Accreditation programmes

The AIRCARE™ program has undergone substantial transformation, evolving into an environmental best practice program for agricultural aviation operators. The program is designed for those seeking accreditation, whether motivated by personal aspirations or mandated by regulatory authorities or clients requiring AIRCARE™ accreditation.

AIRCARE™ accreditation can be obtained for either or both aerial topdressing and aerial agrichemical application by successfully achieving Spreadmark accreditation and/or Growsafe accreditation (Aerial).

This practical, New Zealand-specific course is designed to help pilots minimise aircraft noise while maintaining safe and efficient operations. Covering both fixed-wing and helicopter procedures, the training explores how aircraft configuration, routing, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements all influence noise impact.

Pilots will gain valuable insights and best-practice techniques for reducing noise over communities and conservation areas, helping protect aviation’s reputation and long-term access to sensitive regions. Suitable for private, commercial, and training pilots alike.

Upon successful completion of the course and final assessment, participants will be issued with a personalised certificate.

Select from the courses below. If you have any questions, contact us here.

The Growsafe Accreditation (Aerial) programme provides a framework for ensuring safe and effective aerial application practices while promoting environmental responsibility and regulatory compliance ensuring that aerial operators adhere to established safety and environmental standards, specifically NZS 8409:2021

1. Focus on Safety and Environmental Care: The programme emphasises the safe, effective, and responsible use of agrichemicals, covering essential areas such as planning, personal protective equipment (PPE), storage, handling, application, record-keeping and management of off-target spray drift risks.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Achieving Growsafe accreditation helps companies meet regulatory requirements under HSWA, the EPA Hazardous Property Controls Notice and Regional plans.
3. Independent Audits: Participating companies are subject to independent audits, which provide assurance to farmers, processors and regulatory bodies regarding compliance with established standards.
4. Enhanced Credibility: Being accredited by Growsafe enhances a company’s credibility in the agricultural sector, demonstrating a commitment to best practices in safety and environmental stewardship.

The Spreadmark programme provides significant benefits to applicators, farmers and growers and the environment:

1. Quality Assurance: Spreadmark is a quality assurance system that ensures fertilisers are applied accurately and effectively, maximising their agronomic benefits while minimising risks to the environment.
2. Environmental Protection: By promoting precise fertiliser placement, Spreadmark helps protect water quality and reduces nutrient runoff, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices and regulatory requirements.
3. Independent Audits: Participating companies are subject to independent audits, which provide assurance to farmers, processors and regulatory bodies regarding compliance with established standards.
4. Market Advantage: Certification under the Spreadmark program can enhance a company’s reputation, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable practices.