Drones in New Zealand
Researching and regulating the use of drones in New Zealand.
Drones in New Zealand
About this work
Advanced aviation, also referred to as ‘emerging technology', is an all-encompassing term that refers to any aviation capability that:
- has not been certified or approved before
- is novel
- is not routine
- is not limited to uncrewed aircraft.
The Government is introducing changes to our regulatory environment to support the growth of advanced aviation in New Zealand. The changes will ensure the system is efficient and easier to navigate for innovators testing their technology and ideas.
Our work supports the Government’s goal to have a world-class regulatory environment by the end of 2025 that allows rapid iteration and testing of advanced aviation vehicles and technologies.
This webpage will be updated regularly.
The work to date
02
Cabinet paper proactively released October
This document was released on the 30th of October 2024.
01
Sept 2024–Sept 2024
Government announces advanced aviation package
The Government has agreed to a set of actions to support and grow the advanced aviation industry in New Zealand, while maintaining current levels of safety. These will be implemented by the end of 2025 and include:
Action |
What this means |
|
Development of a new Civil Aviaton Rule to allow the rapid iteration and testing of ideas and technology |
Focuses on the capacity and capability of an organisation developing an aeronautical product to identify and effectively manage the associated risks Those using the Rule would be able to freely develop their product without needing to seek further approvals from the CAA unless it is a significant change, or until they are ready to certify their product for use in mainstream aviation. |
|
Establishment of restricted airspace areas exclusively for testing technologies |
Focuses on the establishment of multiple physical areas (or 'sandboxes') for certificate holders to conduct their experimental or developmental operations freely Using the restricted airspace will require using the new Rule for experimental and developmental operations (above). |
|
Updating relevant Rules for timely decision-making |
Removes or updates low-risk operations so they no longer require Part 102 certification. |
|
Exploring options for whether regulatory advice could be provided by an organisation or entity outside of the Civil Aviation Authority |
Allowing the CAA to respond to different demands to speed up regulatory decision making as emerging technologies evolve. |
|
Progressing options for cost-recovered advisory services |
Ways to support higher quality applications to reduce certification churn and increase the speed of certification. |
|
Co-designing an emerging technology programme. |
Clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of different parties in the system Identifies capabilities and capacities needed New ways of working. |
We will proactively release Cabinet papers and minutes before 29 October 2024.
The Ministry, MBIE and CAA have begun planning how we will develop and implement the changes.
This webpage will be updated regularly as we are ready to share more information and how we will engage with you.
More information
Press release - Government helping advanced aviation take off
Press release - Speech to 2024 Aerospace Summit