re starting out with Part 101, advancing to Part 102, or adding a Night Rating, we offer structured training pathways that grow with your career.

“CAA-certified drone training that takes you further.”

Live sessions for everyone

Upcoming Classroom Based Courses

Part 101
Part 102 
Part 101 & Part 102 
28 November · 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM NZDT

Part 101 Classroom Course — Blenheim

Get fully certified to fly under CAA Part 101 in this instructor-led, in-person training day. Learn NZ airspace rules, weather, flight planning, operational procedures, and how to fly safely and legally in controlled and uncontrolled environments.

Perfect for beginners and professionals needing official certification — with a clear pathway to your practical flight assessment.

Seats are very limited — secure yours now.
4–5 December · 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM NZDT

Part 102 Classroom Course — Wellington

Step up to full commercial operations under CAA Part 102 with this intensive two-day, instructor-led classroom course. Learn how to plan and execute complex missions, operate near people and property, work in controlled and restricted airspace, complete risk assessments, and build a strong Part 102 application.

Includes your pathway to the practical flight assessment and ongoing support through the certification process.

Seats are very limited — secure yours now.
4–5 December · 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM NZDT

Part 101 and Part 102 RPAS Pilot Certificate Two Day Classroom Course - Wellington 

Complete your full drone certification pathway in one intensive two day programme.

Day 1 covers the full Part 101 RPAS Pilot Certificate including NZ airspace rules, flight planning, weather, operational safety and practical preparation.

Day 2 steps into advanced Part 102 commercial operations covering complex missions, risk assessments, operating near people and property, restricted airspace and building your 102 application.

Perfect for beginners and working professionals wanting to fast track both certifications with hands on instructor led training.

Seats are very limited — secure yours now.
Easy as one, two, three

Classroom-Based Courses

CAA Part 101 Classroom-Based Course 

$950 + GST Per Person
Learn the fundamentals of safe drone operations and airspace rules. Gain hands-on training, flight testing, and NZ CAA-recognised certification to start your drone career with confidence.
  • Expert Expert instruction
  • Practical flight test
  • NZ CAA certification

CAA Part 102 Classroom-Based Course 

$1450 + GST Per Person
Advance your flying skills beyond standard rules and operations. Learn advanced risk management, documentation, and flight planning to qualify for your CAA-recognised Part 102 RPAS certification.
  • Risk assessment training
  • Operational guidance
  • CAA Part 102 certification

CAA Night Rating Classroom-Based Course 

$1300 + GST Per Person
Fly after dark safely and with CAA approval. Learn unshielded night flight theory and complete supervised assessments to achieve your official CAA PRAS Night Rating endorsement.
  • Night-flight assessment
  • Instructor support
  • CAA endorsement

CAA Operational Competency Assessment

$630 + GST Per Person

Demonstrate your skills and meet CAA competency requirements. Complete a practical flight evaluation with an instructor to earn your recognised certification for professional RPAS operations.

  • Flight assessment
  • Expert guidance
  • CAA part 102 endorsement

“Train today. Fly tomorrow. Lead the future.”

Don't just take our word for it

Witness it first hand, directly from our lovely students.
"I would recommend this training to other organisations. It is a valuable opportunity to grow as an operator and improve our skills."

Jackson Lucas - Part 101 Course

Student
"The NZ Drones Academy team made certification straightforward and professional. Their training gave me confidence to work on commercial drone projects immediately.”

Blake Grey - Part 102 Course
Kiwi Safeguard 

Student

“Drones are shaping the future. Make them part of yours.”

Contact Us 

We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re ready to enrol, need course details, or want advice on becoming a certified UAV pilot, our team is here to help.

Simply complete the form and we’ll respond.

From Part 101 beginner certification to advanced Part 102 and Night Rating training, NZ Drones Academy provides everything you need to take flight with confidence.

Email: info@nzdronesacademy.co.nz

Address: 18 Ulric Street, Plimmerton, Wellington, New Zealand, 5026

Phone: +64 27 370 8750 

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