DOC worried by unauthorised flying of drones

There is plenty of confusion over where and how drones can be flown.

A gorgeous video taken using a drone flying around Motuora Island in the Hauraki Gulf has raised a red flag with the Department of Conservation.

Flying drones above DOC land is not allowed without a permit and people needed to read up on aviation rules around unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVS) before they sent them skyward, senior ranger Yuin Khai Foong said.

The island belongs to the department and is a nursery for young brown kiwi.

The island’s cliffs are used by seabirds for nesting, including a burgeoning gannet colony with birds initially attracted by fake fibreglass birds and a sound system.

There were plenty of nesting birds at this time of year and they were particularly sensitive to flying predators, Foong said.

Having a drone flying overhead could be very stressful for them.

But there is plenty of confusion over where and how drones can be flown. Foong is particularly concerned with the prospect of uninformed people flooding conservation skies around Auckland with cheap drones soon to be liberated from wrapping paper under Christmas trees.

The situation is not helped by incorrect information on the Auckland Council website which advises drones can be used without permits over DOC land.

Rules differ around the country for regional councils and there are other places, including restricted airspace, where they can’t be used.

Rules: do not operate an aircraft that is 25kg or larger and always ensure it is safe to operate

at all times take all practicable steps to minimise hazards to persons, property and other aircraft (that is, don’t do anything hazardous) fly only in daylight give way to all crewed aircraft be able to see the aircraft with your own eyes (for example, not through binoculars, a monitor, or smartphone) to ensure separation from other aircraft (or use an observer to do this in certain cases)

do not fly your aircraft higher than 120 metres above ground level (unless certain conditions are met)

have knowledge of airspace restrictions that apply in the area

do not fly closer than 4 kilometres from any aerodrome (unless certain conditions are met)

when flying in controlled airspace, obtain an air traffic control clearance issued by Airways

do not fly in special use airspace without the permission of the administering authority of the area (for example, military operating areas or restricted areas)

get consent from anyone you want to fly above

you can’t fly over private property without the owner’s consent

This is just a short list of rules. Contact the Civil Aviation Authority to find out everything you need to know. - Fairfax NZ