Pilot Training

Pilot Chemical Rating

You’ll need a Pilot Chemical Rating before you can apply agrichemicals from the air, whether you fly a helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft or an agricultural drone.

2 days Course duration
$4,000 + GST Course fee
Nationwide Examiners across NZ

about the course

What you’ll learn

Develop the knowledge and practical understanding required for the safe handling and aerial application of agricultural chemicals. The Pilot Chemical Rating syllabus covers everything from chemical properties and application equipment to risk management, environmental considerations and regulatory responsibilities.

Over two days, our lead instructors Bill and Adam take you through what you need to know to do the job safely, legally and well.

Our recent
Pilot Chemical
Rating training
in Taupō.

Pilot Chemical Rating training session in Taupō

Catering provided during the Pilot Chemical Rating course

Agricultural chemicals

Chemical types, properties and formulations.

Explore topic +

Understand different agrichemicals, including pesticides, fertilisers and vertebrate toxic agents, and how their properties influence their use.

Equipment & application

Calibration, nozzles and application techniques.

Explore topic +

Get familiar with dispersal systems, equipment settings, calibration and the factors that affect application accuracy.

Weather & spray drift

Weather conditions and drift management.

Explore topic +

Learn how wind, weather and droplet size affect spray drift, and how to reduce the risk to surrounding areas.

Chemical safety

Safe handling, toxicity and protective equipment.

Explore topic +

Cover chemical exposure, poisoning symptoms, protective measures, decontamination and safe disposal.

Emergency & risk management

Planning for risks and unexpected situations.

Explore topic +

Understand risk assessments, emergency procedures, spill response and safety management systems.

Rules & regulations

Industry standards and operator responsibilities.

Explore topic +

Get across NZS 8409, relevant aviation rules, hazardous substances requirements and environmental responsibilities.

✓

Course content is aligned with CAA Advisory Circular AC61-16 – Pilot Licences and Ratings: Pilot Chemical Rating .

PILOT CHEMICAL RATING

Ready to get started?

$4,000 + GST

◷

Course duration 2 days

View upcoming course dates, locations and availability, and secure your place.

View available dates →

ALREADY HAVE YOUR RATING?

Need a refresher?

Pilot Chemical Refresher training is available on request.

WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE ENROLLING

Is this course right for you?

Before undertaking a Pilot Chemical Rating, applicants must meet the relevant Civil Aviation Authority requirements.

Manned

Hold at least a current Private Pilot Licence in the appropriate aircraft category.

Unmanned

An Advanced UAS Remote Pilot Certificate is recommended.

WHAT'S NEXT

Continue your aviation training

NEXT STEP

UAV Agricultural Rating

Take your drone skills into agricultural operations.

→

ASSESSMENTS

Combined ACA/OCA

Complete both assessments together.

→

TRAIN WITH AIREX

Have any questions?

Not sure whether you meet the entry requirements or want to know more about the course? Our team can help you understand the next steps.

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Get in Touch →

Explore Our Courses →

Get in Touch →

Have a question?

Pilot Chemical Rating

What you’ll learn

Agricultural chemicals

Equipment & application

Weather & spray drift

Chemical safety

Emergency & risk management

Rules & regulations

Ready to get started?

Need a refresher?

Is this course right for you?

Manned

Unmanned

Continue your aviation training

UAV Agricultural Rating

Combined ACA/OCA

Have any questions?

Headquartered in Feilding.

Practical agricultural aviation training across New Zealand.

Headquartered in Feilding.

Practical agricultural aviation training across New Zealand.

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