PILOT ACCREDITATION SURVEY

Operators & Training Providers

Please fill out the accreditation survey

UAVNZ, in collaboration with ASPEQ, is developing a proposal for a voluntary UAV pilot accreditation programme.

This initiative would recognise pilot training, experience, and professionalism—helping to differentiate skilled operators, improve public land access, and potentially unlock insurance and employment benefits.

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.

UAVNZ, in collaboration with ASPEQ, is developing a proposal for a voluntary UAV pilot accreditation programme. This initiative would recognise pilot training, experience, and professionalism—helping to differentiate skilled operators, improve public land access, and potentially unlock insurance and employment benefits. 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.

Name

First Last

What best describes your organisation?

UAV operator (commercial – Part 101)

UAV operator (certificated – Part 102)

Internal UAV training provider

Independent or external UAV training provider

What are your primary areas of UAV activity or instruction? 

Surveying or mapping

Agricultural operations

Media and content production

Emergency response

Environmental monitoring

Recreational support

How many UAV pilots are currently associated with your organisation?

Fewer than 5

5–10

11–20

Over 20

What is your current approach to verifying pilot competency?

In-house flight and knowledge assessments

External certifications or providers

On-the-job evaluation only

We don’t have a formal process

Do you keep records of pilot competency, experience, or renewals?

Yes – digital logbooks or database

Yes – paper-based files

No – pilots manage their own records

Are you familiar with the concept of a UAV pilot accreditation scheme?

Yes – very familiar

Somewhat familiar

No – not familiar

What benefits could a third-party pilot accreditation scheme offer your business or trainees?

Improved credibility or professionalism

Easier approvals for operations on public land

Enhanced employability for pilots

Reduced liability exposure

Reduced training or onboarding effort

Would you consider giving preference to or requiring pilots to hold this accreditation for specific jobs or roles?

Yes – likely

Maybe – depending on cost and quality

No – we have other requirements

What concerns would you have about implementing or supporting such a scheme? 

Added admin burden

Confusion with Part 102 rules

Questions about oversight or fairness

Cost to participants

Would your organisation consider being involved as a recognised training provider or supporter of the accreditation scheme?

Yes – definitely

Maybe

Not applicable

If this programme aligned with your own training standards, would you adopt or integrate it into your offerings?

Yes – as a standard certification

Yes – as an optional add-on

No – we already have internal methods

Not sure

How would accreditation support your internal operations? 

Easier onboarding of new staff

Better contractor screening

Standardised safety management

Simplified external communication

Improved insurance terms

What barriers might prevent you from supporting or adopting the scheme? 

Costs to pilots or business

Lack of regulatory endorsement

Redundancy with Part 102

Technical complexity

Lack of market recognition

What pilot attributes would you expect the accreditation to verify? 

Practical flying skill

Knowledge of aviation and UAV rules

Safety culture and professional conduct

Up-to-date operational currency

Would an accreditation register (searchable database of certified pilots) be useful to your organisation?

Yes – for hiring or contracting

Maybe – for general awareness

No – not relevant

Would you promote accreditation to your students, staff, or contractors?

Yes – strongly

Yes – if adopted across industry

No – prefer current systems

What features would help ensure the credibility of the programme? 

Strong and independent governance

Practical and theory-based assessments

Recognition by councils or regulators

Periodic reassessment or renewal

Transparent complaints or conduct process

Should CAA endorsement or guidance be a requirement for your organisation to support the programme?

Yes – it’s essential

Helpful, but not essential

Not necessary

Unsure

If the programme launched, would you be open to supporting its pilot phase (e.g., trial participation, advisory input)?

Yes – definitely

Maybe

Would you like to stay informed or be involved as the programme develops?

Yes

Do you have any other comments?