Drone Training in New Zealand. Build Skills for Real Flights.

Learn with NZ Drones Academy, a CAA Part 141 certificated training organisation. Choose Part 101, Part 102, Night Rating or an Operational Competency Assessment, with online theory and classroom options to suit your experience and goals.

Welcome to 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

From Part 101 through to Part 102, Night Rating, and OCA, our training is built to develop practical capability, professional judgement, and confidence for real-world drone operations in New Zealand.

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

 CAA Online Drone Training Courses

Start with the course that matches where you are now — then build your capability as your operations grow.

Why Choose Us

Classroom Drone Training — Enquire About Upcoming Dates
Build practical knowledge with instructors who understand real drone operations. Our training connects New Zealand’s operating requirements with flight planning, aircraft handling and sound decision-making.

We help beginners, existing pilots and organisations choose a clear path through training and assessment.

CAA-Approved Training

All courses are delivered through a CAA Part 141 certified training organisation and are designed to meet the applicable rules and standards for safe, professional RPAS operations in New Zealand.

Real-World Operator Experience

Our training is built by active commercial UAV operators with experience across infrastructure, agriculture, surveying, security, film, and industrial operations.

Pathways for Professional Growth

From Part 101 through to Part 102, Night Rating, and OCA, we provide clear training pathways that build practical capability and support long-term professional development.

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

Learn from experienced commercial drone operators

Our instructors bring experience from infrastructure inspections, agriculture, surveying, film and commercial drone operations.

Build your understanding of flight planning, airspace, risk management and aircraft handling, with practical insight into the decisions pilots make in the field.

Choose training that fits the flying you plan to do. We can help you identify the course and assessment pathway that suits your experience.
NZ Drones Academy logo
“At NZ Drones Academy, we’re not just teaching people to pass a test we’re building capable UAV professionals ready for real-world operations in New Zealand.”

Jack Scott

Jack Scott, Director & Founder, NZ Drones Academy

CAA Part 141 certificated drone training

NZ Drones Academy Limited is listed by the Civil Aviation Authority as a Part 141 aviation training organisation.

Our training combines theory, practical assessment and operational judgement. Completing a course does not replace the permissions, operator certification or other requirements that apply to your intended flight.

CAA Training Organisation Certificate

3,000+ UAV operational hours

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

“From first flight to professional operations, we build confident, capable RPAS pilots.”

From Beginner to Professional RPAS Operations

Choose training that matches your experience and intended operations. Learn the theory online or in a classroom, then complete the practical assessment required for your chosen certificate.

A Record of Completion — Theory does not grant full pilot certification.

Online Learning

Access flexible CAA-approved RPAS training designed to fit around your schedule. Complete your theory online, then build practical capability through guided flight assessments delivered by experienced UAV professionals.

Flight Operations Training

From airspace awareness and navigation charts to mission planning, risk management, and operational decision-making, we provide the knowledge and practical training needed to operate confidently under CAA Part 101 and Part 102.

Professional Training Pathways

Whether you're starting with Part 101, progressing into Part 102, or adding Night Rating and OCA, we provide CAA-approved training pathways that grow with your capability and support real-world drone operations in New Zealand.

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

TRAIN IN PERSON WITH INDUSTRY EXPERTS

Classroom-Based Drone Training

CAA Part 101 Classroom-Based Course 

$950 + GST Per Person
Build strong foundations in drone rules, airspace, flight planning, and safe operations through instructor-led practical training designed for real-world drone operations.
  • Instructor-led practical training
  • Structured flight assessment pathway
  • CAA-approved Part 141 course

CAA Part 102 Classroom-Based Course 

$1450 + GST Per Person
Advance your capability with professional RPAS training focused on operational judgement, risk management, planning, and practical flight skills for professional RPAS operations under Part 102.
  • Operational planning and risk management
  • Practical professional RPAS training
  • CAA-approved Part 141 course

CAA Night Rating Classroom-Based Course 

$749 + GST Per Person
Build practical night-flying capability through structured theory, practical assessment, and instructor-led training aligned to current New Zealand RPAS night operations requirements.
  • Night operations training
  • Instructor support
  • Practical night assessment

CAA Operational Competency Assessment

$630 + GST Per Person

Demonstrate your skills through a practical competency assessment designed for pilots and organisations requiring documented operational capability for professional RPAS operations.

  • Practical flight assessment
  • Operator competency validation
  • Professional RPAS standards

“Build your knowledge. Practise your skills. Fly with confidence.”

Don't just take our word for it

Classroom Drone Training — Enquire About Upcoming Dates
Hear from pilots who have trained with us.
"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 training to Part 102, Night Rating, and practical competency assessments, NZ Drones Academy provides a clear pathway to confident, professional RPAS operations.

Email: info@nzdronesacademy.co.nz

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

Phone: +64 27 370 8750 
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