NZ Drones Acadmey Part 141 Drone Training

Welcome to NZ Drones Academy

New Zealand’s leading CAA Part 141 Certified Drone Training Organisation.

At NZ Drones Academy, we believe drone training should go beyond theory — it should prepare you for real-world operations in the most demanding environments. As a CAA-approved Part 141 Training Organisation, we deliver aviation-standard training that ensures every graduate is ready to fly safely, legally, and with confidence.

Our courses are designed for everyone, from new pilots entering under Part 101 to professionals seeking advanced Part 102 certifications, Operational Competency Assessments (OCAs), and Night Ratings. Whether you’re an individual, a council, or a major enterprise, our programmes provide the knowledge, skills, and credibility to unlock new opportunities in drone operations.

With over 3,000 flight hours of operational experience across agriculture, infrastructure, defence, and events, our instructors bring unmatched expertise to the classroom and field. When you train with NZ Drones Academy, you’re not just learning to pass a test — you’re preparing to meet the highest standards of aviation safety and compliance.

Train with NZ Drones Academy — where pilots become professionals.

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Certified Drone Training. Powered by NZ Drones Academy (CAA Part 141)

  • Certified & Recognised

    We are a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 141 Certified Training Organisation, ensuring your training meets the highest standards in New Zealand.

  • Real-World Experience

    Our instructors bring 3,000+ flight hours across defence, agriculture, events, and major infrastructure — real-world knowledge you won’t find elsewhere.

  • Complete Training Pathway

    From Part 101 entry-level courses through to Part 102 approvals, OCA, and Night Rating, we cover the entire training journey.

Part 101 Pilot Certificate Course

This online course covers the full Part 101 syllabus with interactive modules and quizzes. Once you’ve completed the online theory, you’ll book an in-person flight test with one of our certified instructors to demonstrate your skills.

What You’ll Learn

  • CAA Part 101 rules and responsibilities

  • Airspace classifications and restrictions

  • Operating near aerodromes

  • Hazard management and risk minimisation

  • Night, shielded, and extended line-of-sight operations

  • Using Airshare and flight advisory tools

  • Altitude awareness (AGL vs AMSL)

  • 400 ft height limits

Course Details

  • Delivery: Online self-paced theory + in-person flight test

  • Assessment: Online exam (80% pass) + in-person practical test

  • Certification: To operate under CAR 101

Outcome

  • Certificate of Completion: Part 101 Pilot Training

  • Foundation for progression to Part 102 Pilot Certificate

Book

Online Courses

Part 102 Pilot Certificate Course

Complete your Part 102 theory online, covering the regulatory framework, operational planning, and safety principles. Once complete, you’ll attend an in-person flight assessment (OCA) to verify your competency.Format: Online + Optional in-person

What You’ll Learn

  • Part 102 rules, responsibilities, and exemptions

  • UAOC process and exposition overview

  • SOP design principles & risk management

  • Operations specifications & documentation expectations

  • Radio communication theory

  • NOTAMs, Airshare, and navigation basics

Course Details

  • Delivery: Online self-paced theory + in-person OCA assessment

  • Assessment: Online exam (80% pass) + in-person competency check

  • Prerequisite: Part 101 Pilot Certificate

  • Certification: To operate under CAR 102

Outcome

  • Certificate of Completion: Part 102 Pilot Training

  • Readiness to apply for a UAOC with confidence

Book

Night Rating Course

This course delivers all night flight theory online, including human factors, lighting, and situational awareness. After completing the modules and quizzes, you’ll attend an in-person night flight to complete your certification.

What You’ll Learn

  • Shielded vs unshielded night operations

  • Night vision, illusions, and dark adaptation

  • RPAS and manned aircraft lighting requirements

  • Situational awareness and emergency planning

  • Best practice night airmanship

Course Details

  • Delivery: Online self-paced theory + in-person night flight assessment

  • Assessment: Online quizzes + final written test (80% pass) + practical flight demonstration

  • Prerequisite: Part 101 or Part 102 Pilot Certificate

  • Certification: Night Rating

Outcome

  • Certificate of Completion: RPAS Night Rating (Online + Practical)

  • Approval to conduct unshielded night operations under Part 102

Book

Part 101 Pilot Certificate Course

Start your journey as a safe and certified drone pilot.
This in-person course introduces you to New Zealand’s drone regulations under CAA Part 101. You’ll gain a solid foundation in safe flight practices, airspace rules, and operational knowledge, the essential first step for recreational and commercial drone pilots and understand the requirements for flying within 4km of an aerodrome.

What You’ll Learn

  • CAA Part 101 rules and responsibilities

  • 400 ft height limits, hazard management & risk minimisation

  • Night, shielded, and extended line-of-sight operations

  • Airspace classifications, restrictions, and VNC charts

  • Operating at or near aerodromes & ATC communication basics

  • Landowner permissions, flying over people, and weight limits

  • NOTAMs, Airshare, and flight advisory tools

  • Altitude awareness (AGL vs AMSL)

Course Details

  • Delivery: Classroom-based with instructor-led sessions

  • Duration: 1 day

  • Assessment: Written exam + Competency check

  • Certification: To operate under CAR 101

Outcomes

  • Certificate Part 101 Pilot Certification

  • Meets CAA training requirements for Part 101 commercial operators

  • Entry requirement for progression to Part 102 Pilot Training

Book

In-person Courses

Part 102 Pilot Certificate Course

This classroom-based course is designed for pilots and organisations who need to move beyond the limits of Part 101 and operate under a Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate (UAOC). Delivered entirely in-person, it combines expert instruction, group discussion, and practical flight sessions.

What You’ll Learn

  • Part 102 rules, responsibilities, and exemptions

  • UAOC process and exposition overview

  • Operations specifications, SOPs, and checklists

  • Risk assessment, maintenance, and competency standards

  • Radio communications, ATC procedures, and distress calls

  • Obtaining and understanding NOTAMs and AIP Supplements

  • Safety management, GPS, and meteorology essentials

Course Details

  • Delivery: Classroom + practical training

  • Duration: 2 days

  • Assessment: Written exam + competency check

  • Prerequisite: Part 101 Pilot Certificate

  • Certification: To operate under CAR 102

Outcomes

  • Certificate: Part 102 Pilot Certification to Operate under UAOC

  • Readiness for your Operational Competency Assessment (OCA)

  • Confidence to prepare your own UAOC application

Book

Night Rating Course

This course combines classroom learning with practical night flight training, preparing you for unshielded operations at night under a Part 102 UAOC. Delivered by certified instructors, you’ll cover night vision, lighting systems, and situational awareness to operate safely in low-light environments.

What You’ll Learn

  • Definitions

  • Certification requirements for unshielded night ops

  • Shielded vs. unshielded operations explained

  • Night definitions (ECT, MCT, and local time)

  • Human factors: night vision, illusions, and dark adaptation

  • RPAS lighting systems and requirements

  • Manned aircraft lighting and situational awareness

  • Emergencies and post-incident reporting

  • Best practice airmanship at night

Course Details

  • Delivery: Classroom sessions + practical night flights

  • Duration: 1–2 days (weather dependent)

  • Assessment: Online quizzes + Competency check

  • Prerequisite: Part 101 or 102 Pilot Certificate

  • Certification: Night Rating Unshielded

Outcomes

  • Authorisation to conduct unshielded night operations under Part 102

  • Enhanced safety knowledge of human factors and night illusions

  • Certificate of Completion: RPAS Night Rating

Book

Contact us.

Info@nzdrones.co.nz
027 370 8750

18 Ulric Street, Plimmerton,

Wellington 5026