Can I fly a drone within 4km of an aerodrome?
Civil Aviation rules state that drones must stay 4km away from all aerodromes, including helipads, unless you follow the rules for flying closer. See the information below about flying your drone in controlled and uncontrolled airspace near aerodromes.
Another way to fly within 4km of an aerodrome is to operate what’s called a “shielded operation” – see our info below, and check out the video to help understand how to fly a shielded drone flight. The Civil Aviation Authority website has more info.
If your planned flight meets the shielded operation requirements you do not require air traffic control authorisation, however your flight should still be logged via AirShare.
Flying a drone in a "Shielded operation"
A shielded operation is one conducted within 100 metres of, and below the top of a natural or man-made object; outside of the boundary of all aerodromes; and in airspace that is physically separated from the aerodrome by a barrier that is capable of arresting the flight of the aircraft.
For a shielded operation you can fly up to a maximum of 120 metres (400 feet), but only if you are more than 4km from an airport/aerodrome.
If you would like to fly in controlled airspace (managed by Airways New Zealand’s air traffic control service), then you need to gain authorisation for each flight from Airways, through a request via AirShare.
Controlled vs uncontrolled aerodromes
Airways New Zealand provides air traffic control services at 19 of the busiest airports around New Zealand. This is known as controlled airspace and extends much further than 4km around aerodromes (these control zones are shown as pink in the AirShare app and in the image shown here). The remaining aerodromes, including helipads are not managed by air traffic control and are referred to as uncontrolled aerodromes.
The blue circles shown in the image here and on the AirShare app indicate the 4km radius around all aerodromes and helipads in New Zealand.
Flying your drone in controlled airspace
To fly a drone in controlled airspace (the pink zones), you must either gain prior authorisation from air traffic control via AirShare, or fly your drone using a shielded operation.
If you’re flying an “unshielded operation” within 4km of any aerodrome or helipad, you need to hold an approved qualification (or be supervised by someone with an approved qualification).
To fly within 4km of an uncontrolled aerodrome, you also need to gain permission from the aerodrome or helipad operator AND have an observer watching for aircraft while you are operating. Alternatively, you can fly your drone if it meets the requirements of a shielded operation.
Check out the Civil Aviation Authority Part 101 rules and the AirShare app to learn more about airspace and where you can fly.
Four things you need to know before flying near an aerodrome
- A Model Flying New Zealand Wings badge
- A Pilot qualification (from an approved person or organisation)
- A Pilot licence or certificate issued under Rule Part 61 or Part 149
- Under supervision from someone with one of the above
To obtain agreement, we recommend:
- Logging your flight in AirShare to find out if you are near an uncontrolled aerodrome (or other airspace restrictions)
- Using the AirShare maps when you log your flight to gain contact details for, or approvals from uncontrolled aerodrome operators (Tip: Click on the blue circle)
- Call the aerodrome operator prior to your planned flight to ask for agreement to operate
