Remotely Piloted Aircrafts - Drones

The CAA part 101 rules require operators of an RPA to obtain permission from anyone they want to fly above, and/or from the property owner or person in charge of the area they want to fly above.

CAA rules are the Civil Aviation Authority’s regulations that govern the safe use of aircraft, including Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) – commonly known as drones. These rules ensure that all airspace users, including drone operators, maintain safety, privacy, and responsibility when flying.

Part 101 only applies to RPAS of 25 kg and under, that can fully comply with the rules in Part 101. To operate any aircraft over this weight, and for operations that cannot comply with Part 101, the operator must be certificated under Part 102.

RPAS weighing between 15 and 25 kg must be constructed or inspected, approved and operated under the authority of a person or association approved for this purpose by the Director of Civil Aviation.

There are 12 key things that are required under Part 101 - you must:

1. Not operate an aircraft that is 25 kg or larger and always ensure that it is safe to operate.
2. At all times take all practicable steps to minimize hazards to persons, property and other aircraft (ie, don’t do anything hazardous).
3. Fly only in daylight.
4. Give way to all crewed aircraft.
5. Be able to see the aircraft with your own eyes (eg, not through binoculars, a monitor, or smartphone) to ensure separation from other aircraft (or use an observer to do this in certain cases).
6. Not fly your aircraft higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level (unless certain conditions are met).
7. Have knowledge of airspace restrictions that apply in the area you want to operate.
8. Not fly closer than four kilometres from any aerodrome (unless certain conditions are met).
9. When flying in controlled airspace, obtain an air traffic control clearance issued by airways.
10. Not fly in special use airspace without the permission of the administering authority of the area (eg, military operating areas or restricted areas).
11. Have consent from anyone you want to fly above.
12. Have the consent of the property owner or person in charge of the area you are wanting to fly above.

This list should not substitute for a full reading of Part 101. You should conduct a thorough assessment of your operation and understand the rules that apply to your operation before deciding whether to operate under Part 101 and 102.

View the rules on the Civil Aviation Authority website

Council may grant permission (upon application and under certain conditions) to fly over property that includes parks and reserves, transport corridors such as roads (but not state highways) and cycleways, building and facilities, excluding Council office buildings, libraries, depots, treatment plants, dog pounds and cemeteries.

If you have applied for a flight but circumstances meant you couldn’t fly on the scheduled day, contact info@hauraki-dc.govt.nz to check if another day is suitable.

If you have any other questions regarding the flight of RPAS please refer to the Civil Aviation Authority website which is www.caa.govt.nz