NZALPA calls for tighter regulations for RPAS/drone operation

21 May, 2017

New Zealand Air Line Pilot's Association (NZALPA) urged (19-May-2017) the Civil Aviation Authority (NZ) to review and tighten regulation for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) in light of growing number of drone users. NZALPA president Tim Robinson stated: "Currently they offer little or no protection to either other RPAS users or the public", the authority should mandate "the registration of devices and the application of the rules currently being followed by conventional manned flights". Mr Robinson believes this needs to be done "quickly" and communicated widely to prevent more cases of near misses between drones and helicopters in heavily populated tourist areas. [more - original PR]