We're 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 our current 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 our regulatory system.
If you have any queries regarding a rule project, please contact us by emailing docket@caa.govt.nz.
| Rule project name and reference | Description and purpose of rule | Current status | Next milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Pilot Licence (PPL) medical review | As a result of a public consultation conducted in 2017, the CAA has recommended the development of an alternative private pilot licence. The objective of the new proposed licence is to adopt a standard of medical certification for New Zealand private pilots that –
In this regard, pilots will be required to obtain a medical certificate that meets the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) commercial driver licence with passenger endorsement standard. |
The Summary of submissions were published on 18 December 2020 | Final rule package agreed with the Ministry of Transport |
| ADS-B below flight level 245 (20/CAR/01) |
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 below 24,500 ft (FL 245). 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. |
The Minister of Transport signed the rules on 13 December 2020 | Rules come into effect on 8 February 2021 |
|
PBN (Performance Based Navigation) (21/CAR/03) |
This project looks to ensure that the regulatory framework can support Performance Based Navigation implementation by 2023, as a result of the New Southern Sky programme to meet International Civil Aviation Organization requirements. | The NPRM was published on 16 December 2020 | Consultation period closes on 19 February 2021 |
|
Runway Condition Reporting (21/CAR/02) |
This project proposes amendments to rule 139.103 that requires all aerodromes to provide real-time runway surface condition reporting. 26 affected aerodromes are currently covered by an exemption to the rule requirement which expires on 5th November 2020. The rule amendments will require aerodromes, where they meet specific applicability criteria, to provide real time runway surface condition reporting using standardised reporting methods. | Minister accepts rule project onto the Transport Rules Programme | Publish NPRM |
Advisory circulars monthly report [PDF 383 KB]
Before a rule amendment or new rule is finalised, we'll 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 we'll 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, we may undertake further consultation with key groups before submitting a proposed rule to the Government.
If you wish to raise a regulatory issue for assessment that may progress to a rule change, please complete form 24011/01 [PDF 24 KB] and email it to docket@caa.govt.nz.
For more information about issue assessment see the rule development process and regulatory policy pages.
| Rule project name | Description and purpose of rule | Rules and amendment numbers | Important dates |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers – 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. |
Minister signed the Rules on 15 July 2020. These include rule parts:
|
Rules came into effect on 01 September 2020 |
|
Omnibus (17/CAR/01) |
These amendments cover issues related to abbreviations, definitions, terminology, referencing and formatting. |
The Associate Minister signed the rules on 24th July 2020 | Rules come into effect on 1 December 2020 |
|
Notice of Requirement (NTC) 91.258, Revision 2 Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) systems |
The purpose of this notice is to specify the requirements determined by the Director referred to in rule 91.258, regarding:
|
The Acting Director of the CAA signed the Notice on 10 November 2020 | Notice came into effect on 12 November 2020 |
