Rule Projects in Progress
The CAA is contracted to develop the Civil Aviation Rules by the Ministry of Transport for the Minister. Under this contract the Minister of Transport approves a programme of new rules and changes to existing rules each year. Any ordinary rule changes are subject to the Minister of Transport's agreement.
This page is updated monthly to provide progress reports on the current CAA rule projects together with information on recent rule changes that have come into effect.
You can also find a list of current regulatory issues and how to raise your own issue with CAA’s regulatory system.
If you have any queries regarding a rule project, please contact the CAA by emailing docket@caa.govt.nz.
2017-18 Rules Programme Tracker
Current Rule Projects Progress Report
| Rule Project Name and Reference | Description and Purpose of Rule | Current Status | Next Milestone |
|
ICAO Alignment 2017 (17CAR/2) |
The primary objective of this project is to update the CARs so that they better align with ICAO SARPs, without compromising aviation safety, and with minimal cost to the aviation industry, the travelling public, and government. This will address the findings from the 2006 ICAO audit, and avoid the implications for New Zealand registered operators and visiting foreign registered aircraft of non-alignment between the CARs and the ICAO SARPs. |
Consultation closed on 19 Oct 2018 |
Publish summary of submissions |
| Aircraft Maintenance Engineers – Pt 66 Licences and Ratings (16/CAR/9) |
A review of the maintenance engineer licensing system in Part 66 to modernise that Part. This work seeks to address safety risks in a proportionate manner, and to make Part 66 resilient to future changes, particularly with new and emerging technological advances. |
Drafting NPRM Minister accepted rule project on Transport Rules Programme. |
Publish NPRM |
| Omnibus 2017/18
(17/CAR/01) |
These amendments cover issues related to abbreviations, definitions, terminology, referencing and formatting. |
Drafting NPRM Minister has accepted this rule project onto Transport Rules Programme |
Publish NPRM |
| New Southern Sky - Mandate ADSB (16/CAR/12) |
This project proposes using a performance-based rule to mandate transceivers for automatic dependent surveillance – broadcasts (ADS-B), initially for aircraft operating in controlled airspace above 24,500 ft (FL 245) and for all controlled airspace by the end of 2021. Aircraft using ADS-B constantly broadcast their position to other aircraft and air traffic controllers. ADS-B is scheduled to replace the current secondary surveillance radar system, which reaches the end of its life in 2021. Mandate ADS-B above FL245 - Summary of Public Submissions (PDF 135 KB) |
Associate Minister of Transport signed the rules on 15 Jun 2018. |
Most rules came into effect on 20 Jul 2018. Part 101 amendment comes into effect 31 Dec 2018. |
Advisory Circulars Monthly Report
Advisory Circulars Monthly Report (PDF 122 KB)
Project Milestones
- Minister accepts rule project onto Transport Rules Programme
- Publish NPRM
- Consultation period closes
- Publish summary of public submissions
- Final rule package agreed with the Ministry of Transport
- Minister signs the rule
- Rules come into effect
Note: Older progress reports were published in the Civil Aviation Rules Register Information Leaflets (CARRIL) between 1999 and 2015.
Notice of Proposed Rule Making
Before a rule amendment or new rule is finalised, the CAA will consult on the proposed rule changes. The proposed changes are outlined in a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM).
You can have your say by submitting comments before the deadline. Each NPRM provides guidance on how to comment, and the deadline to submit your feedback.
After consultation, all comments are considered and the CAA will publish a Summary of Public Submissions under NPRMs Closed for Submissions.
The proposed rule may be reconsidered to take into account the submissions received. If necessary, the CAA may undertake further consultation with key groups before submitting a proposed rule to the Government.
Current Petitions to Raise a Regulatory Issue
| Work Request | Petition Raised | Date Received | Status |
| 18/ISS/10 | Time restriction on viewing X-ray images | 04 Sep 2017 | To be assigned to an adviser |
| 18/ISS/17 | Rule 61.37 - re-sitting law if BFR over 5 yrs old | 06 Dec 2017 | Under assessment |
| 18/ISS/18 | AC61-20 & general review of Acs | 20 Dec 2017 | Under assessment |
| 18/ISS/32 | Number of issues under Part 65 | 19 Jun 2018 | Under assessment |
| 19/ISS/17 | Radio controlled model aircraft sub category of RPAS | 06 Nov 2018 | To be assigned to an adviser |
If you wish to raise a regulatory issue for assessment, that may progress to a rule change, please complete form 24011-01 (PDF 25 KB) and email it to docket@caa.govt.nz.
For more information about issue assessment see The Rule Development Process and Regulatory Policy.
Recently Completed CAA Rule Projects
| Rule Project Name | Description and Purpose of Rule | Rules and Amendment Numbers | Important Dates |
| Omnibus 2016 (16/CAR/1) |
These amendments covered issues related to abbreviations, definitions, terminology, referencing and formatting. Omnibus 2016 - NPRM (16-01) (540 KB) Omnibus 2016 - Summary of Public Submissions (55 KB) |
Small insignificant changes to 23 different rule parts | Rule signed 12 Dec 2016 Effective date 10 Mar 2017 |
|
Small Issues 2016 (16/CAR/10) |
This project packages together a suite of distinct rule changes that are not Omnibus changes but that also do not require the extensive cost-benefit analysis of standard rule changes because the costs are insignificant. NPRM Closed for Submissions NPRM 17-02 Interim Small Issues 16/17 Rule Amendments - Summary of Public Submissions (PDF 150 KB) |
The Small Issues 2016 project proposes a broad range of minor amendments to CAR Parts 1, 12, 21, 43, 91, 115, 121, 125 and 135. |
Rules signed 18 Sep 2017 Effective date 30 Oct 2017 |
|
Post Accident Emergency Location of Aircraft |
A review of New Zealand’s domestic policy for emergency location of aircraft. This review considers options for addressing concerns with emergency location transmitters currently required for most aircraft to identify a performance-based, flexible approach to locating aircraft in emergency situations. |
Part 1, Amendment 53 Part 43, Amendment 14 Part 91, Amendment 29 Part 115, Amendment 6 Part 121, Amendment 30 Part 129, Amendment 8 |
Rules signed 16 Apr 2018
Effective date 18 May 2018
|