PILOT ACCREDITATION SURVEY

Aviation Industry (Non-UAV)

Please fill out the accreditation survey

We are exploring a voluntary accreditation programme for UAV pilots in New Zealand to enhance professionalism, ensure safer operations, and support integration into the wider aviation industry.

This survey seeks input from non-UAV pilots and aviation organisations to understand your views on the current state of UAV operations and the potential role of accreditation. Your feedback will help shape this initiative.

We are gathering feedback from operators and training providers to understand how such a programme might add value or integrate into your operations and training pathways.

We are exploring a voluntary accreditation programme for UAV pilots in New Zealand to enhance professionalism, ensure safer operations, and support integration into the wider aviation industry. This survey seeks input from non-UAV pilots and aviation organisations to understand your views on the current state of UAV operations and the potential role of accreditation. Your feedback will help shape this initiativeWe are gathering feedback from operators and training providers to understand how such a programme might add value or integrate into your operations and training pathways.

Name

First Last

What best describes your relationship to UAV operations?

Fixed-wing or helicopter pilot with no UAV experience

Aviation organisation without UAV-related operations

Aviation organisation with UAV-related operations

Have you or your organisation ever encountered UAV operations affecting your work or airspace?

Yes – frequently

Yes – occasionally

No – never

If yes, what type of impact have UAV operations had on your work?

Positive contributions to shared airspace (e.g., surveys, inspections)

Airspace conflicts or operational risk

Misunderstanding of aviation rules by UAV operators

No Impact

How confident are you in the current standards and regulations for UAV operations under Part 101 & Part 102?

Very confident

Somewhat confident

Not confident

Do you believe a voluntary UAV pilot accreditation programme could improve safety and professionalism in the UAV sector?

Yes – definitely

Maybe – depending on implementation

No – I don’t think it would make a difference

What benefits do you think a UAV pilot accreditation programme could offer the aviation industry?

Improved safety in shared airspace

Better alignment of UAV operations with existing aviation standards

Enhanced communication and collaboration between UAV and non-UAV operators

Reduced risk for organisations approving UAV operations

What concerns would you have about integrating a UAV pilot accreditation programme into the aviation ecosystem?

Duplication of existing regulatory systems (Part 102)

Insufficient governance or enforcement

Cost to UAV operators or organisations

Complexity of integrating new standards into aviation workflows

Would your organisation be willing to engage with a UAV accreditation scheme, such as by recognising accredited UAV pilots or participating in industry consultations?

Yes – Likely

Maybe – depending on programme details

Unsure

If implemented, how could this programme support your operations or interactions with UAV pilots? (

Assurance of UAV pilot professionalism and competence

Standardised documentation or procedures for UAV approvals

Reduced need for internal review of UAV applications

Would you like to stay informed or participate further in the development of this programme?

Yes

Do you have any other comments?