Agricultural drone operators

Agricultural Drone Operators in the Aviation Industry Association

AIANZ offers a joint membership programme for agricultural drone operators. This programme offers people the opportunity to join both the New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association (NZAAA) and UAVNZ divisions under a single membership of the Aviation Industry Association.

Agricultural drone operations have seen a massive proliferation in recent years. NZAAA and UAVNZ provide over 85 years of experience for new intending members to leverage. UAVNZ provides all of the know-how on UAVs, including pilot responsibilities, compliance, maintenance, training and other areas of knowledge. NZAAA provides the expertise and experience in agrichemical and fertiliser application, and considerations unique to agricultural aviation operations.

While both divisions are involved in advocacy work for shared areas of interest (e.g., Civil Aviation Rules), NZAAA also provides advocacy for all of agricultural aviation, such as for District Plans, WorkSafe, and the Environmental Protection Authority. The combined membership gives access to professional standards, a community of likeminded individuals, member events, cost savings (though n3 and other AIANZ benefits), and supports advocacy for the sector.

“As a Part 141 training school, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in UAV training and operations. UAVNZ sets industry benchmarks for safety, professionalism, and best practices, aligning with our values and dedication to quality training.

Membership of UAVNZ also connects us with the wider aviation community through the Aviation Industry Association, enabling a unified voice on key policy and regulatory matters that relate to the entire industry.”

Andrew Shelley and Rochelle Nicholas, Fenix UAS

Joining the Aviation Industry Association

It is also possible for individuals and organisations to join either division individually. If applying for joint membership, then NZAAA becomes the primary division, and UAVNZ the secondary division.

NZAAA operators are certificated under Part 137 of the Civil Aviation Act rules, and agree to abide by the NZAAA Code of Ethics. UAVNZ has a Code of Conduct that must be signed prior to acceptance of membership.

Membership fees can be accessed here.

The Chair of the NZAAA is Kent Weir and the Executive Officer is Tony Michelle. The Chair of the UAVNZ is Gisela Ripoll.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us here.

Quick Guide for Drone Operators: Flight Advisor

AIANZ Member Fenix UAS has released its first Quick Guide for Drone Operators, focusing on the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Flight Advisor website. Flight Advisor graphically displays real time information about low level airspace. The single pictorial display of information helps aviation participants maintain awareness of each other and co-ordinate their activities.

This Quick Guide explains how to access Flight Advisor, how to interpret the information provided, and how to access the different types of maps.