Course curriculum

  • 1

    Module 1: Introduction

  • 2

    Module 2: Civil Aviation Rules

    • The Civil Aviation Act of 1990
    • CAR Parts
    • CAA Notification Services
    • Advisory Circulars
    • Know the rules! CAA Part 101 and Advisory Circular 101-1 (video)
    • QUIZ: CAA Part 101 Rules
  • 3

    Module 3: Understanding the Concept of Airspace

    • What is Airspace? (video)
    • Resources for Knowing Airspace Classifications
    • Visual Navigation Charts (VNCs)
    • The Airshare Website
    • Quiz: Airspace
  • 4

    Module 4: Measuring Drone Altitude

    • The Importance of AGL vs AMSL (video)
    • Altitude for Manned Aircraft
    • Quiz: Airspace
  • 5

    Module 5: Airspace Categories

    • Controlled vs. Uncontrolled Airspace
    • Controlled Airspace: CTRs and CTAs
    • Quiz: CTRs and CTAs
    • New Zealand CTRs
    • Flying Your Drone in a Control Zone (CTR) (video)
    • Understanding Control Areas (CTAs)
    • Uncontrolled Airspace
    • Other VNC Symbols
    • Quiz: Operations in controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
  • 6

    Module 6: Special Use Airspace

    • Introduction
    • VFR Transit Lanes
    • Flying in Special use Airspace (video)
    • Quiz: Transit Lanes and Special Use Airspace
    • Danger Areas
    • Restricted Areas
    • Military Operating Areas
    • Low Flying Zones
    • Parachute Landing Areas
    • Intensive Flight Training Areas
    • Summary of Special Use Airspace: Oversight, Restrictions, Recommendations
    • VNC Special Messages
    • Quiz: Special Use Areas
  • 7

    Module 7: Runways and Aerodrome Operations

    • Introduction
    • Take-off and Landing Areas
    • Wind Direction
    • Circuit Patterns
    • Obtaining Airport Permissions
    • The Operational Data Plate on the AIP Site
    • Quiz: Runways, Aerodrome Operations and Authorisations
  • 8

    Module 8: Using the Airshare Site

    • Introduction
    • Logging Your Flight Plan
    • Using the “Where do I start” Quick Guide for Planning Flights
    • Exercise: Using the "Where Do I Start?" Chart
    • Regional Council By-Laws
    • Quiz: Using the Airshare Site
  • 9

    Module 9: Finding ATC Contact Information on the AIP Site

    • How to Find Air Traffic Control Contact Information
    • Quiz: Contacting ATC
  • 10

    Part 101 Exam

    • About the Part 101 Exam
    • Part 101 Exam
  • 11

    Part 102 Section Introduction

    • Part 102 Professional UAV Pilot Course Intro (video)
    • Part 102 Section Syllabus and Learning Objectives
  • 12

    Module 10: Part 102 Certification

    • Benefits & Requirements of Part 102
    • Part 102 Operator Requirements
    • Operations Specifications Document (Ops Specs)
    • Exposition Documents
    • Hazard Register and Risk Assessment Matrix (video)
    • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
    • Reporting
    • Review Questions
  • 13

    Module 11: Other UAOC Requirements

    • Training & Competency
    • Part 102 Pilot Certification Requirements and Operational Competency
    • Operational Competency Assessment (OCA)
    • Observer training
    • UAV Maintenance
    • Typical Maintenance Schedules
    • Examples of Good Practice for Maintenance and Inspections
    • Human Factors
    • Review Questions
  • 14

    Module 12: NOTAMs and AIP Supplements

    • Introduction to NOTAMs (video)
    • Activity Instructions: Deciphering a NOTAM
    • Activity: Deciphering a NOTAM
    • AIP Supplements
    • Review Questions
  • 15

    Module 13: Basic Meteorology for UAV Operators

    • Introduction
    • Wind (video)
    • Clouds
    • Fog, Mist or Sea Spray
    • ATIS - Weather Radio
    • Review Questions
  • 16

    Module 14: GPS Basics

    • Role of GPS in UAV operations
    • How GPS Works: The Basics
    • GPS Positional Accuracy: Horizontal and Vertical
    • Potential GPS Problems (video)
    • Review Questions
  • 17

    Module 15: Activity - Plan and Document a Part 102 Flight

    • Overview
    • Instructions
    • Flight Planning Activity Quiz
    • Activity Debrief
    • Sample Solution
  • 18

    Module 16: Part 102 Currency Period and Flight Assessment

    • Part 102 Professional Pilot Certificate
    • Part 102 Professional Pilot Flight Assessment Requirements
    • Flight Assessment (video)
    • Flight Assessment Checklist
    • Review Questions
  • 19

    Part 102 Final Exam

    • About the Part 102 Exam
    • Part 102 Exam
  • 20

    Booking Your Flight Test

    • Flight Test Booking Form - Congratulations on completing the theory part of this course. Now you need to complete the practical flight assessment. Please complete the form to request a flight assessment. Then click on Complete and Continue button.
  • 21

    Next Steps

    • Appendix: RPAS Helpful Websites