Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand
7 October 2005
MEDIA RELEASE
For further information contact Manager Communications:
Bill Sommer Tel: 04 560 9411 or 027 546 8216
Begins
Microlight Owner Fined $8000 Plus Costs
On 6 October 2005 at the Manukau District Court, Peters John Barry, a Microlight owner from Tuakau, was sentenced for a series of civil aviation offences and ordered to pay a total of $8000 in fines, court costs of $130, and $900 in solicitor costs. During a previous appearance Mr Barry was found guilty of operating his microlight aircraft in a manner likely to cause danger, operating below minimum height requirements, flying without ever holding a Microlight Pilot Certificate, failing to make accurate log book entries, and operating the aircraft when it did not have a flight permit.
The offences came to light after Mr Barry was witnessed flying his Quicksilver Enterprises Incorporated Sprint II Class 2 Microlight on 29 August 2004 approximately 40 feet above a farmhouse in the Port Waikato area.
In making this judgement the court has signalled to the microlight sector how seriously this type of offending is taken. Civil Aviation Rules require people who fly microlight aircraft to hold a Pilot Certificate issued by one of two certificated aviation recreation organisations, or hold a Licence issued by the Director of Civil Aviation. Microlight aircraft are required to be registered, and must meet airworthiness requirements. They must be operated within the Civil Aviation Rules and operating procedures of the certificated organisations.
The Civil Aviation Authority provides free safety educational material for pilots and regularly conducts safety education seminars, some catering specifically for the microlight sector.
For more information on recreational flying, see the Civil Aviation Authority web site, www.caa.govt.nz.