Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Part 101 and Part 102 training?

Part 101 covers the basic Civil Aviation rules for flying drones in New Zealand — recreational and some commercial activities, provided you follow the restrictions (e.g. below 120 m, within visual line of sight, outside controlled airspace).
Part 102 training is for advanced and commercial operations that go beyond these limits (e.g. night flying, near aerodromes, heavy-lift, BVLOS). A Part 102 certificate is required for most professional drone services.

Do I need to complete Part 101 before doing Part 102?

Yes. You must have a Part 101 certificate or equivalent recent training within the past 12 months before you can move to Part 102. If you don’t yet hold Part 101, we offer a bundled Part 101 & 102 Pathway Course.

How long does training take?

Part 101: 1 day online or classroom-based + short practical flight assessment.

Part 102: 2–3 days theory + Operational Competency Assessment (OCA).

Night Rating: ½ day theory + night flight test.

OCA Refresher: ~2–3 hours per pilot.
Exact timeframes depend on your prior experience.

What qualifications do I receive?

You’ll receive a NZ Drones Academy certificate of achievement, recognised under our CAA Part 141 training approval, along with the documentation needed for CAA to add ratings (Part 102, Night, etc.) to your operator certificate.

Do you offer group or corporate discounts?

Yes. For organisations training multiple staff, we can deliver tailored group sessions onsite or online. Contact us for a custom package.

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes, we can arrange staged payments or company invoicing by request.

Is the training online or in-person?

Is the training online or in-person?
We offer both:

Online: Self-paced theory + scheduled practical assessment.

In-person: Classroom theory + practical flight test on the same day.

Many students prefer the blended model (online theory + in-person assessment).

Where are the courses run?

We deliver courses nationwide. Our main hubs are Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, but our instructors can travel to your site for group bookings.

Who are the trainers?

All training is delivered by industry professionals with thousands of operational drone hours across agriculture, infrastructure, events, film, and emergency response. Our instructors are certified under CAA Part 141.

What is an OCA?

The Operational Competency Assessment is a practical flight test where you demonstrate safe drone handling and knowledge of airspace procedures. It’s required for Part 102 and certain advanced operations.

Does CAA approve NZ Drones Academy?

Yes. We are a CAA Part 141 certified training organisation, which means our courses and instructors are formally recognised by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Do I need certification to fly commercially?

Yes. Most paid drone work in NZ requires either Part 101 (if staying strictly within the limits) or Part 102 for advanced work. Clients (especially councils, corporates, and government) almost always require Part 102 certification.

What jobs can I get with a Part 102 certificate?

Graduates operate in a range of sectors — film, TV, construction, agriculture, surveying, forestry, utilities, events, and security. Many contracts specifically ask for Part 102 qualified operators.

Do you help with finding work?

We can connect graduates with industry partners and occasionally with project work through NZ Drones. We also provide guidance on setting up your own RPAS business.

What if I fail the flight test?

You’ll receive detailed feedback and can re-sit once ready. Most students pass on the first attempt after completing our prep modules.

Can I contact trainers after the course?

Yes. Ongoing support is part of our training — we encourage graduates to reach out for advice on operations, compliance, or technology.

Do you update courses when rules change?

Yes. Our content is kept up to date with CAA rule changes. As a Part 141 organisation, we are required to maintain current, approved syllabi.
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