CAA is becoming more and more vigilant with the regulation and control of drones.
They are enforcing rules – both part 101 and 102 which means anyone who breaks these rules may well be subject to prosecution.
So how do you know you are adhering to CAA rules?
The first thing to do is read CAA’s part 101 and part 102 documents. Start with their intro to 101 here: https://www.caa.govt.nz/unmanned-aircraft/intro-to-part-101/
Download their part 101 document here: https://www.caa.govt.nz/rules/Rule_Consolidations/Part_101_Consolidation.pdf
Download their part 102 document here: https://www.caa.govt.nz/rules/Rule_Consolidations/Part_102_Consolidation.pdf
If you are operating a drone privately (non commercially) these are the main rules to abide by:
- Do not fly at night
- Do not fly above 400 feet altitude
- Do not fly within 4km of an airport, aerodrome, topdressing strip or helipad
- Do not fly over people or property
- Stay within visual line of sight of your drone
If you are likely to fly outside of these rules, then you may need 102 training such as our RPAS 102 drone training course.
Start with a read of the part 101 document to get an idea of what you can and can’t do. CAA expect anyone who flies a drone to know the rules.
The article below explains everything you can and can’t do with your drone.
What can you do as a Certified Part 101 Drone pilot (compared to uncertified) – comprehensive article walking you through what you can and can’t do practically.