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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. NPRMs closed for submissions |
Summary of public submissions published 19 Sep 2019 | Final rule package agreed with Ministry of Transport |
| Omnibus 2017/18 (17/CAR/01) |
These amendments cover issues related to abbreviations, definitions, terminology, referencing and formatting. NPRMs closed for submissions |
Published summary of submissions 07 Aug 2019 | Final rule package agreed with the Ministry of Transport |
| 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. |
Consultation period closed 03 Feb 2020 | Publish summary of public submissions |
| Omnibus 2019/20 (19/CAR/02) |
These amendments cover issues related to abbreviations, definitions, terminology, referencing and formatting. | Minister accepts rule project onto the Transport Rules Programme | Publish NPRM |
| 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. |
Consultation closed 21 Feb 2020 | Publish summary of public submissions |
Advisory circulars monthly report [PDF 106 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ICAO alignment 2017 (17/CAR/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. NPRMs closed for submissions Summary of submissions |
The Associate Minister of Transport signed the rules 07 Apr 2019 | Rules came into effect 10 May 2019 |
| 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. NPRMs closed for submissions Mandate ADS-B above FL245 – summary of public submissions [PDF 132 KB] |
Associate Minister of Transport signed the rules on 15 Jun 2018 | Most rules came into effect 20 Jul 2018 Part 101 amendment came into effect 31 Dec 2018 |
