Part 102 RPAS Pilot Certificate Course

Take your drone knowledge and practical capability to a professional standard.

The Part 102 RPAS Pilot Certificate course is designed for pilots who want to operate in a professional environment, understand Part 102 requirements, and build the knowledge expected of pilots working under a UAOC.
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 Part 141 certified training organisation, this course builds on the Part 101 syllabus and extends into Part 102 knowledge and the principles of being a professional RPAS pilot operating within a Part 102 UAOC. It is designed for pilots wanting a stronger understanding of exposition requirements, operating procedures, risk management, and professional standards for commercial operations.

The theory component may be completed online or in a classroom format, followed by an Operational Competency Assessment conducted by NZ Drones Academy. Candidates completing the Professional e-learning course must complete the Part 101 theory content that forms part of the Part 102 course. There is no requirement to have previously completed the Part 101 practical flight assessment.

What You’ll Learn

  • Part 102 rules and how they apply to professional RPAS operations
  • Understanding a UAOC exposition and its role in operational compliance
  • Operations specifications, SOPs, checklists, and operator procedures
  • Operational planning, weather assessment, NOTAMs, and AirShare use
  • Airspace limitations, aerodrome operations, and controlled airspace considerations
  • Radio communications, listening watch, phraseology, and operational discipline
  • Hazard identification, risk management, and Safety Management System principles
  • RPAS systems, role equipment, emergency procedures, and practical competency to Part 102 standard

Assessment & Certification

To complete the Part 102 RPAS Pilot Certificate, students must successfully complete:
  • the theory component, and
  • an Operational Competency Assessment conducted by NZ Drones Academy.

The theory examination is open book and requires a minimum pass mark of 80%. Oral questioning forms part of the competency demonstration.

The practical assessment is based on the NZ Drones Academy Flight Test Standards and is intended to confirm the pilot can demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and tasks required for RPAS certificate issue at Part 102 standard.

Following successful completion of the course and flight assessment, the student is issued with an NZ Drones Academy RPAS Pilot Certificate to Part 102 level. The currency period of the certificate issued from completion of the flight assessment is one year.

Important certification notice

Completion of the theory component alone does not constitute full Part 102 certification. Students must successfully complete the Operational Competency Assessment before an NZ Drones Academy RPAS Pilot Certificate can be issued.

Any theory-only completion record or interim theory completion evidence must not be relied on as evidence of full operational competency or full certificate issue. This is also how your current live page frames the separation between theory-only completion and full certificate issue.

Delivery options

  • Online / Self-Paced Complete the theory content at your own pace, then book your Operational Competency Assessment with NZ Drones Academy.
  • Classroom Delivery Complete in-person instruction with competency assessment scheduled as part of the course structure.

Ideal for

  • Commercial drone pilots
  • Pilots working under a Part 102 operator
  • Operators wanting stronger compliance and operational knowledge
  • Security, mapping, inspection, agriculture, and industrial drone pilots
  • Students progressing into professional RPAS operations under a UAOC

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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