The Civil Aviation Authority is preparing for another season of increased complaints about new drone owners being unaware of the rules and causing problems for other people and aircraft. National data1 shows that reports about drone behaviour surge by 30 percent at the start of each new year.
“It takes only one drone being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, to cause major disruptions – or worse, an accident,” says CAA Deputy Chief Executive of Aviation Safety, David Harrison.
“They may seem like a clever toy, but they need to be flown responsibly.”
If you’re getting a drone this summer, there are rules about how you fly your aircraft and, to fly safely and to stay out of trouble, you need to know those rules before your first flight. Read the full set of rules on the CAA’s website and check out the pre-flight checklist in CAA’s new brochure, Flying your drone safely [PDF 8.4 MB]
Some of the key rules (along with many others) are:
It’s also important for drone owners to check the Airshare map before taking off.
Airshare website(external link)
Even if you’re more than 4km away from an airport, you still might be in controlled airspace.
David Harrison says drones are also a fantastic tool for professionals such as photographers and surveyors, but they can also be a hazard to people, property, and aircraft.
“There have been situations where helicopters fighting fires have had to be grounded because of irresponsible drone owners flying in an area they should not be flying their drones and too close to other aircraft.
“We know that most drone owners aren’t deliberately ignoring the rules, and we understand incidents can happen. However, with more people out and about at the start of the year, we really ask owners to take the time to understand the rules before taking flight.
“We want you to enjoy using your drone while staying safe.”
Here’s where you can read all the rules – aviation.govt.nz/drones
1 Between Q4 to Q1 each year from 2021-2024, the average number of Aviation Related concerns about drones increases by 30%.
2024 Flying your drone safely brochure [PDF 8.4 MB] – a snapshot of the rules.
Anyone can report an aviation related concern. You don’t have to be involved in the aviation community to report something you see or hear that you think might harm aviation safety or security, or that might even be breaching civil aviation rules.
Part 101 rules apply to uncertificated remotely piloted aircraft (RPAS) users; Part 102 rules apply to certificated RPAS users who want to fly their aircraft (drone) outside the Part 101 rules. Part 102 users are required to develop a plan, which is subject to CAA approval, demonstrating how they intend to fly their aircraft safely.
Helicopters tackling scrub fire in Tasman’s Lee Valley grounded after drone spotted, 11 houses evacuated - NZ Herald(external link)
Port Hills fire day five: Police investigating after private drone grounds helicopters - NZ Herald(external link)
027 763 0000 | media@caa.govt.nz
