27/05/2026
How to be a prime person
So you want to be a prime person? It’s a rewarding position which gives you the opportunity to provide safety leadership and add value to the business.
But it’s not for the faint-hearted.
The role cannot be underestimated and requires commitment to the continual improvement of safety, and commitment to the time it takes to do that properly.
The role
The safety-critical role of a prime person is pivotal to a Part 102 unmanned aircraft organisation’s success.
It’s also a requirement of the civil aviation rules. An organisation cannot become the holder of a Part 102 unmanned aircraft operator certificate without a prime person in place.
A prime person is responsible for all the functions associated with an operation, and they foster the safety culture of the organisation. They exercise an appropriate level of control, direction, and responsibility to ensure the continued safety, and effective running, of the operation.
A prime person may have several employees to assist them to do the work, but they remain responsible for ensuring the work is done and done right.
https://www.aviation.govt.nz/safety/safety-education-and-advice/education/good-aviation-practice-booklets/gap-online/how-to-be-a-prime-person/
