Unmanned aircraft (Drones)
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) manages all civil aviation in New Zealand. The CAA set the rules for the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), which includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), unmanned aerial systems (UAS), model aircraft and drones.
All unmanned aircraft (drone) operations, regardless of size, weight, or performance of the aircraft are required to operate in compliance with the Civil Aviation Rules. When flying unmanned aircraft (drones) you must follow Part 101 Rules. If you need to fly outside of the Part 101 unmanned aircraft rules, you will need to hold a Part 102 unmanned aircraft operator certificate granted by the CAA.
Civil Aviation Authority Rules Part 101 state that you must:
- ensure the aircraft does NOT exceed 25kg and must always be safe to operate and well maintained
- take steps to minimise hazards to people, property and other aircraft
- only fly during the day, unless you are doing a shielded operation
- give way to, and remain clear to all manned aircraft on the ground and in flight. If you see an aircraft near you, it may be safest to land.
- be able to see your unmanned aircraft with your own eyes at all time, Do not fly it behind objects or through or above fog and cloud.
- fly below 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level
- have consent before flying over people and property
- have knowledge of airspace restriction that apply in the area you are wanting to fly
- NOT operate within the 4km radius restricted flight zone of all aerodromes (including helipads at hospitals) without approval from the aerodrome operator.
For more information from the CAA regarding unmanned aircraft, please refer to the link here.
If you plan to operate a drone over Council-owned land or within the 4 km restricted airspace surrounding the Ashburton Hospital helipad or Ashburton Airport (as shown in blue below), you must obtain permission from both Council as landowner, aerodrome operator and the relevant aviation operators.
To request permission, please email airport@adc.govt.nz with all relevant flight details, including:
- Date
- Location
- Start and Finish Time
- Height AGL
- Pilot
- Spotter
- Company
- Are you operating under a CAA Part 101 or 102 operation?
- Will this be a shielded operation?
Please allow a minimum of three working days for all requests.
Council does not allow unmanned aircraft to be operated in Council cemeteries, camping grounds, or within 50m of playgrounds or paddling pools. Sports fields and bookable areas of the Ashburton Domain (rose garden and BBQ area) are also excluded if they are in use.
If you are flying an unmanned aircraft in one of Council’s ‘open spaces’ and plan to capture images, you must seek permission of other users at the time of the operation. We also ask that you are courteous towards other users who visit the open space for quiet enjoyment.
In addition to the aerodrome restricted flight zones shown above, there is also a no-fly zone located in the Ashburton Domain sports field area (see map below). It is important that this airspace is kept clear at all times (unless you have gained permission) for the use of the hospital helipad.
Please read section 15 of the Open Spaces Bylaw to ensure you comply with requirements.
You are able to fly a kite in Councils Open Spaces as long as the kite is moored (i.e. you have it on a string) and kept under 120m.
You can fly unmanned aircraft on your own private property. If you wish to fly over any other privately-owned or crown-owned land, you will need to seek permission from the affected property owner.
More information
For more information, visit the CAA Flying your drone safely brochure
There is also information regarding drones in Council’s Open Spaces Bylaw.