Program Overview

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Introduction to Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Regulations and Operator Conduct

This professional course bridges knowledge gaps between RPAS operators and aviators to enhance the safety of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) operations.

Key Facts

• Start dates for 2026:
  • 18-20 February
  • 18-20 March
  • 15-17 April
  • 13-15 May
  • 17-19 June
  • 15-17 July
  • 12-14 August
  • 9-11 September
  • 14-16 October
  • 11-13 November
• Online theory courses are available throughout the year.
• Cost: Corporate/group rates are available.
• Delivery mode: Online and in person.
• Location:
  • Massey University Aviation Centre in Palmerston North (minimum six participants)
  • Completing theory modules online and scheduling the RPAS practical assessment (RPAS Flight Examination) later.
• Duration:
  • A full three-day course
  • Online course to be completed within 6 weeks, followed by a practical assessment (RPAS Flight Examination) at a later date.

Overview

Designed by Massey's RPAS Instructors and an RPAS consultant, the course challenges participants to think about the airspace environment, other airspace users, and most of all – safety.

Who This Course Is For

RPAS operators with little or no aviation experience who want to enter the industry or for those who wish to further develop their understanding of the use of RPAS in the aviation environment.

Why Take This Course

Widespread availability of RPAS, alongside developments in RPAS technology and adaptation across a range of uses and industries, has created safety risks from a lack of awareness of RPAS aviation regulations.

Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing this course, you will:

• Be able to interpret various aviation documents and regulations, and apply these to your operation.
• Be able to identify threats to your operation and develop methods of mitigation.
• Understand the conduct required to operate an RPAS in accordance with aviation best practice.
• Meet the initial training requirements for CAA Rule Part 102 Operator Certificate using evidence of training by a Part 141-M6 training organisation.

Course Content and Structure

The Massey RPAS course (internal option) comprises two days of theory that introduces participants to aspects of the aviation environment that are relevant to RPAS operations.

Part 1: Theory

The theory course covers:

• Threats
• Regulations
• Visual Navigation Charts (VNC's)
• Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP's)
• Notice to Airmen (NOTAM)
• Airshare
• Meteorology
• Basic radio wave propagation
• Transceivers
• Procedures and phraseology
• Call signs
• Making radio calls
• Interpreting radio calls
• Part 102
• Introduction to safety management systems
• Operation planning
• Practical demonstration of:
  • Pre-flight planning
  • Regulations
  • Operator conduct.

Part 2: Flight Examination

After passing the theory course, you will be able to sit a flight examination (day 3 of the in-person course). This includes:

• Classroom revision
• Practice scenarios
• RPAS Flight Examination.

Certificate of Competency

On successful completion of the theory and flight examination, you will be awarded the Massey University Certificate of Competency - RPAS - Endorsed Multi-Rotor ("Wings Badge").

The Certificate of Competency complies with the initial training requirements for Part 102 operators. It is an approved Pilot Qualification that entitles candidates to fly or supervise a multi-rotor operation within 4km of an aerodrome with the aerodrome operator’s agreement.