Night Rating

The NZ Drones Academy Night Rating is designed for qualified RPAS pilots seeking additional training and assessment for night operations.

The course combines online theory with practical training and assessment to build the knowledge, judgement, and situational awareness required for safe night flying.
Format

Interactive online theory with practical test.

Starting date

Begin your training whenever it suits you

Author

NZ Drones Academy

In Person Training 

Hands-on night flying with an instructor to demonstrate competence

Duration

Study at your own pace

Enrol now 

Advance your skills, elevate your future

About the course

This course consists of an online theory component followed by practical training and assessment. It is designed for pilots who want formal night operations training covering planning, lighting, night visual limitations, human factors, local area assessment, weather considerations, and emergency procedures. These topics align with the training approach described in your Night Rating syllabus and with CAA’s requirement that unshielded night operators complete a training course acceptable to the Director.

Who this course is for
This course is suitable for RPAS pilots seeking acceptable training for night operations. It can support pilots operating under Part 101 as well as pilots operating under Part 102, but operators must still ensure their planned operation fits the applicable regulatory framework for that operation. If the operation falls outside Part 101, Part 102 certification is still required.

What You’ll Learn

  • Night operation definitions and planning considerations
  • Human factors at night, including dark adaptation, visual illusions, and situational awareness
  • RPAS lighting systems, support equipment, and night operating environment setup
  • Night weather considerations and local environmental effects
  • Hazard identification, emergency planning, and emergency landing considerations at night
  • Daylight area assessment and how operating conditions change after dark
  • Practical night flight procedures and safe operating techniques
  • Loss of sight, loss of signal, disorientation, and safe shutdown after night operations

Assessment & Certification

To complete the Night Rating, students must successfully complete:

  • the online theory component and end-of-course theory test, and
  • a practical night flight assessment conducted by NZ Drones Academy.

The theory test requires a minimum pass mark of 80%. CAA guidance states that operators conducting an unshielded night operation under Part 101 are required to undertake a training course acceptable to the Director.

Practical training
Practical training is conducted in a shielded area at night, commencing in daylight hours and then transitioning into darkness. Practical components include training, demonstration, and development by the student of night operational considerations to the satisfaction of the instructor.

Important certification notice
The Night Rating is an additional qualification and should be read alongside the pilot’s existing certificate, operational approval, and the applicable Civil Aviation Rules, AC101-1, and CATI 101-1 requirements for the intended operation. Completion of this course does not remove the operator’s responsibility to ensure the operation is lawful under Part 101 or, where applicable, conducted under Part 102 certification.

Delivery format

Online Theory
Complete the Night Rating theory modules online at your own pace.

Practical Training & Assessment
Complete a hands-on night flying session with an NZ Drones Academy instructor and practical assessment to demonstrate competence.

Ideal for

  • Part 101 pilots seeking acceptable training for unshielded night operations
  • Part 102 pilots seeking formal night operations training
  • Security and response operators
  • Inspection and industrial pilots
  • Organisations wanting pilots trained to a structured night operations standard

Night-Flight Confidence

Master the skills to operate safely and confidently after dark. You’ll learn how to manage lighting, depth perception, and visual limitations while maintaining precise control in real-world conditions.

Real-World Application

This course is built for professionals who need to fly when the sun goes down — from security and emergency response to creative and industrial operations. Training combines theory with hands-on night flight experience.

Advanced Endorsement 

Expand your privileges under Part 102 with a nationally recognised CAA Night Rating. This certification demonstrates advanced competency and unlocks greater flexibility for commercial and operational missions.

NZ Drones Academy 

NZ Drones Academy is New Zealand’s premier training provider for professional drone pilots. As a CAA Part 141 certified training organisation, we deliver courses that meet the highest regulatory standards from Part 101 basics through to advanced Part 102, Night Rating, and Operational Competency Assessments. Whether you’re starting your drone journey or aiming to expand into advanced operations, NZ Drones Academy equips you with the knowledge, skills, and certification to succeed.
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