Christmas reminder for new drone owners

With drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles, expected to be a popular Christmas present this year, Queenstown Airport is reminding people to check out airspace rules before taking-flight.

“We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but we do want people to understand that a drone comes with serious responsibilities and operators must follow New Zealand Civil Aviation Rules,” Queenstown Airport chief operating officer Todd Grace says.

“A key message from us is that drones and airports do not mix. Even if it is being used as a toy, a drone is an aircraft and can endanger other aircraft, so it must never be flown within 4km of an aerodrome, unless you have special training and authorisation.”

Drone operators need to stay at least 4km away from all aerodromes, and need authorisation from Air Traffic Control to fly within controlled airspace. The Queenstown control zone is detailed on pages 6 and 7 of the In, Out, and Around Queenstown publication. It extends from the surface of the ground to 7500 feet and is an irregular area covering the entire Whakatipu Basin.

Drone Rules:

• Fly no higher than 120 metres (400 feet) above the ground
• Stay a safe and considerate distance away from people and buildings
• Don't fly over private land, such as farms or houses, unless the owner says it's OK
• Keep your drone in sight at all times
• Stay 4 km away from anywhere aircraft are landing or taking off
• It's dangerous to fly drones anywhere other aircraft are operating.

Main image (RNZ): Drone owners reminded of aviation rules ahead of Christmas.