We undertake the preliminary policy work that is required before a rule change can commence.
Throughout this process we consider a wide range of factors, such as New Zealand’s international obligations, aviation safety and security risk, and the costs and benefits of implementing particular measures. This is separate from the operational policies that drive decision making within the CAA.
Once a policy project is complete, the Ministry of Transport might make a recommendation to the Minister of Transport to commence work to amend a Civil Aviation Rule. If the Minister approves this, the project will become a rules project.
To keep up to date, subscribe to our free email notification service(external link) to receive alerts about most changes relating to rules and major policy areas.
This page is updated monthly to provide progress reports on our current policy projects.
If you have any queries regarding a policy or rule project, please contact us by emailing docket@caa.govt.nz.
| Policy project name | Description and purpose of project | Current status | Next milestone |
| ICAO Alignment | We periodically undertake projects to align the Civil Aviation Rules where possible with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices. This project includes nine amendments, and has a focus on Part 139 Aerodromes Certification, Operation and Use. | We are currently working on finalising a streamlined version of a Regulatory Impact Assessment for internal approval. | Engage with the Ministry of Transport to seek the Minister’s agreement to add the project to the Rules Programme. |
| Air Navigation Services Regulatory Framework |
The purpose of this project is to review a range of rule parts relating to the provision of air navigation services and associated information, with the aim of putting in place a more modern and performance-based rules framework. As well as looking at Parts 171 (Aeronautical telecommunication Services – Operation and Certification), 172 (Air Traffic Service Organisations Certification) and 65 (Air traffic Services Personnel Licences and ratings), this project will also consider Part 174 (Aviation Meteorological Service Organisations Certification). |
We have recently completed a regulatory framework model. | This is a large project and we expect the policy development phase to take some time. The next stage is to engage with internal subject matter experts on our proposed regulatory framework and risk-based approach. |
| Mapping of Part 91 Appendices | The purpose of this project is to identify how best to address an issue with existing civil aviation rules related to how technical standards for navigation and communication equipment are prescribed. | A Project Initiation Document (PID) is being finalised and undergoing internal review. | The next stage is to engage with internal subject matter experts on a proposed approach. |
| Upset Prevention Recovery Training (UPRT) | Building on the initial issue assessment, this project aims to investigate the approach New Zealand should take regarding the implementation of upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT). UPRT is an ICAO requirement aimed at preventing “loss of control” accidents. | We are in an initial scoping stage of the project and have been doing a scan of how UPRT has been implemented in other jurisdictions, to better understand the options available for New Zealand. There has also been a change in policy adviser on this project. | We will be looking to develop some guidance material for this project as one of the first steps, whilst also addressing any rule change that may be required. |
| Alternative propulsion systems |
This project is a scan of all Civil Aviation Rules to identify rules that may need to be reviewed or created to support the introduction of alternative propulsion systems (electric aircraft, hydrogen, sustainable aviation fuels) into New Zealand’s civil aviation system. This project is a scoping exercise to understand:
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This project is currently in the desktop scanning phase. However, at the next stage it will need to draw on a significant amount of operational expertise. | The project is high priority because parts of the sector are planning to introduce aircraft with alternative propulsion systems to their fleet during the next four to ten years. This project is also high priority because it closely aligns with the Government's desire to grow the emerging aviation technology sector and reduce emissions within the transport sector. Recent decision by Cabinet regarding funding of the Emerging Technology Programme underlined the urgency of work in this area. |
