FAQ's
Common Questions About Drone Operations
Introduction
At North Canterbury Drone Services, we understand that customers often have questions about how drone operations work, the safety involved, and what to expect on the day of service. Below you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive — all designed to give you confidence and peace of mind before we take flight.
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Q: How safe are drone operations?
A: Safety is always the top priority. All flights are carried out by qualified, experienced pilots operating under Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Part 102 certification. Each project is risk-assessed, and drones are flown only in approved weather and airspace conditions to ensure maximum safety for people, property, and the environment.
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Q: Can drones operate near houses or people?
A: Yes, but only when it is safe and legally permitted. Flights near residential areas or workplaces are carefully planned, and distances are maintained in accordance with CAA regulations. Where required, landowner or site permissions are obtained before any operation begins.
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Q: Do drone operations damage property or crops?
A: No — drones are non-contact and lightweight. For tasks like roof washing, spraying, or seeding, they hover safely above the surface and use precisely controlled systems. This prevents soil compaction, roof damage, or harm to surrounding vegetation.
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Q: What happens if the weather turns bad?
A: Drones can only fly in suitable conditions. If wind or rain exceeds safe limits, flights are postponed and rescheduled at no cost to the client. Weather is monitored closely before and during every job to ensure safety and quality results.
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Q: Are your cleaning and spraying chemicals safe?
A: Yes. All products used in spraying and washing are biodegradable, non-toxic, and environmentally safe. They are carefully measured and applied using GPS-controlled systems to minimise waste and prevent runoff into waterways or sensitive areas.
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Q: How accurate are your drones for surveying or spraying?
A: Drones use GPS and RTK positioning to achieve centimetre-level accuracy. Automated flight paths ensure consistent coverage for mapping, seeding, or spraying — giving reliable, repeatable data for professional reporting or analysis.
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Q: Do you need permission to fly drones commercially?
A: Yes. North Canterbury Drone Services operates under the CAA Part 102 certification, which is required for commercial drone use in New Zealand. This certification allows for controlled-airspace operations, night flights, and other advanced capabilities when approved by the CAA.
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Q: How far can drones fly, and how long do they stay in the air?
A: Flight range depends on the model and task. Agricultural drones generally fly within a few hundred metres of the operator and have flight times of 15–25 minutes per load before refilling or battery change. Surveying and photography drones can cover several hectares per flight.
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Q: Can you provide photos or video from the flight?
A: Absolutely. Every operation can include high-resolution imagery or video on request. These can be used for marketing, inspection reports, or personal records. Before any photography, permissions and privacy guidelines are confirmed with all clients.
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Q: How do I book a drone service?
A: You can contact North Canterbury Drone Services via the website’s enquiry form, email, or phone. We’ll discuss your project, confirm the location, and provide a free, no-obligation quote. Once approved, flight planning and scheduling are handled entirely for you.
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Q: What if I’m unsure which service I need?
A: No problem — we can assess your site or project requirements and recommend the most effective drone solution, whether it’s spraying, mapping, inspection, or roof cleaning.
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Closing Message
If you have any other questions about drone operations, safety, or how we can help with your next project, please get in touch anytime.
Our friendly team is happy to talk through your ideas and find the most effective drone solution for your property, farm, or business.
