Operational Competency Assessment

The NZ Drones Academy Operational Competency Assessment (OCA) is a practical flight and knowledge assessment designed for pilots operating under, or preparing to operate under, a Part 102 UAOC.

It confirms that the pilot can demonstrate the operational knowledge, practical skills, and decision-making required for professional 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 assessment

This hands-on assessment is used by NZ Drones Academy to evaluate pilot competency against the applicable RPAS flight test standards and the operational requirements of a Part 102 environment. It may be used for:

  • Part 102 pilot operational currency
  • pilots joining or working under a Part 102 organisation
  • pilots who already hold an acceptable Part 102 RPAS certificate and require a practical assessment to continue flying operationally.

Prerequisites
To undertake a Part 102 OCA, the pilot must hold a Part 102 RPAS Certificate issued by a Part 141 organisation, or an equivalent acceptable to the examiner. Your manuals anticipate that some candidates may have completed that certificate with another Part 141 provider within one year and only require the practical flight assessment. If the examiner is not satisfied the prior qualification is equivalent, the full RPAS certificate course must be completed instead.

What You’ll Demonstrate

The assessment may include:

  • flight planning and weather considerations
  • area of operation selection and hazard management
  • airspace limitations and operations near aerodromes
  • permissions, landowner requirements, and operational planning
  • battery management and RPAS systems knowledge
  • normal take-off, landing, and manoeuvring tasks
  • emergency procedures, flight aborts, and loss-of-signal responses
  • for Part 102 candidates, automated flight tasks and working knowledge of the applicable UAOC exposition, SOPs, and operator procedures.

Currency

The currency of the OCA is 12 months from the completion date of the assessment, or in accordance with the relevant Part 102 operator’s UAOC exposition where applicable.

Important notice
The OCA is a practical operational assessment. Where certificate issue is required, candidates must also meet the applicable theory and documentation requirements for the relevant RPAS Pilot Certificate pathway.

Ideal For

  • Pilots renewing operational currency
  • Pilots joining a Part 102 operator
  • Pilots who already hold an acceptable Part 102 certificate and need practical assessment

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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