Part 101 applies to both recreational and commercial users, so a wide range of commercial activities can be conducted without any interaction with CAA. Part 101 applies to unmanned aircraft weighing less than 25kg and only for operations that are outlined within the rule.
Part 101 Gyrogliders and Parasails, Unmanned Aircraft (including Balloons), Kites, and Rockets - Operating Rules
Subpart E of Part 101 specifically prescribes rules on operations using unmanned aircraft, control line model aircraft, and free flight model aircraft. This is supplemented by Civil Aviation Transport Instrument 101-1 (CATI 101-1) which prescribes the technical requirements that must be met when operating under Part 101.
Civil Aviation Transport Instrument CATI 101-1 [PDF 194 KB]
A transport instrument is secondary legislation. Once created, transport instruments form part of the rule that provides for them. This means that a breach of CATI: 101-1 is a breach of the corresponding section of Part 101, and offences and penalties may be imposed as set out in relevant Regulations.
Part 101 is also supplemented by Advisory Circular AC101-1. This AC provides guidance on how to comply with Part 101 rules.
You must always follow the Part 101 rules – if you can’t, you must apply for a Part 102 certification.
The table below details what can and can’t be done under Part 101. It does not substitute a full reading of the rules, and anyone wanting to operate should ensure that they understand the rules that are relevant to their operation type.
Under Part 101 operators must
- Operate an aircraft under 25kg (and ensure any additional requirements are followed for those aircraft between 15 and 25kg).
- Ensure the aircraft is always safe to operate and is well-maintained.
- Take all practicable steps to minimise hazards to people, property and other aircraft that could be affected by the operation.
- Only fly during daylight, unless conducting a night operation in accordance with CATI: 101-1.
- Give way to all manned aircraft.
- Land aircraft immediately if another manned aircraft approaches.
- Get consent before flying over people and property.
- Check for any airspace restrictions in the area where they plan to operate.
- When flying in controlled airspace, obtain an air traffic control (ATC) clearance issued by the Airways Corporation of New Zealand, unless the operation is a shielded operation.
- Be able to always see their RPA with their own eyes, unless flying using first person view (FPV) systems or conducting a Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operation in accordance with CATI: 101-1.
Under Part 101 operators must not
- Fly in restricted airspace or military operating areas without the permission of the administering authority.
- Carry out aerial topdressing, aerial spraying, or dispersal of vertebrate toxic agents.
- Fly the aircraft behind objects or through or above fog and cloud.
- Fly higher than 120 metres (400 ft) above ground level (unless in accordance with conditions specified in section 2.5 of CATI: 101-1).
- Fly within 4km of the boundary of any aerodrome (unless in accordance with the conditions specified in section 2.3 of CATI: 101-1).
- Fly in low-flying zones.
- Fly multiple aircraft at the same time at night.
