About the course
Delivered by NZ Drones Academy, a CAA Part 141 certified training organisation, this course provides the core knowledge required for safe RPAS operations under Part 101. It is suitable for pilots wanting to improve their understanding of airspace, aerodrome operations, operational planning, and safe flight procedures, while also completing the practical flight assessment required for certificate issue.
The course can be completed online in a self-paced format or through classroom delivery, followed by a Practical Operational Competency Assessment conducted by NZ Drones Academy.
What you’ll learn
- Part 101 rules, operating limitations, and pilot responsibilities
- Airspace structure, aerodrome procedures, and operations near aerodromes
- Use of visual navigation charts, aerodrome plates, and NZ AIP resources
- Use of AirShare, Flight Advisor, and NOTAM information for planning operations
- Area of operation requirements, landowner permissions, and observer requirements
- Weather information, flight planning, and practical go / no-go decision making
- Battery management, RPAS systems knowledge, and safe operating practices
- Pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight procedures, including practical flight competency requirement
To complete the Part 101 RPAS Pilot Certificate, students must successfully complete:
- the theory component, and
- a Practical Operational Competency Assessment conducted by NZ Drones Academy.
The theory examination is open book and requires a minimum pass mark of 80%. Oral questioning also forms part of the competency demonstration.
Following successful completion of the course and flight assessment, the student is issued with an NZ Drones Academy RPAS Pilot Certificate to Part 101 level. The currency period of the certificate issued from completion of the flight assessment is two years.
Important certification notice
Theory completion alone does not constitute full certification. Students must successfully complete both the theory component and the Practical Operational Competency Assessment before an NZ Drones Academy RPAS Pilot Certificate can be issued
- Online (Self-Paced): Study from anywhere in New Zealand and complete the theory component in your own time before booking your practical assessment.
- Classroom Course (1 Day): Attend in-person instruction with practical assessment scheduled as part of the course structure. Competency assessments are conducted on day of delivery.
- New drone pilots seeking structured training
- Photographers and media operators
- Farmers, surveyors, and inspectors
- Pilots wanting a formal RPAS pilot certificate under Part 101
- Students planning to progress toward Part 102 training
Practical Approach
Our training is built for real flying. You’ll learn to apply Part 101 rules in everyday operations — from safe mission planning and airspace checks to hands-on control in real-world conditions.
Confidence
Gain the knowledge and tools to interpret New Zealand’s airspace, read aeronautical charts, and operate safely near controlled aerodromes with full regulatory awareness.
Pathway to Advanced Ratings
Start your aviation journey here. Completing your Part 101 certificate builds the foundation for professional training under Part 102, unlocking advanced commercial drone operations.
