RPAS Agricultural Training Programs Overview

Drone Trust, in partnership with Flight Test NZ, offers comprehensive training programs for Agricultural Operators of Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) to allow them to gain the qualification commonly called an Ag Rating. This allows them use a drone for ag operations such as spraying, spreading, or dropping vertebrate toxic agents (VTAs).

Our Ag Rating training and certification is designed to ensure agricultural pilots are well-equipped to utilise drones in the New Zealand agricultural sector. The required training and certification courses are called the RPAS Agricultural Rating Pathway or “Ag Rating Pathway.” This is a comprehensive pathway covering everything required for you to undertake Ag Operations with a drone - from the initial pilot certification through all the training and additional certifications, including the final issuing of the Ag Rating.

If you already have any of these certifications, the pathway can be adjusted to suit - just in get in touch and we'll get you started.

One of the foundational certifications is an Unmanned Aerial Operators Certificate (UAOC). This is issued to an organisation, and grants them the appropriate privileges to operate under 102 rules. It may be colloquially known as a 102 certificate or an Exposition. 

Drone Trust has an experienced team to help you attain these 102 privileges as part of the Ag Rating Pathway.

RPAS Agricultural Rating Pathway

• For pilots operating in agricultural, horticultural, and pest control sectors
• Covers spray application, fertiliser application, and VTA application
• Can consist of just the Ag Rating training and qualification, or everything required for a new pilot 

Key Features

• Comprehensive ground and flight instruction
• Hands-on experience with industry-standard equipment
• Instruction from qualified and experienced RPAS pilots
• Progressive learning path from basic to advanced operations
• Focus on safety, regulations, and best practices
• Tailored programs for specific industry applications

Training Components

• RPAS Pilot Certification (Part 102)
• Personal certificate proving the holder has the required knowledge and skills to fly as a Professional RPAS Pilot for a CAA-approved Part 102 UAOC organisation, valid for 2 years. This course is offered through Drone Trust directly - click here to learn more.
• Chemical Handling Qualification (for applicable ratings)
• Specialist training on the use of agrichemicals, fertilisers and VTAs for aerial operations. Offered through our partners, valid for 5 years.
• UAV Type Rating
• Enables the holder to engage in the aerial application of agrichemicals. Mix of theory and supervised flight training and assessment. Offered through Drone Trust directly. 
• Autonomous Flight Planning
• Practical Flight Training
• Unmanned Aerial Operators Certifiicate (UAOC) Induction and Operational Competency Assessment (OCA)
• All pilots flying outside 101 rules must do so according to the exemptions granted to an organisation with a UAOC, as detailed in their Exposition document. To be inducted onto a UAOC, an OCA must be completed to demonstrate competency with procedures and machinery operation.
• Supervised and Unsupervised Flight Experience
• 30 supervised flights, and 30 indirectly supervised flights over minimum 3 months to demonstrate competency of all aspects of prior training and certification.

Certification Process

• Initial training and RPAS Pilot assessment 
• Exposition writing support and UAOC submission
• Chemical Rating, Surveying, UAV Type Rating
• UAOC Induction and Operational Competency Assessment
• Intermediate instruction and evaluation to issue provisional certification
• Supervised operational experience
• Final certification upon successful completion

Drone Trust Partnership

These RPAS training programs are proudly offered in partnership with Flight Test NZ, the country's premier pilot check and training organisation providing flight testing for pilots, and specialised aviation training to aviation organisations since 1998. This collaboration ensures that our training meets the highest standards and remains at the forefront of industry developments and regulatory requirements.

Our RPAS training programs are designed to meet industry standards and regulatory requirements, providing pilots with the skills and knowledge needed for safe and efficient RPAS operations in their chosen field. Whether you're looking to start a new career or enhance your existing skill set, our courses offer a pathway to exciting opportunities in New Zealand's growing drone industry.