Unnotified drones concern

Drone use is on the rise and so too are concerns about their unauthorised use.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) team at Base Auckland in Whenuapai is trying to raise awareness of safety when flying drones.

Drone users need to check any restrictions on air space use before flying and seek the relevant permissions.

RNZAF Base Auckland safety officer Don Richardson says it is a concern to see unauthorised drones in and around the Whenuapai airspace and circuit.

‘‘If they’re unnotified, then we have no way of advising our air crew and helping and assisting safe use of that air space,’’ he says. ‘‘It’s all about coordination and safety.’’

Richardson says, if drone operators do not communicate with others airspace users, they will not know what risks they face in operating their aircraft nor will other users know what space they require.

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) spokeswoman Philippa Lagan says unauthorised drone use is becoming an ‘‘increasing issue’’ due to the rising uptake of drones or Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) across the country.

CAA’s rule Part 101 sets out the requirements for drones of 25 kilograms and under.

Drone users flying in controlled airspace need to receive clearance from Air Traffic Control. Flying in special use airspace, such as military operating areas, requires permission from the relevant organisation.

A band of controlled airspace stretches from west coast Bethells Beach to the eastern Takapuna coastline.

Users also need permission to fly above residential properties.

Maximum flying height is 400 feet above ground level.

Operators must fly in daylight and make sure their aircraft is in sight at all times.

RPAS users can check Airshare maps to identify controlled or special use airspace, and apply for permission to fly in controlled airspace.

Richardson says he encourages any RPAS users wanting to fly over the military operating area to get in touch directly.

Unauthorised RPAS use can be reported to police or the Civil Aviation Authority on 0508 472 338.

RNZAF Base Auckland safety officer Don Richardson says the base is happy to work with drone users.