Adventure Aviation - Sky Diving
Clarification of "legal basis" of NZPIA "Operator Certificate"
In the second bullet point of the list on page 5 of the Adventure Aviation policy document there is a statement that there is no legal basis for NZPIA its own "skydiving operator certificates". This is a reference to the fact that there is no legislated requirement (in the Act or the Rules) for the issue of an operator certificate by the holder of a Part 149 Aviation Recreation Organisation certificate.
However, Rule 91.705 (c) (2) requires that a pilot performing a parachute drop operation must be satisfied that each person's descent is: (i) authorised by the holder of an aviation recreation organisation certificate issued under Part 149; (emphasis added) or (ii) approved by the Director. The CAA acknowledges that the means by which the New Zealand Parachute Industries Association (NZPIA) authorises such descents is by issue of its "Operator Certificate" and the procedures attached to this, in accordance with the NZPIA Exposition. This exposition has been accepted by the Director as part of the issue of the Part 149 Aviation Recreation Organisation certificate to NZPIA.
This arrangement has been in operation for some time and has contributed to a good safety outcome. Accordingly, the current arrangement for authorisation of parachute descents continues to apply. All descents must be authorised in this manner.
The publication of the CAA policy on Adventure Aviation does not change this arrangement. At this point change to the above procedure appears unlikely. If change is appropriate it will occur by way of the rule making process with full consultation.