Can I Fly My Drone Near An Airport or Aerodrome? Can I fly in controlled airpace?

A drone or UAV must not be flown within 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) of any aerodrome. To fly in controlled airspace drone pilots must obtain an air traffic control clearance issued by Airways.

If you are a certified 101 pilot, you can ask permission to fly in and around an aerodrome, heliport or helipad, airport or airstrip (all of these are in included in the rule as a definition of an aerodrome).

What can you do as a Certified Part 101 Drone pilot (compared to uncertified)

Here’s the chapter and verse from CAA

101.205 Aerodromes

101.205(a)(1)

This rule outlines requirements relating to flying off an uncontrolled aerodrome, a controlled aerodrome, and within 4 km of an aerodrome.

Information on published aerodromes can be found at AIP New Zealand at this link: http://www.aip.net.nz/(external link).www.airshare.co.nz(external link) also provides useful information.

Any unmanned aircraft flying activity within these areas requires the pilot/operator to either be:

(a) the holder of, or to be supervised by the holder of:

(i) an approved organisation pilot qualification:

(ii) a pilot licence issued under Part 61:

(iii) a microlight or glider pilot certificate issued by a Part 149 organisation:

(b) under the direct supervision of a person appointed by an approved organisation to give instruction in unmanned aircraft operations.

These requirements do not apply to a person flying within 4 km of an aerodrome, if the activity is a shielded operation and is conducted outside the airfield boundary.

What can you do as a Certified Part 101 Drone pilot (compared to uncertified)

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