Airspace Hazards
Fireworks, balloons, model aircraft, kites, structures, wires, etc
The table below shows a number of hazards to aviation. There are different legal requirements under the Civil Aviation Rules for the hazards in each column. Use the links at the bottom to find out what applies to your activity. Do not hesitate to contact the CAA Aeronautical Services Unit if in any doubt, see Contact Information.
| Part 77 | Part 101 |
 Structures
- such as cranes, masts,
wind farms and buildings |
 Rockets
- thrust 320 Newton-seconds/1.5 kg or greater (smaller
rockets must use the
Model Rocketry Safety Code) |
 Efflux
from a structure - exhaust plumes in excess of 4.3
m/second |
 Model
aircraft
and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) |
 Lights
- searchlights and lasers, if these can adversely affect
aircraft safety |
 Free
balloons
(pilotless) - 1.5 m3 or greater (party
balloons do not require approval) |
 Weapons
firing
-(projectiles) |
 Moored
balloons
(kytoons) - 3.0 m3/1.5 m diameter or greater |
 Pyrotechnics
- fireworks displays |
 Kites,
parasails and
gyrogliders (all tethered activities) |
|
Civil Aviation Rules, Part 77 Click here for more info |
Civil Aviation Rules, Part 101 Click here for more info |
| Contact Information |
Part 77
The Part 77 category requires notification to either the CAA, or the local Air Traffic Control (ATC) service.
To keep aircraft in navigable airspace safe, the following hazards must be notified to the CAA:
A structure that is to be built, or altered, that is:
- 60 m (200 ft) or higher, or
- within a Low Flying Zone (LFZ Locations), or
- within an aerodrome/heliport obstacle protection area (contact the aerodrome/heliport operator - see below).
A structure proposed to discharge efflux greater than 4.3 m/second that is:
- 60 m (200 ft) or higher, or
- within an aerodrome/heliport obstacle protection area (contact the aerodrome\heliport operator - see below).
A light, searchlight, or laser, if it can:
- adversely affect the pilot, the aircraft operation, or be mistaken as an aeronautical light.
A weapon or pyrotechnic, if the projectile has a trajectory of:
- 45 m (150 ft) or higher and within 4 km (2.25 NM) of an aerodrome or heliport, or
- 120 m (400 ft) or higher and is more than 4 km (2.25 NM) from an aerodrome or heliport.
Notification
Structures must be notified to the CAA at least 90 days
before construction on form
24077/01
24077/01.
Other hazards listed above must be notified at least five working days before the activity, to either:
- the ATC unit of the aerodrome for authorisation, if the activity is within 18 km (10 miles) of a controlled aerodrome - see below for ATC details
- the CAA Aeronautical Services Unit on form
24077
– Tel: 0-4-560 9400,
Email: fireworks@caa.govt.nz for pyrotechnics, or airspace@caa.govt.nz for other hazards.
In the Part 101 category, participants may not need approval - just understanding of the requirements of the rule and compliance with them. However, some activities may need approval to operate, from either ATC or an Aerodrome Operator.
Activity in the Vicinity of Aerodromes
In general, if the activity is to be conducted within 4 km of an aerodrome or heliport boundary, hazards must:
- be clear of any part of the aerodrome being used by aircraft; and
- be at or below 120 m (400 ft); and
- have approval from either the aerodrome operator, or ATC (if provided).
A moored balloon or kite must not operate over an active area of an aerodrome.
In addition, a rocket must not be operated between 4 and 8 km of an aerodrome/heliport boundary if it may exceed 120 m (400 ft) in height.
A free balloon must not fly below 1000 ft over a populated area.
Aerodrome operator details are available in the Aeronautical Information Publication New Zealand.
Current controlled aerodromes with an ATC service are:
Auckland, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, Gisborne, Hamilton, Invercargill, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Ohakea, Palmerston North, Queenstown, Rotorua, Tauranga, Wellington and Whenuapai.
Contact: Airways Corporation of New Zealand
www.airways.co.nz
Tel: 0-4-4711888.
If in doubt, contact the CAA Aeronautical Services Unit
Tel: 0-4-560 9400, or Email:
airspace@caa.govt.nz.