Flying Drones for Commercial Use in New Zealand

According to a New Zealand drone research conducted in June 2020 in part by the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA), there were 7,939 businesses using drones and 15,322 drones used for business or scientific purposes - this number has continued to grow in the past 4 years

This rise in demand is primarily driven by the efficiency and versatility drones offer businesses, ranging from agriculture to real estate. With their capability to capture high-resolution images and provide aerial insights, drones have become indispensable tools in numerous industries.

Key Takeaways

• New Zealand has seen increased demand for commercial drone use.
• Knowledge of legal requirements is essential for compliance.
• Proper training boosts business benefits and compliance.

The Growing Demand For Drones In Commercial Sectors

The use of unmanned aircraft in commercial sectors is rapidly becoming a norm in New Zealand. Various industries are incorporating these technologies to enhance efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Industries Adopting Drones

Several sectors in New Zealand are using remotely piloted aircraft systems to transform traditional practices. Agriculture leverages drones for spraying, monitoring crops and managing livestock, enabling efficient resource management. Construction firms utilise drones for site surveys, improving project accuracy and saving time.

Media and entertainment industries are embracing aerial photography and cinematography, creating dynamic content. In infrastructure and utilities, drones are pivotal in inspections, providing safer and more efficient access to hard-to-reach areas. These advancements reflect a significant shift towards integrating drone technology in day-to-day operations.

Benefits Of Using Drones for Business

The benefits of deploying drones in commercial activities are significant. Cost reduction is a primary advantage, as drones can perform tasks traditionally conducted by manned aircraft at a fraction of the price. Safety improvements are another key benefit, reducing the need for human presence in hazardous environments.

Precision and data accuracy are enhanced in operations such as land surveying and precision agriculture. Additionally, the speed of data acquisition afforded by drones allows for quicker decision-making processes, which is essential in many fast-paced industries. This capability provides a competitive edge to businesses adopting this technology.

Legal Requirements For Flying Drones Commercially In New Zealand

Commercial drone operators in New Zealand must adhere to a set of legal requirements. These may include obtaining certification from the Civil Aviation Authority, understanding regulations under Part 101 and Part 102, and being aware of airspace restrictions.

CAA Certification Overview

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) oversees certification for commercial drone use to ensure operators have a thorough understanding of safety, airspace regulations, and operational limits. Certification ensures operators are competent and aware of their responsibilities.

Operators may or may not need certification depending on the activities they will be undertaking. For example, a pilot flying a small camera drone over rural property with permission is unlikely to need certification because it is low risk and falls under 101 rules - whereas a spray drone operator will need several certifications under the 102 framework to cover the higher risks associated with that operation. 

Part 101

Part 101 is the base rule set covering all drone flight in New Zealand, recreational and commercial. Under Part 101, drone operations are limited to visual line of sight, away from private property and people without permission, and below 120 metres (400 feet). Part 101 rules prohibit flying drones at night and over populated areas without special permissions.

Operators must adhere to rules regarding airspace, ensuring they remain outside controlled airspace unless permission is granted by relevant authorities. These rules ensure safety and minimise conflicts with manned aircraft. For a more in-depth understanding of these rules, visit CAA’s website or check out our Part 101 Pilot Certificate course.

Part 102

Part 102 provides a framework for operations that require more flexibility than Part 101 allows. This certification grants privileges to pilots that enable them to operate outside  the standard limits of Part 101 by presenting a case to the CAA.

Operators need to apply for a Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate to perform operations that do not meet Part 101 rules. The certificate requires proof of knowledge, flight assessments, and risk management plans. The process involves a thorough review of the operator's ability to manage risks and maintain safety. Applicants need to submit detailed documentation covering operational procedures, risk assessments, and pilot qualifications. 

This process is quite complex, so it’s recommended to read Advisory Circular AC101-1, which provides a comprehensive overview of the requirements. Drone Trust can also provide specialist support in assisting pilots and organisations to achieve the required certification.

Additional Certifications

Flights for commercial purposes often require additional certifications, especially those that require a UAOC. This often includes a RPAS Pilot Certificate, Operational Competency Assessments, and additional ratings or courses such as Surveying, Night Flying, Chemical Handling, Aerial Asset Management, and Agriculture. The team at Drone Trust can help to attain all of these additional qualifications.

Restricted Areas

Drones are not permitted in restricted areas without prior consent. This includes flying near airports, military zones, and other controlled airspace. Operators need to be aware of airfield boundaries and seek permission if necessary.

Tools such as Airshare help identify restricted zones and alert operators to airspace classifications. Staying informed about airspace restrictions is crucial to legal and safe drone operations. For more in-depth understanding of airspace restriction, visit CAA’s website or consider a Pilot Certificate course. 

Key Rules And Best Practices For Commercial Drone Pilots

Commercial drone pilots in New Zealand must adhere to strict rules to ensure safety and privacy. Health and safety protocols are vital, insurance helps mitigate risks, and understanding privacy laws ensures compliance.

Health And Safety Obligations

Pilots must observe health and safety guidelines to avoid accidents. Operating in no-fly zones is strictly prohibited and can lead to penalties. They should perform pre-flight checks and inspections of equipment to ensure everything functions correctly.

Specific areas, such as conservation land, require additional permissions. Pilots must be aware of shielded operations, which allow flying within an enclosed space or near structures, boosting safety and operational ease.

It is highly recommended that any commercial pilots take an RPAS Pilot Certificate course to 101 standard at minimum. This ensures they have a thorough understanding of the rules and can fly safely.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance for commercial drone use is not mandatory but highly recommended. It can cover liabilities in the event of accidents or damage. Public liability insurance is essential for protection against claims of third-party injury or property damage.

Policies vary; hence, pilots must choose plans that best fit their specific operations. Pilots working in hazardous areas should opt for comprehensive coverage, while those operating in safer environments might require less extensive plans.

Privacy Considerations

The Privacy Act applies to drones whenever they are collecting information for commercial purposes. This includes any situation when the camera is active – whether it’s recording or not. 

Notification is the most relevant component of the Privacy Act. Drone operators need to take reasonably practicable steps to notify people that camera equipped drones are active in the area, who is responsible for them and what the footage will be used for. Drone operators also need to make sure they aren’t collecting information in an unfair way, or in a way that intrudes unreasonably on someone’s personal affairs. ​

How To Prepare For Your Commercial Drone Flight

Preparation for a commercial drone flight in New Zealand involves key steps to ensure both safety and compliance. Essential aspects include conducting thorough pre-flight checks and employing effective flight planning tools. These processes help mitigate risks and adhere to regulations.

Pre-Flight Checks

Before taking off, performing comprehensive pre-flight checks is crucial. Inspect the drone for physical damage, such as cracked propellers or loose components. Check the battery levels to ensure they are fully charged. Verify that the firmware is up-to-date to avoid technical issues.

Calibration of sensors, including the compass and GPS, should be done to maintain flight accuracy. The drone’s camera settings need adjustment based on the specific mission requirements. Verify that all necessary permissions are in place.

Using a pre-flight checklist can streamline the process. This list should cover all essential checks to ensure nothing is overlooked. Adhering to these steps minimises risks and ensures that the drone operates smoothly and safely.

Flight Planning Tools

Effective use of flight planning tools is essential. Tools such as AirShare enable users to plan flights while considering local airspace restrictions and weather conditions. Accessing the AirShare website provides up-to-date information on no-fly zones.

Mapping software can help create flight paths that optimise efficiency while avoiding restricted areas. Understanding weather forecasts involves using apps or websites to monitor wind speed and rain, which can affect flight stability and safety.

By incorporating these tools, operators can anticipate potential issues and adjust plans accordingly. This approach ensures the drone flight remains safe, compliant, and efficient.

Conclusion

The growing adoption of drones in New Zealand's commercial sectors highlights their transformative potential across industries. By improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enhancing safety, drones offer businesses valuable tools to stay competitive. 

However, compliance with the CAA regulations is essential to ensure safe and lawful operations. Proper certification, awareness of airspace restrictions, and adherence to privacy laws are key factors that every operator must prioritise. 

For organisations aiming to scale their drone operations, DroneTrust, a certified drone training provider in New Zealand, offers fully-online drone courses that cover all the necessary regulations for commercial drone use, ensuring operators are fully compliant with CAA guidelines.

By staying informed and following best practices, businesses can fully leverage the capabilities of drones while maintaining safety and legal integrity in their operations.