Articles

Who's the Prime Person, and Why Does the CAA Interview Them Personally?

Who's the Prime Person, and Why Does the CAA In...

Most of the process for getting your organisation's UAOC (Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate) is paperwork. You write an exposition, the CAA reviews it, you make the changes they ask for....

Who's the Prime Person, and Why Does the CAA In...

Most of the process for getting your organisation's UAOC (Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate) is paperwork. You write an exposition, the CAA reviews it, you make the changes they ask for....

Becoming an Agricultural Drone Pilot in New Zealand: A Stage-by-Stage Guide

Becoming an Agricultural Drone Pilot in New Zea...

What it actually takes to become a certified agricultural spray drone pilot in New Zealand - five stages, real costs, real timeframes, and the questions worth asking before you start.

Becoming an Agricultural Drone Pilot in New Zea...

What it actually takes to become a certified agricultural spray drone pilot in New Zealand - five stages, real costs, real timeframes, and the questions worth asking before you start.

NZ Drone Training Providers Compared: DroneTrust, NZ Drones Academy, Fenix UAS, DroneTraining.co.nz and FlyUAV (2026)

NZ Drone Training Providers Compared: DroneTrus...

If you're looking for drone training in New Zealand, you'll find several providers, each with a different approach to how they deliver courses, how far their examiner network reaches, and...

NZ Drone Training Providers Compared: DroneTrus...

If you're looking for drone training in New Zealand, you'll find several providers, each with a different approach to how they deliver courses, how far their examiner network reaches, and...

Why NZ Agricultural Drone Pilots Need an RPAS Chemical Rating

Why NZ Agricultural Drone Pilots Need an RPAS C...

Agricultural drone spraying in New Zealand sits at the intersection of CAA aviation rules, HSNO hazardous substance law, and WorkSafe obligations. A Pilot Chemical Rating is a legal requirement, and...

Why NZ Agricultural Drone Pilots Need an RPAS C...

Agricultural drone spraying in New Zealand sits at the intersection of CAA aviation rules, HSNO hazardous substance law, and WorkSafe obligations. A Pilot Chemical Rating is a legal requirement, and...

What Are The Common Drone Mistakes New Pilots Make in New Zealand?

What Are The Common Drone Mistakes New Pilots M...

Summary: New drone pilots in New Zealand frequently put themselves at legal and physical risk by overlooking the country's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations. From flying too close to aerodromes...

What Are The Common Drone Mistakes New Pilots M...

Summary: New drone pilots in New Zealand frequently put themselves at legal and physical risk by overlooking the country's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations. From flying too close to aerodromes...

How to Fly Your Drone Safely in Changing Autumn Conditions

How to Fly Your Drone Safely in Changing Autumn...

Summary Autumn in New Zealand is spectacular — golden light, moody skies, and landscapes that look like they were painted by someone who really wanted to show off. But with...

How to Fly Your Drone Safely in Changing Autumn...

Summary Autumn in New Zealand is spectacular — golden light, moody skies, and landscapes that look like they were painted by someone who really wanted to show off. But with...

Part 102 Certification: The Complete Guide for NZ Companies

Part 102 Certification: The Complete Guide for ...

Commercial drone operations are transforming how New Zealand companies work: from construction site monitoring and infrastructure inspections to agricultural surveying and emergency response. But if your organisation wants to do...

Part 102 Certification: The Complete Guide for ...

Commercial drone operations are transforming how New Zealand companies work: from construction site monitoring and infrastructure inspections to agricultural surveying and emergency response. But if your organisation wants to do...

Drone Compliance Guide for New Zealand Businesses

Drone Compliance Guide for New Zealand Businesses

Drones are becoming standard tools across New Zealand businesses — from construction firms and councils to agricultural operations and infrastructure companies. But as drone use grows, so do the compliance...

Drone Compliance Guide for New Zealand Businesses

Drones are becoming standard tools across New Zealand businesses — from construction firms and councils to agricultural operations and infrastructure companies. But as drone use grows, so do the compliance...

How to Use Drones to Meet New Zealand’s Increasingly Strict Environmental Compliance Standards

How to Use Drones to Meet New Zealand’s Increas...

Key Takeaways New Zealand’s Freshwater Farm Plan (FW-FP) regulations require farmers to identify and actively manage the impact of farming activities on freshwater environments — and ‘best effort’ is no...

How to Use Drones to Meet New Zealand’s Increas...

Key Takeaways New Zealand’s Freshwater Farm Plan (FW-FP) regulations require farmers to identify and actively manage the impact of farming activities on freshwater environments — and ‘best effort’ is no...

How to Navigate CAA Part 101 and 102 Rules for Commercial Farming in NZ

How to Navigate CAA Part 101 and 102 Rules for ...

SUMMARY New Zealand farmers and commercial operators using drones for tasks such as spraying, heavy-lift, or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations are subject to CAA Part 102 rules,...

How to Navigate CAA Part 101 and 102 Rules for ...

SUMMARY New Zealand farmers and commercial operators using drones for tasks such as spraying, heavy-lift, or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations are subject to CAA Part 102 rules,...

Drones in the Backcountry: Navigating the 2026 DOC Concession Landscape

Drones in the Backcountry: Navigating the 2026 ...

Key Takeaways Commercial drone operators must obtain a DOC drone concession before flying on conservation land, with updated 2026 processes streamlining online applications Recreational drone use requires adherence to specific...

Drones in the Backcountry: Navigating the 2026 ...

Key Takeaways Commercial drone operators must obtain a DOC drone concession before flying on conservation land, with updated 2026 processes streamlining online applications Recreational drone use requires adherence to specific...

Maximise the 2026 Harvest: Precision Spraying and Yield Mapping Trends

Maximise the 2026 Harvest: Precision Spraying a...

Key Takeaways Heavy-lift spray drones are revolutionising late-season disease control in New Zealand vineyards and orchards, offering precise application with minimal soil compaction Multispectral imaging enables growers to identify stress...

Maximise the 2026 Harvest: Precision Spraying a...

Key Takeaways Heavy-lift spray drones are revolutionising late-season disease control in New Zealand vineyards and orchards, offering precise application with minimal soil compaction Multispectral imaging enables growers to identify stress...

Flying Your Drone Responsibly Over the Holidays: NZ Rules Explained

Flying Your Drone Responsibly Over the Holidays...

Key Takeaways Recreational drones under 25kg don't require certification but must follow Civil Aviation Authority rules Always fly below 120 metres and keep your drone within visual line of sight...

Flying Your Drone Responsibly Over the Holidays...

Key Takeaways Recreational drones under 25kg don't require certification but must follow Civil Aviation Authority rules Always fly below 120 metres and keep your drone within visual line of sight...

The Ultimate Drone Gift Guide for Kiwi Creators

The Ultimate Drone Gift Guide for Kiwi Creators

Whether you're shopping for an aspiring aerial photographer or a seasoned content creator, finding the perfect drone can transform their creative vision. This drone gift guide covers the best options...

The Ultimate Drone Gift Guide for Kiwi Creators

Whether you're shopping for an aspiring aerial photographer or a seasoned content creator, finding the perfect drone can transform their creative vision. This drone gift guide covers the best options...

Take Your Drone from Toy to Tool: Beginner Training for Summer Flyers

Take Your Drone from Toy to Tool: Beginner Trai...

Key Takeaways Master basic flight controls in open spaces before attempting advanced manoeuvres Understand local regulations and safety requirements before your first flight Summer conditions offer ideal learning weather but...

Take Your Drone from Toy to Tool: Beginner Trai...

Key Takeaways Master basic flight controls in open spaces before attempting advanced manoeuvres Understand local regulations and safety requirements before your first flight Summer conditions offer ideal learning weather but...

Avoid Costly Fines This Summer: Learn NZ Drone Rules Online, at Your Own Pace

Avoid Costly Fines This Summer: Learn NZ Drone ...

Key Takeaways Drone fines in New Zealand can reach up to $100,000 for serious breaches, making compliance essential Understanding airspace restrictions, altitude limits, and privacy laws protects you from penalties...

Avoid Costly Fines This Summer: Learn NZ Drone ...

Key Takeaways Drone fines in New Zealand can reach up to $100,000 for serious breaches, making compliance essential Understanding airspace restrictions, altitude limits, and privacy laws protects you from penalties...

How to Get Your Drone 'Night Rating' Certification in NZ Before Summer Flying Season

How to Get Your Drone 'Night Rating' Certificat...

Key Takeaways Timing is critical: October offers the last practical opportunity to complete night training before summer's extended daylight severely limits evening darkness for practice flights. Prerequisites required: You must...

How to Get Your Drone 'Night Rating' Certificat...

Key Takeaways Timing is critical: October offers the last practical opportunity to complete night training before summer's extended daylight severely limits evening darkness for practice flights. Prerequisites required: You must...

The 2-Year Rule: Time to Check if Your NZ Part 101/102 Pilot Certificate Needs a Refresher

The 2-Year Rule: Time to Check if Your NZ Part ...

Key Takeaways: New Zealand’s Part 101 and Part 102 pilot certificates are valid for two years from the date of issue, whether you're paid to fly or not. No matter...

The 2-Year Rule: Time to Check if Your NZ Part ...

Key Takeaways: New Zealand’s Part 101 and Part 102 pilot certificates are valid for two years from the date of issue, whether you're paid to fly or not. No matter...

How to Start an Agricultural Drone Business in ...

New Zealand’s diverse terrain and growing demand for precision agriculture make drone spraying one of the most promising opportunities in agtech. In this guide, we break down real numbers, startup...

How to Start an Agricultural Drone Business in ...

New Zealand’s diverse terrain and growing demand for precision agriculture make drone spraying one of the most promising opportunities in agtech. In this guide, we break down real numbers, startup...

What Kiwi Drone Pilots Are Saying on Reddit: Top Tips from r/drones and r/newzealand

What Kiwi Drone Pilots Are Saying on Reddit: To...

The Reddit community has become an invaluable resource for drone enthusiasts worldwide, and Kiwi drone pilots are no exception. Across popular subreddits like r/drones and r/newzealand, experienced New Zealand drone...

What Kiwi Drone Pilots Are Saying on Reddit: To...

The Reddit community has become an invaluable resource for drone enthusiasts worldwide, and Kiwi drone pilots are no exception. Across popular subreddits like r/drones and r/newzealand, experienced New Zealand drone...

Precision Farming with Drones: What Kiwi Growers Are Doing Now to Prepare for the Spring Season

Precision Farming with Drones: What Kiwi Grower...

As winter begins to loosen its grip across New Zealand, farmers from Northland to Southland are turning their attention to spring preparation. However, this year's planning looks markedly different from...

Precision Farming with Drones: What Kiwi Grower...

As winter begins to loosen its grip across New Zealand, farmers from Northland to Southland are turning their attention to spring preparation. However, this year's planning looks markedly different from...

Small Town, Big Skies: How Drones Are Changing Rural NZ

Small Town, Big Skies: How Drones Are Changing ...

Across the rolling hills of Canterbury and the vast paddocks of Waikato, a quiet revolution is taking place in the skies above rural New Zealand. Drones, once considered futuristic gadgets,...

Small Town, Big Skies: How Drones Are Changing ...

Across the rolling hills of Canterbury and the vast paddocks of Waikato, a quiet revolution is taking place in the skies above rural New Zealand. Drones, once considered futuristic gadgets,...

Drone Pilot Wanted: The NZ Skills Gap You Could Fill

Drone Pilot Wanted: The NZ Skills Gap You Could...

New Zealand's drone industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, creating a surge in demand for qualified drone pilot professionals. From NZ’s rolling hills of Canterbury to the rugged coastlines of Auckland,...

Drone Pilot Wanted: The NZ Skills Gap You Could...

New Zealand's drone industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, creating a surge in demand for qualified drone pilot professionals. From NZ’s rolling hills of Canterbury to the rugged coastlines of Auckland,...

Where Can I Do My Drone Flight Test in New Zealand?

Where Can I Do My Drone Flight Test in New Zeal...

You can do the theory and exam for a DroneTrust course from anywhere with an internet connection. The only part with a location is the practical flight test, and our...

Where Can I Do My Drone Flight Test in New Zeal...

You can do the theory and exam for a DroneTrust course from anywhere with an internet connection. The only part with a location is the practical flight test, and our...