CAA-Approved Drone Training Built for Real World Operations

Train with NZ Drones Academy, a CAA Part 141 certified training organisation trusted by pilots, councils, and commercial operators across New Zealand. From Part 101 to Part 102, Night Rating, and OCA, our courses are built for real operational capability not just theory.

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.

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 seeking structured night operations training under New Zealand’s current drone framework

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 complete structured theory and practical night flight training to support lawful night operations where the applicable Part 101, CATI 101-1, AC101-1, or Part 102 requirements are met.

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 independent verification of pilot competency against documented flight standards

Outcome:
You or your staff receive documented operational competency assessment aligned to NZ Drones Academy’s Part 141 training and flight assessment standards, suitable for internal records, operator requirements, and competency evidence under a UAOC.

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 combine CAA-approved training with real-world commercial operating experience. That means you learn more than the rules you learn how to apply them in real operations.

As a CAA Part 141 certified training organisation, we deliver structured training that builds practical capability, professional judgement, and confidence across New Zealand’s drone industry.

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.”

Courses taught by New Zealand’s leading UAV experts

At NZ Drones Academy, your training is delivered by active commercial UAV operators with real-world experience across infrastructure, agriculture, surveying, film, emergency response, and commercial operations.

We don’t just teach theory we bring practical insight from the field, helping you build the knowledge, judgement, and confidence needed for real-world RPAS work.

When you train with us, you gain more than a certificate you build practical capability through structured training designed to prepare you for professional drone operations in New Zealand.
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

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

From Beginner to Professional RPAS Operations

Build your capability step by step through CAA-approved classroom learning, online training, and practical flight assessments. Start with Part 101, progress into Part 102, add Night Rating, and maintain operational competency with OCA.

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.”

Live sessions for everyone

Upcoming Classroom Based Courses

Part 101
Part 102 
Part 101 & Part 102 
2026 course dates

Part 101 Classroom Course 

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.
Wellington – Thurs 19 March
Blenheim – Thurs 26 March
Hamilton – Thurs 16 April
Christchurch – Thurs 14 May
Blenheim – Thurs 18 June
2026 Course dates 

Part 102 Classroom Course

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.
Wellington – Thurs 23 & Fri 24 April
Blenheim – Thurs 25 & Fri 26 June
Hamilton – Thurs 20 & Fri 21 August
Christchurch – Thurs 22 & Fri 23 October
Wellington – Thurs 19 & Fri 20 November
2026 Classroom based courses 

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.
Wellington – 19–20 March
Blenheim – 26–27 March
Hamilton – 16–17 April
Christchurch – 14–15 May
Wellington – 28–29 May
Blenheim – 18–19 June
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 

$1300 + 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

“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 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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