Drone Training in New Zealand: 10 Essential Tips for Beginner Pilots

Drone training in New Zealand has become popular as more people seek to master these advanced devices. With a variety of landscapes, from rugged mountains to serene beaches, New Zealand offers an excellent backdrop for learning and practising drone flying.

Learning to operate a drone can be an exciting challenge that opens up new avenues for photography and exploration. 

Whether you are new to drones or looking to refine your existing skills, you will find valuable tips and insights that can help you get started safely and effectively.

1) Choose the Right Drone

Selecting the right drone is essential for beginners. It's important to consider the purpose it will serve, such as photography, racing, or recreational flying. 

Different drones are designed for different activities so it is best to select a drone that aligns with your primary interests. For example, DJI drones are well known for having the most user friendly drones designed for capturing beautiful shots, while BetaFPV is popular among hobbyists and racers.

Another factor to think about is the drone's ease of use. For beginners, it's best to choose models that are user-friendly. Look for drones with features like automatic stabilisation and GPS. These can make flying easier and more enjoyable.

Battery life is also crucial. Some drones can only fly for a few minutes on a single charge, which might not be enough for your needs. Check the battery duration and consider investing in extra batteries for longer flying sessions.

Think about the drone's size and weight. Lightweight drones are often easier to handle and transport. However, heavier drones might perform better in windy conditions. Balance what's more important for your situation.

Cost is a significant consideration too. Starting with a mid-range drone can be a wise choice. They often offer a good balance between functionality and price without being too complex or expensive.

Lastly, ensure the drone comes with good customer support and warranty. As a beginner, you might need help with troubleshooting or repairs. A good support system can make your flying experience much smoother.

2) Understand New Zealand Airspace Rules

New Zealand has strict airspace rules for drone pilots, and any pilot without certification must follow CAA’s Part 101 rules. Knowing these rules is key to flying safely and legally.

Drone pilots must always keep their drones within sight, and no higher than 120 metres. If your drone is out of sight or too high, it can be dangerous to other aircraft.

Do not fly after dark unless you are flying within 100m of, and below the top of, manmade or natural obstructions, such as buildings and dense treelines. This is called a shielded operation and protects other aircraft from your drone.

Flying near airports or other controlled airspace is not allowed without certification. Drones must stay at least 4 kilometres away from any airport or helipad unless you hold a minimum RPAS pilot Certificate to Part 101 standard. This helps prevent accidents with other aircraft. Check Airshare.co.nz before you fly and comply with all other aviation rules. 

Other examples are;

• You must not fly over people without their permission unless you hold the appropriate certification for that activity. Respecting others' privacy and safety is very important.
• Specific certification is also required if you intend to fly over property without the owner's or occupier’s consent. This helps protect people’s privacy and property rights.

Some areas, like DoC land, have their own rules. Always check with the local authority before flying over any public land including any parks and reserves. This ensures you are not breaking any laws specific to the area.

3) Start with Basic Manoeuvres

Begin with simple movements such as taking off, hovering, and landing. These actions help build confidence and control. Hovering teaches stability and balance.

Before you move on, understand if you have emergency controls, such as emergency brake and Return to Home functions. Make sure you are familiar with these before you need them.

Next, practise gentle turns and circles. This helps in understanding how the drone responds to control inputs. It also improves your ability to navigate.

Move on to figure-eights and squares. These shapes help in mastering directional control. Try different speeds and heights to get comfortable with various flight settings.

Regularly check the drone’s orientation. Keep the front of the drone facing away from you. This makes it easier to understand left and right movements.

Revisit these basic manoeuvres often. Practising them ensures that your skills remain sharp.

4) Practice in Open Areas

It's best to start flying drones in open areas. Parks, fields, or empty lots are great choices as these spots have fewer obstacles like trees or buildings and this reduces the chance of crashes.

Wide spaces also help beginners get comfortable with controls. It’s easier to correct mistakes when there's plenty of room.

When practising, avoid crowded places, as you must gain permission before flying over anyone, and people and pets can be unpredictable. Safety should always come first, so find a time when these areas are less busy.

Check with the local authority before flying on any public land, as some places may have restrictions. It's important to respect these rules to avoid fines.

5) Learn to Use the Camera Settings

Getting the best shots with a drone often depends on the camera settings. First, beginners should learn about resolution. Higher resolutions like 4K offer clearer images, though they take up more storage space.

Next, adjust the frame rate. For smooth video, a frame rate of 30 to 60 frames per second (fps) is recommended. Lower frame rates can make videos look choppy.

ISO settings are also crucial. In bright conditions, keep ISO low to avoid grainy photos. In low light, a higher ISO can help, but too high may cause noise.

Aperture affects how much light hits the camera sensor. Smaller apertures are good for bright outdoor shots, while larger apertures are better for low-light conditions.

White balance ensures colours look natural. Manually setting it can be better than auto for consistent results, especially in different lighting conditions.

Lastly, explore and test different shooting modes. Many drones have pre-set modes like sports or portrait, which adjust settings automatically for the best results.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and get to know how to access all of these settings in your drone - you can always delete practice footage, but you can’t redo special events!

6) Understand Drone Maintenance

Drone maintenance is crucial for safe flying and long-lasting equipment. Regularly check all parts of the drone, including the propellers, motors, and batteries. Look for any signs of damage or wear.

Clean your drone after each use. Wipe down the body and check the motors for dirt and debris. Make sure the camera lens is clean for clear footage.

Store your drone in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or very humid areas. Use a case for added protection.

Charge your batteries properly. Never overcharge them and always use the correct charger. Store batteries at about 50% charge if you won't use them for a while.

Update your drone's firmware. Check the manufacturer's website for the latest updates. These can improve performance and fix any issues.

Keep track of flight hours. Regularly serviced drones last longer and perform better. Consider keeping a logbook of all flights and maintenance actions.

Routinely check connections and screws. Tighten any loose parts and replace any damaged ones. This ensures your drone remains safe and reliable.

7) Consider Flight Simulators

Flight simulators can be a great tool for beginners. They help new pilots practise without risking damage to their drones. Simulators mimic real flight conditions. This helps pilots get used to controls and how the drone will react.

New Zealand has many online resources for drone flight simulators. Beginners can download software to their computers. These programs offer a variety of scenarios to practise in, covering different weather conditions and environments.

Using a flight simulator saves money. Crashing a real drone can be costly. Simulators allow pilots to learn from their mistakes without worrying about repairs. Beginners can get comfortable with controls before taking to the skies.

Pilots can track their progress over time. Simulators often provide feedback on flight performance. This helps identify areas that need improvement. Regular practice with a simulator can build skills and confidence.

Flight simulators are also fun. They offer a safe way to explore new tricks and techniques. Beginners can push the limits of their skills. As they improve, they can try more advanced simulations.

In summary, flight simulators are a valuable tool for anyone starting with drones. They provide a safe, cost-effective way to learn and improve. Training with a simulator prepares new pilots for real-world flying.

8) Join a Local Drone Club in New Zealand

Joining a local drone club in New Zealand can be very beneficial for beginners. These clubs often offer hands-on training and regular meet-ups. Both can help you become more comfortable with your drone.

In a drone club, you can learn from experienced pilots. They can give you tips on flying techniques and safety rules. This hands-on advice is valuable.

Drone clubs also provide a sense of community. You can meet others who share your interest. This can make learning more fun and engaging.

Local clubs often organise group flights. This can help you practice in different environments. It also ensures you are following local regulations.

Many clubs are also a source of up-to-date information. They often share news about drone laws and technology. This keeps you informed about any changes.

9) Stay Updated with Regulations

Drone regulations in New Zealand can change often. It's important to check for updates before flying. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) manages these rules.

Operators need to know about restrictions in certain areas. Flying near airports, people, and wildlife is restricted. It's smart to review no-fly zones regularly.

Keeping software and firmware updated is also important. Manufacturers often release updates that comply with new regulations. This helps in avoiding unintentional rule-breaking.

Reading reliable sources and official updates is key. Websites like the CAA's and aviation news sites provide important information. Staying informed reduces risks and enhances safety.

10) Invest in Extra Batteries

New drone pilots often forget how quickly battery life can dwindle. Having extra batteries ensures longer flying sessions. This lets beginners practise more without waiting for batteries to charge.

Batteries can be recharged multiple times. However, they eventually wear out. Extra batteries mean less downtime and more consistent practice, which is crucial for improving skills.

When planning a drone outing, always pack spare batteries. This is useful for long trips or events where a power source isn't available.

Level Up with DroneTrust:
The Right Drone Training in New Zealand

Selecting the right drone training in New Zealand is crucial for beginners aiming to boost their skills and get certified. Whether you're flying for fun or professionally, DroneTrust offers a range of courses to guarantee safe and responsible flying.

Our courses at DroneTrust are both cost-effective and scalable, designed to help all drone pilots understand the regulations and refine their skills. This ensures you get the most out of your drone experiences.

As a CAA-certified provider, DroneTrust partners with Flight Test NZ, an accredited aviation training organisation, holding the Part 141 certificate TR52489. Our online training allows you to learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your home, offering a convenient and flexible learning experience.