Civil Aviation Rules Part 101
Subpart E - Model Aircraft




Introduction:

The following is an excerpt from the CAA Rules 101 governing the operation of Model Aircraft and other activities as listed in 101.1.  For ease of reading the matters pertaining to the operation of Model Aircraft have been taken from Rule 101 and are published in this document for the use by Clubs affiliated to the NZMAA.  A full copy of the Rules can be obtained from CAA.


101.201		Applicability

This Subpart prescribes rules governing the operation of model aircraft.


101.203 		Control line model aircraft

No person shall operate a control line model aircraft with a single or multiple wire system longer than 30 m.


101.205			Aerodromes

(a)	With the exception of a control line model aircraft, no person shall operate a model aircraft on or within 4 km of-

	(1)	an uncontrolled aerodrome, unless-

		(i)		it is undertaken in accordance with an agreement with the aerodrome operator, and

		(ii)	in the case of a free flight model aircraft, it is launched downwind of an active runway, and

		(iii)	in the case of a radio controlled model aircraft, it is operated at a height not exceeding 400 feet AGL, and each pilot has an observer in attendance while the model aircraft is active in the air; and


(2)	a controlled aerodrome, unless it is operated in accordance with an authorisation from ATC; and


	(3)	any aerodrome, unless-

	(i)		the person is the holder of, or is under the direct supervision of the holder of, a pilot qualification issued by a model aircraft association approved by the Director; or

	(ii)	the person is under the direct supervision of a person appointed to give instruction in the operation of radio controlled model aircraft by a model aircraft association approved by the Director.

(b)	A person shall not operate a model aircraft-

		(1)	on or over any active aircraft movement area of an aerodrome; or

		(2)	on or over any active runway strip area.


101.207 		Airspace

Each person operating a radio controlled model aircraft more than 4 km from an aerodrome boundary and above 400 feet AGL shall ensure the operation remains clear of Class C, D, or E airspace and shall-

	(1)	operate in a danger area designated for that purpose under Part 73; or

	(2)	provide the following information to the New Zealand NOTAM office, at least 24 hours before the operation:

		(i)		their name, address, and telephone number:

		(ii)	the location of the proposed operation:

		(iii)	the date and time and duration of the proposed operation:

		(iv)	the type and number of aircraft:

		(v)	the maximum height AGL proposed for aircraft operation.

[Until Part 73 comes into force, airspace is designated under Part 19]

101.209			Meteorological limitations

Except for control line model aircraft, a person shall not operate a model aircraft-

	(1)	in any area where the ground visibility is less than 3 km; or

	(2)	in any area where the cloud base is at a level where a model aircraft is unable to be operated-

	(i)		in sight of the operator; and 

	(ii)	beneath the cloud base at all times.


101.211 		Night operations

With the exception of control line model aircraft, a person shall not operate a model aircraft at night unless the operation is-

		(1)	indoors; or

		(2)	a shielded operation.


101.213			Right of way

Each person operating a model aircraft shall ensure it gives way to, and remains clear of, all manned aircraft on the ground and in flight.


101.215 		Radio controlled model aircraft

A person shall not operate a radio controlled model aircraft with a gross mass of between 15 kg and 25 kg unless the aircraft is constructed and operated under the authority of a model aircraft association approved by the Director.