Advisory Circular AC102-1 Unmanned Aircraft – Operator Certification, New Zealand CAA
The New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has recently released an updated version of the Part 102 Advisory Circular (AC) – AC102-1: Unmanned Aircraft – Operator Certification. This marks the first revision since its initial issue in 2015, bringing the guidance up to date with how the Part 102 rule is currently applied by the CAA and utilised by operators. At Hover UAV, we are committed to supporting operators across New Zealand in navigating Part 102 applications with the CAA.
What is AC102-1?
This Advisory Circular (AC) describes an acceptable means of compliance to meet the requirements for certification of unmanned aircraft operators under Civil Aviation Rule Part 102. It:
- Outlines the requirement to assess risks in Part 102 operations, including developing procedures to manage those risks and achieve safe outcomes.
- Advises on the development of risk management plans as part of an operator’s exposition, to demonstrate to the CAA that risks to aviation safety are being adequately managed.
- Describes widely used risk management methodologies and other tools to help operators meet the intent of this rule.
What’s Changed?
The AC has been completely rewritten to ensure it is providing relevant guidance and information for RPA operators in New Zealand.
Key updates include:
- Streamlined Content: Removal of the FAQ section, with crucial information rewritten to clarify when Part 102 certification is required.
- Updated Provisions: Removal of out-of-date transition provisions.
- Performance-Based Rule Guidance: Enhanced advice on working within a performance-based framework.
- Submission and Assessment Process: Clearer information on the application and review processes.
- Risk Management: Comprehensive guidance on managing risks in RPAS operations, including how to develop effective risk management plans.
- Appendices:
- Appendix I: Guide to ISO: 31000 – Risk Management. This international standard outlines a widely used methodology for creating and managing risk management plans.
- Appendix II: Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA). Developed by JARUS (Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems), SORA provides technical, safety, and operational requirements for the safe execution of specific RPAS operations, making it especially valuable for complex and higher-risk operations.
- Appendix III: Examples of exposition documents tailored to various scenarios, illustrate how an exposition might look based on the privileges and risk level of an operation.
SORA
The inclusion of SORA in the updated AC highlights its value as a key tool for supporting operators in securing Part 102 certification. This internationally recognised risk assessment methodology allows operators to:
- Conduct detailed risk assessments focused on ground and air risks.
- Define operational safety objectives.
- Develop mitigations tailored to the environment and operation’s complexity.
SORA enables operators to balance safety with innovation, facilitating the development of more advanced UAV applications. By following SORA guidelines, operators can demonstrate regulatory compliance while fostering operational excellence.
Navigating the regulatory requirements of SORA can be challenging, particularly for operators new to the methodology. That’s where SORA-Mate comes in. This tool simplifies the SORA process by offering:
- Step-by-Step Guidance: Clear instructions for completing SORA assessments.
- Customisable Templates: Pre-built templates aligned with CAA-recognised SORA methodology.
- Built-in Data Integration: Automated processes that pull required data from recognised data sources to minimise errors and save time.
SORA-Mate is especially valuable for operators new to SORA, providing an intuitive interface and robust support to streamline compliance and operational excellence.
At Hover UAV, we’re here to support you through these changes. Whether you need assistance with risk assessments, compliance documentation, or developing a SORA, our team is ready to help. Click here to get in touch with one of our team today.
For more information about AC102-1, Revision 1, visit the CAA website.