Drone companies say despite the Civil Aviation Authority's efforts to improve the timeliness of drone certifications, a massive increase in the number of applications means wait times are still too long.
Currently, it takes anywhere from 8-12 months to have an application approved.
With companies reporting the equivalent process in Australia only takes about 6 weeks.
The CAA says it prioritises amendments or renewals for operators already in the system, over new applications.
It also admits its resourcing has been focused elsewhere - with the upcoming ICAO audit, implementation of the new Civil Aviation Act and in-house organisation changes.
Within the aviation sector also there are concerns - including the rising costs of compliance, skills shortages and a concern that the regulator has been overly punitive in the past.
Simon Wallace is the chief executive at the Aviation Industry Association, Craig Simpson is managing director of Aerolab and president of the agricultural drone association and Kathryn Ryan speaks to Kane Patena the new chief executive at CAA.
A drone hovers over green crops Photo: 123RF
