Drone Innovators Raglan-Based Aeronavics Ltd welcome new RPAS (remotely piloted aerial systems) regulations.

Raglan-based Aeronavics Ltd are applauding the new CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) rules regarding the use of remotely piloted aerial systems (RPAS) which took effect from August 1.

The CAA has liaised extensively with industry parties within New Zealand, as well as studying overseas regulation schemes.

 “The main objective has been to promote continued growth of the RPAS industry, whilst maintaining safety for people and property, as well as other airspace users,” says Linda Bulk, a Co-director of Aeronavics.

Industry leaders Aeronavics Ltd have been in close communication with the CAA and other industry parties regarding the definition and establishment of these new rules.

“We have also been part of a start-up group called UAVNZ, an industry association now officially installed under Aviation New Zealand Association. UAVNZ has also liaised extensively with the CAA, so we've had the opportunity to bring our ideas to the table from different sides. We are very happy with the outcomes,” says Linda.

The rules focus on ensuring safe operation and minimising risk for people and property.

“Particularly positive for us is that our scope of operation has increased. We and our customers can now apply for permission to operate outside of the general rules, such as applying for permission to fly at night, beyond visual line of sight, or above 400 ft,” adds Linda.

As world-leaders in this technology, Aeronavics Ltd understands the importance of safe and reliable products. “The quality of the equipment is assessed and addressed in any exemption request, and, as a high quality manufacturer, this benefits us greatly,” said Linda.

“New Zealand is particularly progressive and pro-active with adopting the huge potential domestic drone technology can offer the economy, and has therefore been very careful not to 'over-regulate'. It's an approach noticed and acknowledged by other countries,” adds Linda.

Aeronavics Ltd provide their products to a worldwide audience, servicing the growing market in aerial robotic systems for aerial photography, filmmaking, professional cinematography and service sector applications.

New regulations summary:

Main part 101 amendments

•Part 101 will require that operators have knowledge of the airspace designation under Part 71. The UAV hub airshare.com helps obtaining this information in a very easy and accessible manner. It will tell you if your planned flight is within controlled or uncontrolled airspace, the class of the airspace or whether the airspace is designated special use (e.g. a Military Operating Area)

•Part 101 still states that operations within controlled airspace require prior Air Traffic Control (ATC) authorisation, however the amended rule will allow ‘shielded operations’ to occur in controlled airspace with no ATC authorisation. A shielded operation is an operation within 100m of and below the top of a natural or man-made object (e.g. a tree or building).

•Part 101 allows the use of First Person View (FPV) systems, however a trained and competent observer who maintains visual line of sight of the aircraft and is in direct communication with the aircraft operator is required.

•Part 101 will require operators to gain permission of people and property occupiers/owners if they wish to operate over people/property.

Part 102

• Part 102 introduces an unmanned aircraft operator certificate (UAOC) for UAV operators who wish to operate outside of Part 101 restrictions

• Operators must apply for a certificate by providing evidence they have conducted adequate risk assessment and developed a risk management plan

Please note: The summary above is provided as a guide only and not a substitute for the full pending Civil Aviation Rule Parts 101 and 102 which can be found on the CAA's website.

Contact Aeronavics:

Address: 226 Okete Road, Raglan, 3295, Waikato, New Zealand

Email: contact@aeronavics.com

Phone: +64 (0)7 825 5058

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Aeronavics

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AeronavicsLtd

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