What Is a UAOC and Does Your Company Need One?

If your company is considering bringing drone operations in-house — or you already use drones and want to expand what you can do with them — you've likely come across the term UAOC. But what is a UAOC, exactly? And does your business actually need one?

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about the Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate, from who needs one and what it costs, to the step-by-step process for getting certified.

What Is a UAOC?

A UAOC — or Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate — is the formal certification issued by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that authorises an organisation to conduct drone operations under Part 102 of the Civil Aviation Rules.

Think of it this way: Part 101 sets out the basic rules that anyone can fly a drone under. Part 102 is the framework for organisations that need to go beyond those basic rules. The UAOC is your company's proof that the CAA has reviewed your operations and confirmed you meet the safety and procedural standards required for more complex drone work.

The UAOC is held by the organisation, not by individual pilots. Your pilots will need their own Part 102 certification, but the operator certificate belongs to the company.

Who Needs an Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate?

Not every business that uses drones needs a UAOC. If your operations fit comfortably within Part 101 rules — flying in daylight, within visual line of sight, below 120 metres, away from people and controlled airspace — then you can operate without one.

However, your company needs a UAOC if you want to do any of the following:

• Fly over or near people who aren't directly involved in your operation
• Operate at night or in low-light conditions
• Flying a drone with a combined weight over 25kg
• Operate over property without the landowner’s permission
  
• Fly beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) — where the pilot can't directly see the drone
• Enter controlled airspace without the standard restrictions
• Fly above 120 metres above ground level
• Agricultural operations including spraying, fertiliser application, and bait dropping
• Operate in ways that go beyond Part 101 limitations specific to your industry

Industries That Commonly Need a UAOC

Across New Zealand, companies in a wide range of sectors are obtaining UAOCs to unlock more capable drone operations:

• Construction and infrastructure — Site monitoring, progress reporting, and inspections that require flights over active work areas
• Agriculture — Crop spraying, large-area surveying, and precision agriculture beyond line of sight
• Surveying and mapping — High-altitude photogrammetry and LiDAR operations
• Energy and utilities — Power line and pipeline inspections, often in controlled airspace
• Local government and councils — Asset inspections, emergency response, and coastal monitoring
• Film and media — Aerial cinematography over events or populated areas

If your business needs to fly in any situation that Part 101 doesn't cover, a UAOC is the pathway to doing so legally and safely.

The UAOC Process: How to Get Certified

Obtaining a UAOC isn't something you do overnight. It's a structured process that demonstrates to the CAA your organisation can manage drone operations safely and consistently. Here's how it works.

Step 1: Write Your Exposition

The exposition is the core document in your UAOC application. It's essentially your company's operations manual for drone work — a comprehensive document that covers:

• Your organisational structure and key personnel
• Standard operating procedures for every type of flight you intend to conduct
• Risk assessment and mitigation frameworks
• Maintenance and airworthiness procedures
• Emergency and contingency procedures
• Pilot training and competency requirements
• Record-keeping and reporting systems

The exposition needs to be thorough, specific to your operations, and written to CAA standards. This is where most companies benefit from professional help. DroneTrust provides a full exposition writing service, drawing on deep experience with the CAA's requirements and expectations.

Step 2: CAA Review

Once your exposition is submitted, the CAA reviews it in detail. This typically involves back-and-forth communication — the CAA may request clarifications, amendments, or additional detail on specific procedures. CAA charge an assessment fee based on an hourly rate for the time they spend on your documentation.

The review period varies, but you should expect several months of engagement with the CAA during this phase.

Step 3: Certification

Once the CAA is satisfied that your exposition meets all requirements, they issue your UAOC. Your organisation is now authorised to conduct drone operations under Part 102, within the scope defined in your exposition.

The entire process — from starting the exposition to receiving your certificate — typically takes around 8 months. This timeline depends on the complexity of your operations and how quickly any CAA queries are resolved.

Step 4: Certify Your Pilots

With your UAOC in place, your pilots need to complete Part 102 certification. This involves completing a CAA-approved training course — such as DroneTrust's Part 102 Certification Course — which covers advanced airmanship, operational procedures, and the regulatory framework for Part 102 operations.

Step 5: Ongoing Compliance (OCA)

Your UAOC isn't a one-and-done achievement. Each certified pilot must complete an annual Operator Competency Assessment (OCA) to maintain their certification. This ensures your team stays current and your operations continue to meet CAA standards.

How Much Does a UAOC Cost?

Understanding the investment involved is critical for business planning. Here's a breakdown of the typical costs:

Component	Cost
Exposition writing (professional service)	$2,000 – $3,500
CAA submission fee	$568
CAA hourly rate	$220
Part 102 certification	$998 per pilot
Annual OCA assessment	$629 per pilot

For a company with three pilots, the first-year investment would typically be:

• Exposition writing: ~$2500
• CAA submission and assessment costs: ~$2000
• Three pilots × $998: $2,994
• Total first year: ~$7500
• Ongoing annual cost (3 × OCA): ~$1,887

These costs are modest compared to the commercial value that Part 102 certification unlocks — particularly in industries where contracts increasingly require certified operators.

Benefits of Having a UAOC

Win More Contracts

Increasingly, tender documents and procurement processes in New Zealand specify that drone operators must hold Part 102 certification. Government agencies, councils, and large corporates are driving this trend. Without a UAOC, your company simply cannot compete for this work.

Operate With Fewer Restrictions

Part 101 imposes significant limitations that can make commercial drone operations impractical. With a UAOC, your team can fly in conditions and locations that would otherwise be off-limits — giving you far greater operational flexibility.

Demonstrate Professionalism

A UAOC signals to clients, partners, and regulators that your organisation takes drone safety seriously. It's a mark of professionalism that differentiates you from operators working under basic Part 101 rules.

Reduce Risk

The process of obtaining a UAOC forces your organisation to think carefully about risk management, emergency procedures, and operational standards. This isn't just paperwork — it genuinely makes your drone operations safer and more reliable.

Common Questions About UAOCs

Can an individual get a UAOC?

A UAOC is issued to an organisation, not an individual. However, sole traders and small companies can absolutely apply. The key is that you have documented procedures and systems in place.

Do I need a UAOC for every type of drone I operate?

Your exposition covers the types of aircraft and operations you intend to conduct. If you add new aircraft or operation types later, you'll need to update your exposition accordingly.

What happens if I fly under Part 102 without a UAOC?

Operating outside Part 101 rules without a UAOC is a breach of civil aviation regulations. The CAA can take enforcement action, and you'd have no legal basis for your operations — which also has serious insurance implications.

Can I start the process while my pilots are still training?

Yes — and this is often the smartest approach. The exposition process takes several months, so beginning it while your pilots complete their Part 102 certification means everything comes together around the same time.

Next Steps: Getting Your Company Certified

If your business needs to fly beyond Part 101 limitations, a UAOC is the gateway to compliant, capable commercial drone operations.

DroneTrust can help at every stage:

• Exposition writing service — We write your Part 102 exposition to CAA standards, drawing on years of experience with the certification process. This saves you months of work and significantly increases your chances of first-time approval.
• Part 102 Certification Course — Our online course prepares your pilots for Part 102 certification, covering everything from advanced flight planning to regulatory compliance.
• Annual OCA assessments — We provide the ongoing competency assessments your pilots need to maintain their certification year after year.

Ready to get started? Visit dronetrust.co.nz to learn more about our Part 102 certification pathway, or get in touch to discuss your company's specific requirements.