Operational Competency Assessment

Prepare your organisation and pilots to operate under a CAA Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate (UAOC). The Operational Competency Assessment (OCA) is a required check to demonstrate your ability to plan, manage, and safely conduct complex RPAS operations.
Format

Theory refresher + in-person assessment

Starting date

Flexible

Author

NZ Drones Academy

Assessment

1–2 hours in-person (plus online refresher)

Duration

Complete within 12 months of your last assessment

Enrol now

Advance your skills, elevate your future

About the course

Prove your ability to operate drones safely and professionally under CAA Part 101 and 102 with the NZ Drones Academy Operational Competency Assessment (OCA).
This hands-on flight evaluation confirms that you meet the standards required by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) to fly commercially or renew your currency under a UAOC.

Whether you’re completing your Part 101 or Part 102 RPAS Pilot Certificate, adding a Night Rating, or renewing your annual OCA, this assessment demonstrates that you can plan, brief, and execute a safe operation in real-world conditions

What You’ll Demonstrate

  • Flight Planning & Weather Assessment – interpret METARs, TAFs, NOTAMs, and assess environmental limits.

  • Airspace Knowledge – identify controlled, restricted, and special-use airspace and apply relevant CAA rules.

  • Hazard Identification & Risk Mitigation – conduct site assessments and apply safety mitigations.

  • Pre-Flight Checks – inspect aircraft, verify batteries, and configure equipment using SOPs.

  • Manual and ATTI Mode Control – demonstrate precise aircraft control in GPS and non-GPS flight modes.

  • Take-Off & Landing Procedures – perform smooth, controlled launch and recovery in varying conditions.

  • Failsafe & Emergency Procedures – respond correctly to GPS loss, link failure, or airspace incursions.

  • Situational Awareness & Crew Communication – maintain awareness and use standard radio phraseology.

  • Automated Flight Execution – plan and run automated missions (if applicable).

  • Documentation & Logbooks – record flights and endorse currency as per CAA requirements.

Assessment Format

You’ll complete:

  • Oral Knowledge Check – covering Part 101 / 102 rules, SOPs, and operator responsibilities.

  • Practical Flight Assessment – observed by a CAA-approved examiner using NZ Drones Academy Flight Test Standards.

  • Performance Levels: Competent (C), Ideal (I), Not Yet Competent (NYC).

Any unsafe act or CAA rule breach will result in immediate assessment termination.

Night Rating Add-On (Optional)

Pilots adding a Night Rating will also demonstrate:

  • Correct lighting setup and pre-flight configuration
  • Safe take-off, hover, and landing in low-light conditions
  • Recognition and management of spatial disorientation
  • Night-specific emergency and recovery procedures

Certification & Currency

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive an official OCA Endorsement and logbook entry verifying operational competence under CAA Part 101 or 102.

Validity Periods:

  • Part 101 RPAS Pilot Certificate: Valid for 2 years nationwide under CAA Part 101.
  • Part 102 OCA Certification: Valid for 12 months from assessment date.
  • Night Rating Endorsement: Valid for 12 months and renewed with your next OCA.

Your endorsement confirms that you’re current, competent, and compliant with CAA standards for RPAS operations in New Zealand.

Ideal For

  • Pilots completing Part 101 or 102 certification
  • Operators renewing their annual OCA currency
  • Organisations needing pilot competency validation
  • Pilots adding a Night Rating endorsement

Book Your Assessment

Ready to prove your skills?
Schedule your Operational Competency Assessment today and take the next step toward full CAA compliance.

Real-World Testing

Demonstrate your competence in authentic flight scenarios — the same standards used by CAA examiners for Part 102 operators.

CAA Compliance

Designed around NZ Drones Academy’s CAA-approved Part 141 CSM and Flight Test Standards for RPAS pilots.

Annual Currency Renewal

Keep your professional status current with an OCA valid for 12 months (Part 102) or 2 years (Part 101).

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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