🇳🇿New Zealand

Flying a drone at night is prohibited unless you are flying indoors or conducting a shielded operation (staying within 100m of and below the top of a structure/object).

If you haven't flown a drone in the last 90 days, you must practice flying at night for at least 30 minutes in a shielded area before you can conduct an unshielded night flight.

If you plan to fly your drone at night without a physical shield (like a building or structure) blocking it from open airspace, you must first complete an approved training course.

When flying at night, your drone must have lighting that clearly shows which way it is facing. Strobe lights are not allowed for this purpose because they do not show orientation; instead, you can use simple colored glow sticks.

You are not allowed to fly a drone or free flight model aircraft at night unless you meet the specific conditions and circumstances detailed in a CAA transport instrument.

You are not allowed to fly a drone or free flight model aircraft at night unless you meet the specific conditions and circumstances detailed in a CAA transport instrument.

You are not allowed to fly a drone or free flight model aircraft at night unless you comply with the specific conditions and circumstances detailed in a CAA transport instrument.

When flying at night, you must use lights (such as colored glow sticks) that show which way the drone is facing. Strobe lights alone are not acceptable because they do not help you see the drone's orientation.

If you are flying a drone in controlled airspace, you must follow any additional conditions and rules specified in the relevant transport instrument.

You cannot fly your drone in a designated restricted area unless you have permission from the authority in charge of that specific area.

When doing a shielded flight in controlled airspace, you must not fly higher than 33 feet (10 meters) above the top of the building, tree, or structure you are using as a shield.

When air traffic control (ATC) is not operating in a designated control area or control zone, that airspace temporarily becomes uncontrolled Class G airspace. Drone pilots can operate in these areas under uncontrolled airspace rules during these inactive times.

You must not fly a drone, kite, rocket, gyroglider, or parasail within any designated low flying zone.

When flying a drone in controlled airspace, you must follow all conditions and requirements detailed in the relevant transport instrument.

You must not fly your drone in a military operating area unless you have obtained approval from the administering authority for that area.

Before flying your drone in a designated danger area, you must ensure and verify that the active danger or activity in that area will not compromise the safety of your aircraft or any person.

Before you fly your drone, you must check and understand the airspace rules and restrictions in your flight area, or be directly supervised by someone who does.

You cannot fly a drone in controlled airspace unless you get permission from Air Traffic Control (ATC) first, or unless you are conducting a shielded operation (flying close to a structure or object).

Before flying your drone inside a designated Military Operating Area (MOA), you must obtain permission and follow any flight conditions set by the administering authority in charge of that airspace.

If you need to fly in controlled airspace or near a major airport, you must request and obtain approval from Air Traffic Control using the 'My Flights' feature in the AirShare app.

You cannot fly a drone in controlled airspace unless you get permission from Air Traffic Control (ATC) beforehand, or if you are performing a shielded operation.

If you need to fly in controlled airspace in New Zealand, you must get clearance, which you can request online using the AirShare website or app.

Standard aviation charts do not show temporary airspace restrictions. You must check NOTAMs and AIP supplements online to ensure you do not fly into temporary restricted areas.

You must follow the right-of-way rules specified in the CAA transport instrument when operating a drone or model aircraft.

VFR transit lanes are treated as Class G (uncontrolled) airspace, meaning you do not need an ATC clearance to fly in them, but they are only active during daylight hours.

Before flying in controlled airspace, you must use the AirShare website to check airspace maps and submit a request for clearance.

You can fly within 4km of an airport or in controlled airspace without standard authorization if your flight qualifies as a 'shielded operation' (flying close to a physical shield like a building or tree) under the conditions in CATI 101-1.

If you need to fly your drone inside controlled airspace, you must submit an application for clearance online using the AirShare platform.

When flying a drone in controlled airspace, you must follow any extra rules and conditions set out in the relevant transport instrument.

You cannot fly a drone, kite, rocket, gyroglider, or parasail in a restricted area unless you have official permission from the authority in charge of that specific area.

You must obtain permission from the administering authority before flying a drone, kite, rocket, gyroglider, or parasail inside a military operating area.

Before you fly your drone, you must check the airspace classification and any active flight restrictions in your area, or be directly supervised by someone who has done so.

If you need to fly in controlled airspace, you should submit your authorization request through the AirShare website.

When flying your drone or model aircraft, you must follow the right-of-way rules set out in the CAA's official transport instrument.

When air traffic control is not active in a control zone or control area, the airspace becomes uncontrolled Class G. During these inactive times, you do not need air traffic control authorization to fly your drone there.

You are not allowed to fly a drone, kite, rocket, gyroglider, or parasail inside any designated low flying zone.

You must obtain permission and follow any specific flight conditions set by the administering authority in charge of a restricted area before flying your drone inside it.

When flying a drone or model aircraft, you must follow the right-of-way rules set out in the official CAA transport instrument.

Low flying zones have vertical boundaries starting from the ground up to 500 feet above ground level.

You must get permission from Air Traffic Control (ATC) before flying your drone in controlled airspace, unless you are conducting a shielded operation.

If you need to fly in controlled airspace near an airport, you must request and obtain approval from Air Traffic Control using the 'My Flights' feature in the AirShare app.

VFR transit lanes are designated as Class G (uncontrolled) airspace and are only active during daylight hours.

You must not fly drones, kites, rockets, gyrogliders, or parasails inside designated low flying zones.

Before flying a drone, gyroglider, or parasail in a designated danger area, you must verify that the active hazards in that area will not endanger your aircraft or any people.

General Aviation Areas (GAAs) are only active during daylight hours. While active, they are classified as Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.

Before flying your drone, you must check the local airspace classification and any active flight restrictions, or be directly supervised by someone who has done this.

To get a Part 102 certificate, you must provide the CAA with an operations manual explaining how you will manage risks, and name the specific person responsible for your drone operations.

You must fully complete and submit the Part 102 compliance matrix form, indicating the exact page and section in your exposition manual where the inspector can find each required procedure.

To get a Part 102 certificate, you must submit an operations manual showing how you will manage risks, and name a specific person who will be responsible for your drone operations.

Your operations manual (exposition) must detail who is responsible, where you will fly, how you manage hazards, pilot qualifications, aircraft maintenance, and emergency procedures.

Your operations manual (exposition) must detail who is in charge, where you will fly, how you will manage hazards, pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and your flight procedures.

You must include your emergency training plans and testing procedures in your exposition document so CAA NZ inspectors can verify that your crew is prepared for emergencies.

You must maintain a register of all identified hazards and risks. Your exposition (operations manual) must explain who updates this register, how it is used, and how often it is reviewed.

You must keep your operational manual (exposition) up to date and send any changes to the CAA as soon as possible. You must also make any changes that the CAA Director requires for safety.

You must have documented procedures in your exposition or manuals explaining how you keep your risk register up to date, how staff report safety issues, and how you audit your safety controls.

When applying for a Part 102 certificate, you must describe your operational context in your exposition document. This includes details like your organization's size, drone complexity, pilot experience, safety culture, and the environment you will operate in.

If you hire someone else to write your Part 102 operations manual, you must still thoroughly understand every part of it. The manual must also be customized to your specific operations rather than being a generic template.

If you use a template or sample exposition from the CAA, you must customize it with your specific operational details; you cannot just submit the template as-is.

To get a Part 102 certificate, you must include a hazard register in your exposition document that lists potential flight hazards, evaluates their risks, and details how you will mitigate them.

Even if you hire someone else to write your operational manual (exposition), you are still responsible for knowing and understanding everything written in it.

To obtain a Part 102 drone operator certificate, you must submit an exposition (an operations manual) that meets the standards of the CAA.

You must keep your operations manual (exposition) up to date and send any changes to the CAA as soon as possible. You must also make any changes that the CAA Director requires for safety.

You must keep your operations manual (exposition) up to date and ensure it remains acceptable to the CAA at all times.

You can reference external documents like manufacturer maintenance manuals in your exposition instead of copying them, but you must provide them to the CAA if requested.

You can choose to submit your Part 102 exposition using the OneReg portal. While this service costs extra, it may speed up the assessment of your application.

You must fill out and submit the Part 102 compliance matrix form, showing exactly where in your exposition manual each requirement is met, otherwise the CAA may reject or pause your application.

Your Part 102 exposition must include a risk management plan. You must be able to show the CAA that your staff are trained, have the resources they need, and fully understand how to manage operational risks.

You must keep your operations manual up to date and ensure it continues to meet the CAA's standards at all times.

Your operations manual (exposition) should clearly describe your risk management procedures, such as how you run pre-flight briefings, use risk matrices, perform technical checks, and report incidents.

To obtain a Part 102 drone operator certificate, you must submit an exposition (an operations manual) to the CAA that details how you will safely manage your operations.

You do not need to register your drone or unmanned aircraft under the standard civil aviation registration rules (Part 47) in New Zealand.

If the CAA Director decides it is necessary for safety, you must register your drone and display identification markings on it according to Part 47 rules.

You do not need to register your drone, kite, rocket, parasail, or gyroglider under the standard civil aviation registration rules.

You do not need to register your drone or unmanned aircraft with the CAA under Part 47.

The CAA may require you to register your drone and display official identification markings under Part 47 as a condition of your Part 102 certificate.

You must not fly your drone in a military operating area unless you have obtained prior approval from the administering authority for that area.

Before flying over public land, check with the local council or authority. Civil aviation rules do not override local bylaws or land-use policies.

Before flying your drone in a designated danger area, you must verify that the active hazards in that area will not compromise the safety of your aircraft or any people.

You cannot fly your drone in a designated restricted area unless you have received permission from the authority in charge of that specific area.

If you are using drones for agricultural spraying or pest control, you must obtain specific qualifications like a Certified Handler Certificate or a Controlled Substance Licence depending on the chemicals you use.

The CAA will interview and assess your nominated prime person to ensure they understand aviation concepts and operational risks, even if they do not have a pilot license or prior aviation experience.

The person with primary responsibility in your drone organization must pass an interview with a CAA inspector. They must show they fully understand your operational manual and the aviation rules.

You must brief all of your staff, including part-time workers and contractors, so they know how to spot hazards and suggest ways to reduce risks.

If you hold an Australian CASA Remote Pilot License (RePL), CAA NZ recognizes this qualification for flying a drone within 4km of an aerodrome under Part 101 rules.

If you hold an Australian CASA Remote Pilot License (RePL), CAA NZ recognizes this qualification for flying a drone within 4km of an aerodrome in New Zealand.

The person with primary responsibility in your organization must pass an interview with a CAA inspector to prove they thoroughly understand your operations manual and drone safety rules.

To keep your pilot qualifications current under a Part 102 certificate, the CAA recommends completing an Operational Competency Assessment (OCA) with an approved training school every 12 months.

If you want to train and assess your pilots in-house rather than using an external school, you must prove to the CAA that your internal instructors have sufficient experience, such as being former drone flight instructors or examiners.

The person nominated as the prime person must thoroughly understand your company's exposition (operations manual) as well as New Zealand's drone rules (Part 101 and 102).

If you have not flown a drone in the last 90 days, you must practice flying at night for at least 30 minutes in a safe, shielded area before you can conduct an unshielded night flight.

Only CAA-approved organisations or individuals are allowed to issue official drone pilot qualifications, appoint instructors, or authorise pilots to request NOTAMs.

You are responsible for ensuring that all pilots and crew operating under your Part 102 certificate are informed of and follow your certificate conditions, exposition, and applicable rules.

If you want to fly a drone outside the standard rules of Part 101, you must obtain and follow a Part 102 unmanned aircraft operator certificate issued by the CAA.

When you receive a Part 102 drone operator certificate, it will include an 'operations specification' document. This document lists your base of operations, approved drones, where you can fly, any special permissions or exemptions, and safety conditions you must follow.

If you need to fly your drone in controlled airspace, you should submit your clearance request using the AirShare website or app.

Before buying a commercial multi-rotor drone weighing between 15 kg and 25 kg, ensure it has been inspected and approved by a CAA-approved person or organisation.

If you don't have anyone qualified within your company to be the 'prime person' for your Part 102 certificate, you can hire an external contractor to fill the role.

Even if you hold a qualification from a Part 141 drone training school, you must still submit a separate application to the CAA to obtain your official Part 102 certificate.

If you want to operate a DJI Matrice 400 under a Part 102 certificate, you must submit details about the drone and its payload to the CAA. They will assess your application and add the approved drone to your certificate's Operations Specification.

If your organization's designated 'prime person' changes, you must update your exposition and formally notify the CAA by submitting an amendment application using form CAA 24102-02.

To request permission to fly in controlled airspace, you should submit your application online using the AirShare website.

Before you change key people in charge of your drone operations or change the locations you operate from, you must get approval from the CAA Director.

Unless your approved exposition document says otherwise, holding a Part 102 certificate exempts you from many standard manned aviation rules (such as standard pilot licensing, aircraft registration, and maintenance rules).

If you want to become an approved organization to train pilots, issue qualifications, or certify large drones, you must apply to the CAA by emailing certification@caa.govt.nz.

When applying for a Part 102 certificate, the CAA will evaluate the person nominated as the 'Prime Person' to ensure they understand their duties and are qualified to manage the drone operations.

If you hold a Part 102 certificate and perform an operation that is allowed under both standard Part 101 rules and your Part 102 certificate, the operation is legally treated as being conducted under your Part 102 certificate.

To issue official drone pilot qualifications or to approve the construction and operation of heavy drones (between 15kg and 25kg), an organization or person must be formally approved by the CAA Director.

You must follow all specific drone requirements, operating procedures, and safety conditions that the CAA writes into your Part 102 certificate.

Drones weighing between 15 kg and 25 kg must be inspected, approved, and authorised for construction or operation by a CAA-approved person or organisation.

If you want to fly a drone outside of the standard Part 101 rules (such as flying BVLOS, above 400 feet, or over people without consent), or if you want to obtain an unmanned aircraft operator certificate, you must comply with Part 102.

You must follow all specific drone requirements, operating procedures, and safety conditions that the CAA Director includes in your Part 102 operating certificate.

If you operate under a Part 102 certificate, you can only use ADS-B OUT on your drone if you obtain specific approval from the CAA under limited circumstances.

Your Part 102 drone operator certificate is valid for a maximum of 5 years. After this period, it must be renewed.

As a certified Part 102 drone operator, you must follow standard Part 101 rules (unless your certificate specifically exempts you), any conditions listed on your operations specification, and your approved company exposition (operations manual).

If you are renewing your Part 102 certificate and nothing has changed, you must submit a new Fit and Proper Person declaration form along with your updated CV.

When applying for a Part 102 drone certificate, you must show the CAA that you understand the risks your operation poses to your own drone, other aircraft, and people or property on the ground, and that you have procedures to manage those risks.

Before you change key staff members who control your drone operations or change the locations where you operate from, you must get approval from the CAA Director.

When updating your Part 102 certificate, you should submit amendment requests separately from your renewal application to avoid processing delays.

If you want to fly the DJI Matrice 400 under a Part 102 certificate, you must submit details about the drone and its payload to the CAA. Once approved, the CAA will add the M400 to your certificate's Operations Specification.

The person you nominate as your prime person must be employed or contracted for enough hours to properly manage the safety and scale of your drone operation.

You must submit all required documents when you apply. If your details, drone models, or pilots change while waiting for assessment, you can update your application without losing your place in the queue.

If your organization changes its designated 'prime person', you must update your exposition and formally notify the CAA by submitting an amendment application using Form CAA 24102-02.

When applying for a Part 102 certificate, you must list anyone your Prime Person reports to on the application form, unless the Prime Person is the highest authority in your organisation.

Your organization must name a 'Prime Person' who is responsible for drone operations. This person must pass a background and competency check (Fit and Proper Person assessment) by the CAA.

As a Part 102 drone operator, you are only allowed to conduct the specific types of drone flights that are listed in your official operations specification document.

You do not need to be a licensed drone pilot or have prior aviation experience to be a 'prime person' for a Part 102 certificate, but you must prove to the CAA during your assessment that you understand aviation risks and concepts.

If you are not ready to work with the CAA inspector when your application is assigned, let them know so they can put your application on hold without sending you to the back of the queue.

You must continue following your currently approved procedures and drone limits until CAA NZ officially approves and issues your requested amendment.

Do not combine a certificate renewal with an amendment request. Submit them separately to ensure your renewal is processed before your current certificate expires.

When applying for or renewing a Part 102 certificate, you must fill out and submit both the official application form (24102-01) and the compliance matrix form (24102-03).

If you decide to cancel your Part 102 certificate, you must mail the physical original certificate back to the CAA along with a letter signed by your designated Prime Person.

Even if you have completed drone training with a Part 141 school, you must still submit a separate application directly to the CAA to get your Part 102 operator certificate.

When applying for a Part 102 unmanned aircraft operator certificate, you must submit the fit and proper person documentation for your nominated prime person at the start of the application process.

To apply for a Part 102 certificate, you must submit an exposition, a completed compliance matrix, and a Fit and Proper Person form for your Prime Person.

If you want to fly a drone outside the standard rules of Part 101 (for example, flying at night, beyond visual line of sight, or above 400 feet), you must hold and follow a Part 102 unmanned aircraft operator certificate issued by the CAA.

Your Part 102 certificate can be valid for up to five years, but the CAA may shorten this by up to six months to avoid expiration dates falling during busy periods like Christmas.

When applying for or renewing a Part 102 certificate, you must fill out and submit the official application form (24102-01) and the compliance matrix form (24102-03).

Your Part 102 application must include your name, a New Zealand physical address, details of your proposed operations, your safety exposition manual, and any other information requested by the CAA.

You cannot perform aerial spraying, topdressing, or drop toxic pest-control agents under basic Part 101 rules; you must obtain a Part 102 certificate for these operations.

To get a Part 102 certificate, your nominated prime person will usually need to pass a formal interview with the CAA to prove they have the knowledge and capacity to run the operation safely.

You must submit all required documents when you first apply, but if details change (like buying a new drone model or changing pilots) while you are waiting in the queue, you can update these with the CAA when they begin your assessment.

To fly your drone in controlled airspace, you must check the maps and apply for flight clearance through the AirShare website (airshare.co.nz).

If you hold a Part 102 certificate and perform a flight that could fall under either standard Part 101 rules or your Part 102 certificate, the flight is legally treated as operating under your Part 102 certificate.

If you want to fly your drone over empty boats or water vessels at a beach or lake, you must get permission from the owner of the vessel first.

If you want to fly a drone outside the standard Part 101 rules in New Zealand, you must apply for and obtain a Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate.

Even though a prime person can work remotely at times, they are expected to spend enough physical time on-site to show active leadership and monitor safety.

If you are nominating a 'prime person' for a Part 102 certificate, they must be employed or contracted for enough hours to properly manage the safety and size of your drone operations.

When you submit your initial application for a Part 102 drone operator certificate, you must include the 'fit and proper' person paperwork for your nominated prime person.

You can request a free one-hour meeting with the CAA to discuss your upcoming Part 102 application by emailing certification@caa.govt.nz.

If your drone operation does not fit standard templates but does not need a full SORA risk assessment, you must submit a custom operations manual, a hazard register, checklists, forms, and a rules compliance matrix to the CAA.

If you want to fly a drone outside the standard rules of Part 101 (for example, flying BVLOS, at night, or over people), you must first apply for and obtain a Part 102 operator certificate.

To get approved as a prime person, you will typically need to pass a formal interview with the CAA to prove you have the skills and knowledge to run the operation safely.

If you plan to take off, land, or hover your drone on conservation land, you must apply for and receive a permit from the Department of Conservation.

Even for minor changes like fixing typos, you must email your updated exposition and Form 24102-12 to CAA NZ, and wait for their acknowledgment before using the new version.

To apply for a Part 102 drone certificate, download the application form from the CAA website and email it along with your supporting documents to certification@caa.govt.nz.

During the CAA interview, the prime person candidate must explain their experience, show they understand their company's exposition and safety rules, and describe how much time they will dedicate to the role.

If you are renewing your Part 102 certificate and your circumstances have not changed, you must submit a new Fit and Proper Person declaration form along with your updated CV.

You can choose to submit your Part 102 exposition using the OneReg portal. While this involves an extra cost, it may reduce your assessment time, though it does not give you priority in the application queue.

If you want to make major changes, like adding night flights or a new drone type, you must submit an amendment application form and your updated exposition to CAA NZ for assessment.

If you combine your aviation safety risk assessment with other business risks (like financial or reputational risks) in one document, you must clearly separate them so the CAA can easily review the aviation safety hazards.

You are not allowed to fly a control line model aircraft using a single or multiple wire system unless it is specifically permitted by a CAA transport instrument.

When you receive a Part 102 drone operator certificate, it will include an 'operations specification' document. This document officially lists your base of operations, approved drones, permitted flight areas, rule exemptions, and any specific safety conditions you must follow.

To apply for a Part 102 drone operator certificate, you must submit an official application to the CAA Director and pay the required fee.

Your Part 102 drone operator certificate is only valid until the expiration date printed on it, which will be set for a maximum of 5 years from the date of issue.

As a Part 102 certificate holder, you must follow standard Part 101 rules unless your certificate allows otherwise, and you must strictly adhere to your operations specification and company exposition.

When applying for a Part 102 certificate, you must prove to the CAA that you have a system to continuously manage new risks, properly train your staff, and regularly inspect your drones to keep them airworthy.

If you want to continue operating under your Part 102 drone operator certificate after its expiration date, you must apply for a renewal before it expires.

If you want to continue operating under your Part 102 drone operator certificate after its expiry date, you must apply to renew it before it expires.

Holding a Part 102 certificate exempts you from many standard manned aviation rules (such as general operating rules, maintenance, and pilot licensing), unless your own company exposition document states you must follow them.

If you change the way you assess or manage risks for your drone operations, you must apply for and obtain an amendment to your Part 102 certificate from the CAA.

When applying for a Part 102 drone operator certificate, you must submit an application to the CAA, pay the required fee, and provide your contact details, operations specifications, and an operational exposition.

To officially issue drone pilot qualifications, appoint instructors, or approve the construction and operation of drones weighing between 15 kg and 25 kg, you must be formally approved as an organisation or person by the CAA.

If your drone operation involves highly innovative or novel technology, you should contact the CAA's Emerging Technology Unit (ETU) through their website before applying.

As a Part 102 certificate holder, you are only allowed to conduct the specific drone operations that are listed in your approved operations specification document.

Submit your completed Part 102 application and all required documents by emailing them to certification@caa.govt.nz.

To avoid your Part 102 certificate expiring before it is renewed, you should submit your complete renewal application to CAA NZ at least 60 days in advance.

If the CAA assigns an inspector to your application but you are not ready to work with them, let them know immediately. They can put your application on hold so you do not lose your place in line or incur extra costs from stopping and starting.

Before flying over parks, beaches, or lakes, you must get permission from the owner or local council. Some councils grant blanket permission for certain parks on their websites.

If your drone's weight falls within the restricted range specified in the transport instrument, you must meet the special conditions outlined in that instrument to fly it.

If you operate a drone or model aircraft in New Zealand, you must comply with the rules in Part 101, unless you are operating under a Part 102 unmanned aircraft operator certificate.

You must not fly a drone or model aircraft that is heavier than the maximum weight limit specified in the CAA transport instrument.

When flying a drone, you must take all practical steps to ensure your operation does not pose a hazard to people, property, or other aircraft.

You must provide the CAA with a signed and dated maintenance manual that details your services, the specific drones you service, who does the work, where it is done, and how you keep records.

If you operate a DJI Agras T50 or DJI FlyCart 30, you must inspect the carbon arms for peeling layers (delamination) every 6 months. You must take photos of any affected areas and keep these photos in your drone's maintenance log to track any changes.

To become an approved drone maintenance provider under Part 102, you must email your application directly to certification@caa.govt.nz, as there is currently no standard application form.

If you operate an XAG P100 Pro under a Part 102 certificate, you must formally update your maintenance manual to include visual inspections of the propeller clamp and seesaw holder contact points. This inspection must be performed during pre-flight, post-flight, and periodic checks.

If you operate an XAG P100 Pro, you must immediately downgrade your flight controller firmware to version 1.166.0.82 if you are currently running version 1.167.0.85. This prevents the drone from drifting off course.

While you do not need to be a licensed aircraft engineer to maintain drones, you must prove to the CAA that your maintenance staff have the right skills and experience for the specific drones they service.

If you are a maintenance provider servicing another operator's Part 102 drone, you must be officially named in their Exposition and Operations Specification documents.

Operators of the XAG P100 Pro should use a flashlight to inspect the propeller clamp and seesaw holder for cracks before and after every flight. If you find any damage, do not fly and contact your maintenance provider.

The CAA recommends setting up a dedicated battery maintenance and testing program for LiPo batteries, covering safe charging, storage, and disposal.

If you change your drone maintenance provider or if they change the services they offer, you must update your Part 102 certificate and Operations Specifications.

If your small off-the-shelf drone does not come with a manufacturer maintenance plan, CAA NZ expects you to perform pre-flight and post-flight checks, along with an annual inspection conducted by an experienced person.

If your drone weighs over 25 kg, is home-built, or is the first of its kind in New Zealand, the CAA may require it to be inspected by an approved inspector before it can be operated.

The CAA recommends setting up a regular testing and maintenance routine for your LiPo batteries, ensuring you follow safe charging and disposal practices.

If you fly an XAG P100 Pro drone, you must immediately downgrade your flight controller firmware to version 1.166.0.82 if you are currently running version 1.167.0.85. This is to prevent the drone from drifting off course and crossing safety boundaries.

If you operate an XAG P100 Pro under a Part 102 certificate, you must update your maintenance manual to include visual inspections of the propeller clamp and seesaw holder contact points during pre-flight, post-flight, and periodic checks.

If your drone has a manufacturer-provided maintenance plan, you must follow it. If you want to use an alternative plan, you must prove to CAA NZ that your method is just as safe or safer.

You generally need an independent, third-party inspector to sign off on your drone's airworthiness. If you want to use an internal staff member for this, you must get approval from the CAA first.

If you operate a DJI Agras T50 or FlyCart 30, you must inspect the carbon arms for peeling or splitting every six months. You must take photos of any damage and keep them in your drone's maintenance log.

Before buying a commercial multi-rotor drone weighing between 15 kg and 25 kg, you should have it inspected and approved by a CAA-approved person or organisation.

If you fly a fixed-wing drone or helicopter, you should set retirement limits for parts based on the manufacturer's guide or your own flight logs to replace them before they fail.

Before you fly, always check your drone to ensure the battery is fully charged and that there is no damage to any of the parts.

You must not fly your drone higher than 400 feet (approximately 120 meters) above ground level unless you meet the conditions specified in an official CAA transport instrument.

You must not fly your drone higher than 400 feet (approximately 120 meters) above ground level unless you meet the conditions specified in an official CAA transport instrument.

You must not fly your drone higher than 400 feet (approximately 120 meters) above ground level unless you meet the conditions specified in an official CAA transport instrument.

You cannot fly a drone over people or property unless you comply with the specific conditions and requirements set out in an official CAA transport instrument.

If your drone has optional rotor guards available, the CAA advises purchasing them and keeping them installed whenever you might fly near other people.

If your drone has optional rotor guards available, the CAA recommends buying them and keeping them installed whenever you might fly close to other people.

Before flying your drone directly over anyone, even in a public park, you must get their clear permission. This permission can be given verbally or in writing.

You are not allowed to fly your drone over people or private property unless you comply with the specific conditions and requirements detailed in an official CAA transport instrument.

Before flying directly over anyone, even in a public park, you must get their clear permission, which can be either spoken or written.

A homeowner or tenant can give consent for drone flights on behalf of everyone else at the property, and this consent can cover ongoing flights if agreed.

You are not allowed to fly a drone directly over people or private property unless you comply with the specific conditions set out in an official CAA transport instrument.

If you plan to use complex or novel drone technology, CAA NZ may ask you to complete a SORA. You should contact their certification team if you are unsure whether this applies to your operation.

When applying for a Part 102 certificate using the SORA method, you should use the CAA's Excel workbook to map out and reference where you have addressed each safety requirement in your application documents.

For highly complex or unique operations requiring a SORA, you must submit a full suite of manuals (operations, training, maintenance, emergency response), the SORA safety portfolio and workbook, a risk register, and a rules compliance matrix.

You only need to complete a formal SORA risk assessment if you are applying for a highly complex drone operation under Part 102.

If your SORA risk assessment results in a high-risk level of SAIL V or higher, you should contact the CAA to discuss your plans before you formally apply.

You do not need to submit a JARUS SORA with your initial application unless the CAA specifically requests it, which usually occurs during the assessment of complex operations like BVLOS or large drones.

If you use the CAA's SORA spreadsheet helper tool, you must submit it in addition to your main SORA safety portfolio document, not as a replacement for it.

If you choose to use the SORA risk assessment method for your application, you must use the most recent version published by JARUS.

When applying using SORA, you must submit your safety portfolio in three separate phases to allow the CAA to review and approve each stage of your risk assessment.

You do not need to submit a JARUS SORA with your Part 102 application unless the CAA specifically requests it for complex operations like BVLOS or heavy drones.

If you plan to use the SORA risk assessment method for a complex drone operation, the CAA recommends downloading their official workbook and emailing their Certification team for advice before submitting your application.

You are not allowed to fly a drone or free-flight model aircraft within the designated boundaries of an airfield or airport unless you follow the conditions of an official transport instrument.

To fly within 4km of an airfield without special permission under shielded rules, there must be a physical barrier (like a building or trees) between your drone and the airfield that is taller than your flight altitude to stop the drone if it flies away.

You are not allowed to fly a drone or model aircraft within the boundaries of an airfield or airport unless it is specifically permitted by a transport instrument.

You must not fly a drone or free-flight model aircraft within the designated boundaries of an airfield or airport unless you are authorized to do so under a transport instrument.

If you are flying within 4 km of a controlled airport, you must get authorization from Air Traffic Control (ATC) before taking off.

When asking for permission from an airport operator or air traffic control to fly nearby, apply as early as possible to avoid being turned down.

If you are flying within 4km of an airfield under shielded operation rules, there must be a physical barrier (like a building or hill) between your drone and the airfield that is taller than your flight altitude to block the drone if it flies away.

While batteries and fuel powering your drone do not need approval, carrying spare batteries or extra fuel as cargo requires a dangerous goods approval from the CAA.

If you are using drones to spray agricultural chemicals, your staff must be properly trained and you must have specific safety procedures in place.

You must not drop any items from your drone or unmanned aircraft during flight if it could pose a safety risk to people or property.

If you use your drone to spray or disperse any chemicals or substances (such as fire-fighting foam), you must evaluate the risks and potential harm those substances could cause to people or property.

You do not need a dangerous goods approval to fly and spray agricultural chemicals immediately. However, if you are transporting those chemicals by air to a job site for later use, you must have a dangerous goods approval.

If you plan to carry spare batteries or extra fuel as cargo (rather than the battery or fuel actively powering the drone), you must declare this in Section 10 of your application and obtain a dangerous goods approval.

You are not allowed to use a drone for agricultural spraying, topdressing, or spreading toxic pest-control agents under standard Part 101 rules.

You do not need a dangerous goods approval for the battery or fuel currently powering your drone. However, you must obtain approval if you are carrying spare batteries or extra fuel as cargo.

If you are transporting spare LiPo batteries as cargo rather than using them to power the drone during flight, you must consult the Dangerous Goods Manual (AC92-4) or contact the CAA first.

If your drone's weight falls within the transitional range specified in the CAA transport instrument, you must meet all the extra conditions required for that weight class.

You cannot fly a drone or model aircraft that is heavier than the maximum weight limit set by the CAA in their transport instrument.

If your drone's weight falls within a certain range specified by the CAA, you must meet the specific conditions outlined in the transport instrument to operate it.

You cannot operate any drone or model aircraft that weighs more than 25 kg under standard Part 101 rules.

You must not fly a drone or model aircraft that is heavier than the maximum weight limit set by the CAA in their transport instrument.

If your drone weighs between 15 kg and 25 kg, it must be built, inspected, and operated under the supervision of an approved aviation organization or person.

Any documents you submit for your SORA assessment must be finalized and version-controlled; the CAA will not accept draft documents, and you must use change tracking to show any updates made during the review process.

CAA NZ recommends keeping a living hazard and risk register (such as a Word or Excel sheet) that is regularly updated with input from your pilots and staff to track operational risks and mitigations.

If you are leaving your role as a prime person, the CAA recommends getting written confirmation of your departure date from your organization and letting the CAA know you are moving on.

If you need to use an aeronautical radio to speak with air traffic control or other pilots, you must have a pilot qualification and an approved callsign.

If you hold a Part 102 certificate, you are responsible for making sure all your pilots and crew members are informed of and follow your certificate conditions, exposition, and applicable Part 101 rules.

If you are an aviation participant required to report a drone incident or occurrence, you should use the CAA's online reporting portal or download and submit the CA005UA form.

If you experience any issues or failures while using the Lane Assist function on an XAG P100 or P100 Pro drone, you must report them to the CAA using the CA005 form.

If you are an aviation participant who needs to file a mandatory drone incident report, you must use the CAA's online reporting tool or submit the CA005UA form.

You must not fly your drone in a way that blocks your direct line of sight as defined by official transport instruments, unless you meet the specific conditions allowed in those instruments.

If you are applying for a Part 102 certificate for advanced operations like night flying, BVLOS, or using drones over 25 kg, you must include specific procedures and risk mitigations in your application.

To fly over private property, you must get permission from either the owner or the tenant. This consent can be informal (verbal or written) or a formal contract.