Part 102 RPAS Pilot Certificate Course

Take your drone skills to a professional level with NZ Drones Academy’s CAA Part 102 RPAS Pilot Certificate.
This course builds on the Part 101 syllabus and prepares you to fly under a CAA-approved Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate (UAOC) the standard for commercial drone operations in New Zealand.
Format

Online Theory + In-Person Flight Assessment

Starting date

Flexible, start anytime

Author

NZ Drones Academy

Practical Assessment

1–2 hrs flight with CAA-approved examiner

Duration

Self-paced online

Enrol now 

Advance your skills, elevate your future

About the course

Delivered by NZ Drones Academy, a CAA-approved Part 141 training organisation, this advanced course builds upon the Part 101 syllabus to prepare you for professional and commercial RPAS operations conducted under a CAA Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate (UAOC).

You’ll gain the knowledge, skills, and certification needed to operate legally under an approved UAOC — including understanding exposition structures, risk management, maintenance, and compliance requirements for complex operations.

What You’ll Learn

  • Part 102 Rule Overview – understand how Part 102 differs from Part 101 and how it enables advanced and commercial drone operations.

  • UAOC Exposition & Certification – learn how operator manuals, safety systems, and checklists support CAA approval and ongoing compliance.

  • Prime Persons & Accountabilities – roles of the Chief Pilot, Operations Manager, and Maintenance Controller within a UAOC.

  • Operations Specifications & Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) – how to interpret and apply your organisation’s exposition in the field.

  • Maintenance & Training Requirements – record-keeping, service schedules, pilot currency, and competency reviews.

  • Competency & Checklists – developing and following risk-based operational checklists for all flight scenarios.

  • Hazard Identification & Risk Mitigation – apply Safety Management System (SMS) principles to all operations.

  • Airspace & Aerodrome Operations – operating in controlled or restricted zones with ATC coordination and AirShare approval.

  • Radio Communications & Listening Watch – effective communication, transmitting techniques, phonetic alphabet, read-backs, and distress calls.

  • NOTAMs & Flight Advisories – obtain and interpret operational notices and airspace updates.

  • Emergency Procedures – handling signal loss, GPS failure, airspace incursion, and Return-to-Home abort actions.

  • Manual (ATTI) Flight Control – demonstrate full control of the aircraft in non-GPS mode across all flight manoeuvres.

Assessment & Certification

You’ll complete:

  • An open-book theory exam (80 % minimum pass mark) testing advanced regulatory knowledge and operational planning.

  • A Practical Operational Competency Assessment (OCA) conducted by a CAA-approved assessor, covering:

  • Flight planning and risk management for complex operations

  • Manual (ATTI) and automated flight execution

  • Emergency handling and decision-making under UAOC conditions

Upon successful completion, you’ll receive your official NZ Drones Academy RPAS Pilot Certificate (Part 102) — recognised nationwide by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand and valid for 12 months from assessment date.

This qualification demonstrates full operational competency for working under a CAA-approved UAOC as a professional RPAS pilot.

Practical approach

Our training goes beyond theory you’ll apply CAA rules directly to real-world operations.
From preparing risk assessments to conducting advanced flight tasks, you’ll finish the course confident and ready to operate under Part 102 conditions.

Globally oriented

Part 102 certification is more than a licence it’s proof you meet Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) standards for complex operations.
We’ll guide you through the regulatory framework, airspace procedures, and UAOC requirements so you’re fully prepared for approval.

Career advancement

Unlock new opportunities that Part 101 can’t offer.
Whether you want to run your own commercial drone business or expand into security, agriculture, mapping, or light shows, Part 102 certification is the recognised pathway to advanced drone operations in New Zealand.

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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