07 Apr 2016
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flyers are being urged to keep clear of Wanaka aerodrome when NASA launches a super-pressure scientific balloon into near space.
According to civil aviation rules UAVs should not be flown within four kilometres of any aerodrome without permission. With NASA now onsite at Wanaka aerodrome preparing to launch its 2.3-tonne, 90m in diameter balloon, air navigation service provider Airways is urging UAV/drone flyers around Wanaka to be particularly mindful of where they fly.
This year's launch mission follows NASA's successful launch last year from the same site.
Airways is responsible for managing the logistics of the launch and the balloon’s ascent through controlled airspace. As well as urging UAV operators to avoid the area during the launch, Airways is reminding them to make sure they’re aware of their responsibilities, by visiting the website airshare.co.nz.
“UAVs are becoming ever more accessible, but present a serious risk if they’re not used safely and in accordance with the civil aviation rules,” says Airways' Chief Operating Officer Pauline Lamb.
“Like all aviation operators, UAV operators need to make sure they understand civil aviation requirements before they take to the sky – and this is particularly important during events such as the NASA balloon launch where aviation safety is paramount to a successful launch. It might be tempting to use your UAV to take a closer look at this exciting event – but please consider safety and keep drones away at this time.”
As a general guide:
The airshare.co.nz website is an online hub for all UAV flyers in New Zealand. As well as learning about the civil aviation rules and where they can fly, operators can use the website to log their UAV flights and request access to control zones through air traffic control.
Developed by Airways New Zealand in collaboration with industry group UAVNZ, Callaghan Innovation and the Civil Aviation Authority, airshare is widely supported by the commercial UAV community and recreational flyers.
Airshare also offers an online interactive training course for new and current flyers.
“Drone 101 training can be accessed via a mobile device (IOS and Android) or desktop and covers helpful tips, CAA rules and six useful checklists to guide users through a drone flight from start to finish,” says Ms Lamb.
For more information please contact:
Emily Davies
Head of Public Affairs
Airways New Zealand
Mobile: +64 21 815 149
Email: communications@airways.co.nz
About Airshare
Airshare is the central hub for UAV commercial and recreational users in New Zealand, helping people to quickly discover where they can fly, understand Civil Aviation Rules and keep up-to-date with news. The site provides dynamic maps that highlight aerodromes and controlled airspace, and operators can log their unmanned flights and interact with air traffic control to request access to controlled airspace.
Since its launch in December 2014, more than 10,000 drone flights have been logged through airshare.co.nz.
About Airways New Zealand
Airways New Zealand is a world-leading commercial Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), and operates in New Zealand as a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE). We look after key aviation infrastructure around New Zealand and manage the more than 1 million traffic movements per year into and around New Zealand’s 30 million sq km of airspace.
Airways provides air traffic control and engineering training, and has delivered air traffic management, Flightyield revenue management solutions, navigation services and consultancy in more than 65 countries.