As more drones populate New Zealand skies, for everyone’s safety, applying for a NOTAM has been made simpler.
The number of NOTAMs1 issued for unmanned aircraft2 - or RPAS - operations is on the increase, and so far in 2025, they have accounted for about 15 percent of all published NOTAMs.
Many of these were for operations within 4KM of an aerodrome.3
These NOTAMs are issued to warn all operators to avoid, or be very aware of, unmanned aircraft (UA) or drone flights at unattended aerodromes.
These NOTAMs improve awareness of other operations and increase safety for everybody, says Frances Dowdle, Airways Manager for Air Traffic Support.
“But many UA operators who’ve come from outside the more traditional aviation sectors, are not always aware of what information is required to be captured in a NOTAM,” she says.
“We also wanted to simplify the process for aerodrome operators.
“They have responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act for the safety of UA operations at their aerodromes.
“It’s important that it works for everyone.”
During phase one of an improvement trial, Airways sent pre-formatted NOTAMs to aerodrome operators so they could work through them with RPAS operators.
“The aerodrome operator then decides whether a NOTAM is required, as part of their risk management,” says Frances.
“We implemented the second phase in April this year.
“This has allowed Part 102-certified UA operators to submit a NOTAM request via IFIS.”
These NOTAMS are automatically sent to the Christchurch-based NOTAM office.
“But to do this, one of two conditions must be met,” says Frances.
“The Part 102 UA operator must indicate on the AirShare4 form that they have an ongoing memorandum of understanding with the aerodrome operator.
“This should make it clear to both parties how they will conduct their UA operations within 4KM that aerodrome.
“Or they can tick a box indicating they’ve consulted with the aerodrome about a particular flight.”
In either scenario, the aerodrome operator receives a copy of the NOTAM once it’s been issued.
“These two-phase improvements were designed to make things more efficient for both UA and aerodrome operators, as well as for the NOTAM office,” says Frances.
“Everybody has a role in making sure the process goes smoothly.”
Common misunderstandings
Aerodrome and UA operators share some misunderstandings about submitting a request for the issue of a NOTAM, says George Ridd, AirShare Product Manager.
“Perhaps the most crucial confusion to clear up is among those Part 102s5 who’ve been granted a variation by the Director of Civil Aviation to rule 101.205.
“In most cases, operators of unmanned aircraft must comply with Civil Aviation Rule 101.205 Aerodromes – that is, remain outside of 4KMs from an aerodrome.
“Part 101 operators (who hold an appropriate qualification) can fly their aircraft within 4KM of an uncontrolled aerodrome, only if they’ve first got agreement from the aerodrome operator,” says George.
“But, a Part 102 operator may have a variation which requires them only to notify and engage with the aerodrome operator in uncontrolled airspace, instead of asking for agreement.”
The exact requirements of that privilege is individual to the 102 operator and is written in their approved exposition, says George.
“The most common condition of this variation is that the UA operator must notify the aerodrome operator prior to the flight. They must also have a discussion any hazards the UA operator should be aware of.”
This applies only to uncontrolled aerodromes. In controlled airspace, the Part 102 operator still requires permission from air traffic control, regardless of their variation.
However, George says that many Part 102 operators granted a variation from CAR 101.205, intending to fly in uncontrolled airspace, think they don’t need to consult with the aerodrome operator.
“Even though the variation they have been granted means they don’t require agreement from the aerodrome operator, they must still engage with the aerodrome and understand the risks of their intended operation.”
Another misunderstanding concerns some UA operators who’re not yet certificated under Part 102, but still requesting a NOTAM.
“It’s actually really common,” says George. “They’ll produce a training certificate, thinking they have Part 102 certification.
“But a pilot competency certificate from a training organisation is not a Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certificate.
“There’s a whole process to go through if you want to become a certificated Part 102 operator and it’s quite detailed.
“Until an operator is properly vetted and approved by the CAA, or operating as an approved pilot employed by a Part 102-certified organisation, they’re operating only under Part 101.”
Lastly, George says, not every operation near an aerodrome requires a NOTAM.
“Unless the CAA has specified in the Part 102 organisation’s exposition that a NOTAM is required, UA operators and aerodrome managers can use their discretion when deciding whether to originate a NOTAM.
“If the UA is going to be flying at only 20 feet above a house somewhere, that’s 3KM away from the aerodrome, there’s probably not much value in issuing a NOTAM.”
Part 102s navigating the NOTAMs process
Corey Price – CAA Manager for Unmanned Aircraft Certification and Monitoring – reminds Part 102 operators intending to operate UA within 4KM of an aerodrome that they need to make contact with the aerodrome operator.
Corey suggests phoning the aerodrome operator to introduce yourself and the operation you’ll be conducting.
“Use that phone call to ask about any hazards that might not be obvious to you.
“It’s also a great opportunity to discuss with the aerodrome operator if a NOTAM is going to add any value.”
The most important aspect is communication. Corey says no-one wants to be surprised – by anything.
“Follow up that call with an email, detailing the summary of what you’ve just spoken about.
“Then you can submit your AirShare request and tick the boxes regarding a NOTAM, as appropriate.”
Corey says that by following the above process, UA operators should receive little pushback from aerodrome operators.
“And importantly, you’ll have done your bit to ensure you’re flying safely.”
Footnotes
1 ‘Notice to Airmen’ or ‘Notice to Air Missions’ warns pilots of an ‘abnormal’ development in airspace or at an aerodrome, which is not known far enough in advance to be published by other means. To apply for one, go to:
ifis.airways.co.nz(external link)
2 Also known as UA, or remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS), or drones.
3 Rule 101.205 Aerodromes prohibits UA flights within 4KM of an aerodrome, unless a number of conditions are met, including obtaining approval from the aerodrome operator.
4 UA flight hub online application, run by Airways.
5 Part 102 Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certification.
Main photo iStock.com/evandrorigon