Airworthiness Inspection for Drones Between 15kg and 25kg

Verified from official sources
Version 1Effective -Verified 25 August 2026

In plain language

If your drone weighs between 15kg and 25kg, you must have it inspected and approved by a CAA-authorised organization (such as Model Flying New Zealand or Aeronavics) before you can fly it.

Requirement as structured

CAA NZ requires drones weighing between 15kg and 25kg to be inspected and deemed airworthy by a Director-approved organization or person before operation.

Original regulatory text

However, if your drone weighs between 15kg and 25kg, it must be inspected by an approved organisation to check that it is airworthy first. The following organisations or persons have been approved by the Director to do this: - Model Flying New Zealand - Aeronavics - Shotover Photography - Chris Jackson - Bevan Lewell - Unmanned Aircraft Solutions NZ

Applies when

max mtom kg
25
min mtom kg
15