Responsible drone use encouraged
28 August 2015
Council will take a fairly permissive approach to new Civil Aviation Authority rules that require drone operators to get approval before flying over Council owned land, parks or facilities.
A brief policy will be produced with maps identifying permitted and restricted areas to guide drone and model aircraft users. This will mean users won't have to approach Council to ask for permission and only need to refer to the maps.
On 1 August this year Civil Aviation Authority released new rules and guidelines to address safety issues following huge growth in the use of drones and other remotely piloted aircraft systems.
Waipa District Council Mayor Jim Mylchreest believes a restrictive approach isn't necessary.
We want to encourage those who want to use drones and the like to act responsibly. If everyone respects the requirements we put in place, then we won't need to look at introducing a bylaw, says Mylchreest.
We would only look at prohibiting flying in areas such as where we might have livestock, sensitive areas like playgrounds, or where there are a lot of people or an event on.
It is expected that a policy will be adopted before the end of the year. Until a policy is in place, Council encourages those who want to fly their drones or model aircrafts to check they comply with Civil Aviation rules. To find out more about these, visit http://www.caa.govt.nz/rpas
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Slattery
Senior Communications Advisor
Ph: 07 872 0097 or 027 807 3478
Email: Stephanie.slattery@waipadc.govt.nz