What's new

Vector Online: Strengthen your ability to manage stress

New revision: Flying your drone and other unmanned aircraft safely

We’ve revised our drone safety brochure to bring it up-to-date with current rules. Download a digital copy [PDF 8.4 MB] or order a printed copy using our online order form.

Drone operator sentenced for serious aviation safety breaches

Part 157 determination

• Heliport Conditional Determination – Buller Health Medical Centre Heliport

New licensing and standards guidance

Pilot licences issued before the Civil Aviation Act 1990 [PDF 263 KB]

AC139-15, Rev 2, Aeronautical Studies for Aerodrome Operators open for consultation

List of Part 109 regulated air cargo agents updated

Part 77 proposal

• Crane at 57 Pitau Road, Mount Maunganui
  Submissions close 5 August 2026

Transitioning Dangerous Goods (DG) training to industry

Safety Message: Airborne conflict in uncontrolled Class G airspace

Updates to security screening at Hamilton Airport

Vector magazine: The winter issue 2026 is now available online

Part 77 proposal

• Crane at 6 Russel Terrace, Blenheim
  Submissions close 3 August 2026

Airspace user consultation: Proposed Visual Reporting Point – Waikato Area

2026 airspace reviews

New page: Safety and security focus areas

Electronic medical certificates - FAQs

Independent Industry Advisor appointed to support Part 61

Captain David Morgan has been appointed as Independent Industry Advisor to support the largest project in the Rules Update Programme. As part of the Part 61 review project team, Captain Morgan will act as an external industry facilitator during the project’s discovery phase, helping the CAA and the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions & Transport (MCERT) seek out and synthesise input from the aviation sector. The full Terms of Reference for Captain Morgan’s role as industry advisor are available here:

Part 61 Project Industry Advisor Terms Of Reference [PDF 289 KB]

The State Safety Programme updated [PDF 827 KB]

We've updated the SSP to reflect minor editorial amendments and names to organisations to reflect the most up-to-date changes.

Part 77 proposal

• Telecommunications Tower at 8 Edmunds Way, Milson, Palmerston North
  Submissions close 31 July 2026

Aircraft register - updated

EASA AD 2026-0128 Safran Arrius 1 engines - Hydromechanical Metering Unit Replacement [PDF 314 KB]

Emergency airworthiness directives

Part 157 proposal

• Notice of proposal for activation of a heliport – 159 Golf Road, Murupara
  Submissions close 17 July 2026

New revision: How to be a pilot GAP booklet

We’ve refreshed our ever-popular How to be a pilot Good Aviation Practice (GAP) booklet. Whether you want to be a weekend flier, or an airline captain, initially you’ll follow much the same process. This booklet explains what you need to know to start your journey to become a pilot.

Download a digital copy [PDF 8.3 MB]

Or order a free printed copy using our online order form.

EASA AD 2026-0124 Tecnam P2006T and P2006T NG Aircraft - Aileron Hinge / Cotter Pins Inspection [PDF 324 KB]

Emergency airworthiness directives

CAA sets direction and priorities with latest planning documents including new 2026-2027 safety and security focus areas

Part 77 proposals

• Crane at 149 Roscommon Road, Wiri, Auckland
  Submissions close 29 July 2026
• Mobile crane at 27 Spedding Road, Tikipunga, Whangarei
  Submissions close 28 July 2026

UK CAA MPD 2026-003-E Applicable to certain Rotax 912 and 914 series engines - Propeller Gearbox Inspection [PDF 231 KB]

Emergency airworthiness directives

EASA EMERGENCY AD 2026-0125R1 Diamond DA 42, DA 42 M, DA 42 NG and DA 42 M-NG aircraft - NLG Hydraulic Actuator Inspection [PDF 328 KB]

Emergency airworthiness directives

Corporate publications published:

Statement of intent 2026-30 [PDF 4.3 MB]

Statement of performance expectations 2026-27 [PDF 4.6 MB]

Corporate publications

List of Part 109 regulated air cargo agents updated

Part 77 determinations

• Crane at 5 Mile Shopping Centre, Frankton, Queenstown - no hazard determined
• Crane at 110 Ara Weiti Road, Stillwater, Auckland - hazard determined

EASA EMERGENCY AD 2026-0125-E Diamond DA 42, DA 42 M, DA 42 NG and DA 42 M-NG aircraft - NLG Hydraulic Actuator Inspection [PDF 363 KB]

Emergency airworthiness directives

Pending rules and transport instruments

The purpose of this rule amendment is to update Civil Aviation Rules relating to Runway End Safety Areas (RESA) and arresting systems.

Vector Online: Cold weather, warm start

New guidance: Rules for pilots over 65 flying into, within, or from New Zealand

List of Part 109 regulated air cargo agents updated

Aircraft register - updated

Part 77 proposal

• Tower Crane at 2-8 Hylton Place, Queenstown
  Submissions close 24 July 2026

Airworthiness Directives Schedule Amendment Nr 26-06 - effective 25 June 2026

EASA Emergency AD 2026-0121-E Applicable to certain Rotax 912 and 914 series engines - Propeller Gearbox Inspection [PDF 306 KB]

Emergency airworthiness directives

Part 157 proposals

• Notice of proposal for construction of a heliport – Main Divide Heliport
  Submissions close 8 July 2026
• Notice of proposal for construction of a heliport – 5NM west of Opotiki Aerodrome
  Submissions close 24 July 2026

How to apply for ANZA privileges if you hold a New Zealand air operator certificate

Part 77 proposal

• Air Traffic Control Tower at Fred Ladd Way, Auckland Airport
  Submissions close 12 July 2026

Part 77 determinations

• Cranes at 2 Langley Road, Wiri - hazard determined
• Communications tower at 32 Farm Street, Mt Manganui - hazard determined
• Wind monitoring mast Whariti Road, Woodville - hazard determined

Changes to security screening at Invercargill Airport

Minister visits CAA staff to recognise progress improving aviation services and safety oversight

List of Part 109 regulated air cargo agents updated

Advisory Circular AC61-7

Revision 26 adds Appendix VI to provide guidance on the acceptance of aeroplane types below 5,700kgs for an Airline Transport Pilot Licence – (Aeroplane) (ATPL(A)) flight test. This comprises three components: aeroplane configuration, airline operations and conduct of the flight test.

Aircraft register - updated

Part 77 proposal

• Crane at 1005 Te Ngae Road, Rotorua
  Submissions close 10 July 2026

AC121-7 & AC125-2, Rev 3, Ditching - Techniques, Hazards, and Survival

Following the changes to rule 91.525 and the corresponding Civil Aviation (Flights over water) Transport Instrument CATI 91.525 [PDF 581 KB], we have updated this AC.

A marked-up version is available at this link so participants can check the changes: 

AC121-7 & AC125-2, Rev 3, Ditching - Techniques, Hazards, and Survival - marked up [PDF 773 KB]

New pending rules and transport instruments have come into effect:

Part 91 Amendment 1

Part 115 Amendment 2

Civil Aviation (Pressure altimeters) Transport Instrument CATI 91.509 [PDF 569 KB]

Civil Aviation (Emergency equipment) Transport Instrument CATI 91.523 [PDF 591 KB]

Civil Aviation (Flights over water) Transport Instrument CATI 91.525 [PDF 581 KB]

Vector Online: Introducing new ASA Scotty Booth

New GAP booklet: Aircraft maintenance and airworthiness

It’s not just about complying with civil aviation rules – aircraft maintenance and airworthiness are vital to making sure crew, passengers, and those on the ground are safe. This Good Aviation Practice booklet provides some easily readable guidance on some key requirements you need to know.

Download a digital copy [PDF 2.3 MB] or request a free printed copy.

Good Aviation Practice booklets

Part 77 proposal

• 20-turbine windfarm at Mt Munro Wind Farm, Old Coach Road, Eketāhuna
  Submissions close 8 July 2026

FAA SAIB 2026-11 Theft of Turbofan Engine Parts before Mutilation [PDF 184 KB]

Other authorities' airworthiness advisories

List of Part 109 regulated air cargo agents updated

Physical addresses of regulated air cargo agents (RACA) updated (v185) [PDF 309 KB]

Following publication of the trial AC91-13 in April, we are now seeking formal feedback from helicopter operators, training providers, and aviation groups.

Advisory Circulars open for consultation

Airworthiness Directives Schedule Amendment Nr 26-05 - effective 4 June 2026

Part 77 proposal

• Mobile Crane at 703 Roberts Line, Milson, Palmerston North
  Submissions for both close 1 July 2026

FAA SAIB HQ-14-16R2 Standard Hardware, AN, MS and NAS Fasteners [PDF 175 KB]

Other authorities' airworthiness advisories

Transport Canada AD 2026-23-E P&WC PW210A, PW210A1, and PW210S Engines - Turbine Exhaust Frame (TEF) Cracks [PDF 134 KB]

Emergency airworthiness directives

CASA AWB 62-009 Issue 1 - EC135/ H135 Cracking of Main Rotor Blade Root Attachment Block Area(external link)

Other authorities' airworthiness advisories

Aircraft register - updated

List of Part 109 regulated air cargo agents updated

List of Part 139 aerodrome operators updated

GAP Online: How to be a prime person

Vector Online: Near collision at Rangiora

Part 77 proposals

• Crane along Ara Weiti Road, Stillwater, Auckland
• Meteorological Mast on land near Taihape-Napier Road
  Submissions for both close 16 June 2026

Part 77 determination

• Crane at 42 Liffey Street, Invercargill - hazard determined

Continuing Airworthiness Notice – 62-005 MD369 Main rotor blade – cracking at the root section [PDF 424 KB]

Continuing Airworthiness Notices

Physical addresses of regulated air cargo agents (RACA) updated (v182) [PDF 309 KB]

Notice of proposal for construction of an aerodrome with RH Circuit– Ngaireta Airstrip (Waiorongomai), Te Aroha [PDF 236 KB]

Part 157 proposals and determinations

FAA Airworthiness Concern Sheet (ACS) AIR770-2026-05-R-6700-ACS Robinson R44 / R66 Push-Pull Tube [PDF 709 KB]

Other authorities' airworthiness advisories

From 1 July 2026, laminated CAA Aviation Medical Certificates will be replaced by electronic versions

Part 77 determinations

• Wind monitoring mast, Table Hill Road, Southland - hazard determined
• Wind monitoring mast on vacant land, Southland - hazard determined

New page in the drones section: Maintenance

Continuing Airworthiness Notice - 27-032 AS350 Helicopters Tail Rotor Pitch Control Rod – Damaged Ball Joint [PDF 332 KB]

Continuing Airworthiness Notices

Vector Online: Don't make life-threatening situations worse

EASA Emergency AD 2026-0095-E Cabri G2 helicopters Main Rotor Mast – Inspection [PDF 314 KB]

Emergency airworthiness directives

Notice of proposal for construction of a heliport – Buller Health Medical Centre, Westport

Submissions close 26 May 2026.

Part 77 determinations

• Tower cranes at Cumberland Street, Castle Street and St. Andrew Street, Dunedin - hazard determined
• Crane at 292 Main South Road, Hornby - no hazard determined
• Crane at Nelson Marina, Cross Quay, Nelson - no hazard determined

FAA Airworthiness Concern Sheet (ACS) AIR760-2026-01-S-5500-ACS: Cessna 172 Series Tail Skid Bracket deformation could result in Rudder Jamming [PDF 270 KB]

Other authorities' airworthiness advisories

The Director of Civil Aviation Authority has granted a class exemption commencing 18 May 2026, permitting any Australian professional pilot applying to the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand for license recognition under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (TTMRA).

Docket no.: 26/EXE/49 [PDF 639 KB]
Description: Exemption from the requirement in Civil Aviation Rule Part 61.35(a)(1)(ii)
Issue date: 18 May 2026
Commencement date: 18 May 2026
Expiry date: 17 May 2031

This class exemption replaces the general exemption 18/EXE/21 [PDF 177 KB] which expires on 17 May 2026.

Class exemptions

Pending rules and transport instruments

Coming into force 12 June 2026:

• Part 91 amendment 1
• Part 115 amendment 2
• Civil Aviation (Flights over water) Transport Instrument CATI 91.525
• Civil Aviation (Emergency equipment) Transport Instrument CATI 91.523
• Civil Aviation (Pressure altimeters) Transport Instrument CATI 91.509

Night flying: Beautiful but hazardous

FAA SAIB 2023-03R2 Helicopter Crash Resistant Fuel Systems [PDF 189 KB]

Other authorities' airworthiness advisories

CAN 76-001 Gippsland GA8 - Throttle Cable Installation Inspection [PDF 138 KB]

Continuing Airworthiness Notices

Part 77 determination

• Permanent structure at 73 Ahuriri Street, Strathmore Park, Wellington - hazard determined