You don’t need a license to fly a drone in New Zealand. But you do need to follow the Part 101 drone rules, which are New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules.
If you need to fly outside the Part 101 unmanned aircraft rules, you will need to hold a Part 102 unmanned aircraft operator certificate.
Do you have questions about drones?
Do I require a NZCAA certificate to operate drones?
Do I need a Drone Pilot License to operate a drone?
If you are using a drone for leisure you don’t need a drone license. However, if you are intending to operate a drone >25kg or on a commercial basis, you will need to attend a certified course and pass a Drone pilot license.
Do I need permission to fly a drone in New Zealand?
The permissions you need to fly your drone in New Zealand depend on how and where you want to fly.
Airspace
Stay 4kms away from all airports and helipads – unless you have clearance from the aerodrome operator.
Check for any airspace restrictions before you fly.
You may be able to fly in controlled airspace by obtaining air traffic control clearance from Airways.
Do not fly in special use airspace without the permission of the administering authority of the area (eg, military operating areas or restricted areas).
People and property
It’s safer not to fly over people. If you need to, only fly above people if you have asked for their consent.
Get consent of the property owner or person in charge of the land you want to fly over.
Check with your local council before flying in public places like parks and reserves. Your regional council’s website will have information about drone use in your area.
You must apply for a permit from the Department of Conservation to fly over conservation land.
Can I use my drone for agricultural chemical spraying/top dressing?
The aerial application of agrichemicals is a tightly controlled activity, which is regulated by Civil Aviation Rule Part 137 Agricultural Aircraft Operations.
Even if your drone weighs less than 25 kg fully loaded, you will still need a Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate to perform this activity.
How long does a roof treatment take?
It really depends on the size of your roof, how many stories and what obstacles are in the area.
In general, drone spraying is much faster than traditional cleaning, much safer, reduces the risk of damage to your roof our yourself.
Because drone spraying is quicker, it is generally cheaper than traditional methods.
Do you offer industry prices?
Short answer yes, please contact us to discuss your requirements and industry prices.
Can your drones be modified?
Yes, you can modify a drone however it will affect the manufacturers warranty. We will also need to discuss with you the required changes to ensure that any modificaions meet NZCAA certification standards. Please contact us to discuss your intended use and we will contact the manufacturer for an assessment.
How long will they fly?
A typical flight for a UAV is 15-30 minutes depending on payload, battery condition and weather. Advanced drone technology allows you to preset a minimum battery level, after when reached, will create a flight plan way-point and return to base for a battery replacement. The lithium-ion batteries can be quick charged within 15-20 minutes which allows for an efficient 5-8 minute turnaround.
How much weight can a UAV carry?
Drones typically can carry 10-20kg. Our drones have the largest capacity in the industry ranging from 16,22,25,30,52 & 72kg.
Are drones easy to fly?
With advancements in programming, UAV’s are becoming easier and easier to fly. Most UAV’s today house a GPS unit and allow for GPS assisted flight, as well as a loss link procedure and a return to home. Automated flight features are also available in some systems. However, if the automated systems fail, manual mode can be very challenging.
How much do they cost?
There is a wide range of pricing for UAV systems, ranging from a $1500 trainer system, to a $60,000 professional heavy lift drone. These prices can also vary depending on what accessories are used.
