Keeping eye on spies in the sky

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) recently completed consultation on proposed new rules for unmanned aircraft systems.

Remote piloted aircraft, or drones, as they are more popularly known, have captured people's imaginations like few other developing technologies.

While the thought of having a new book or pizza order drop out of the sky is exciting urbanites, it's the potential farming applications that have rural commentators buzzing.

Some uses of drones are already common, such as land mapping and surveying, and aerial video and photography.

In future, remote piloted aircraft technology has potential to influence the development of precision agriculture, advanced farm management techniques, and agricultural science and research.

In recent years there has been a proliferation of drones available to purchase by the general public. These range from inexpensive children's toys, to state-of-the art machines with cutting-edge GPS and camera technology worth tens of thousands of dollars.

The regulatory regime that manages unmanned aircraft systems has not kept up to date with the developments.

The relevant Civil Aviation Rules were designed for model aircraft hobbyists. They cannot easily accommodate advances in technology, and potential commercial applications that may pose increased risks to public health and safety.

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) recently completed consultation on proposed new rules for unmanned aircraft systems.

The proposed basic requirements that all operators must follow are designed for low-risk flying. These include daytime operation only, no flying above 400 feet, aircraft weight limits of 25kg, no flying within 4km of an uncontrolled aerodrome, and operators must take all practicable steps to minimise hazards, including not flying in inappropriate weather.

If unmanned aircraft system operators wish to work outside of these restrictions and engage in higher risk activities, it is proposed that the operator must apply to the CAA for an Unmanned Aircraft Operating Certificate. Through the application, the operator will need to explain the scope of the remote piloted aircraft operation, consider the level of risk involved, and discuss how the risks to people, property, and other aircraft will be managed.

An advisory circular is being developed by the CAA to help explain the rules and guide people through the application process.

Federated Farmers considers the proposed two-tiered rule system to be straightforward and easy to understand.

We support the threshold for certification being determined by risk, and consider CAA certification should only be imposed on those operators engaging in higher risk activities, where public health and safety needs to be carefully considered.

The new regulations should also allay some privacy and security fears, as the hazard and risk minimisation rules require that aircraft must not be flown over people or property without obtaining prior consent.

It may be some time before drones are zipping overhead spraying gorse, spreading fertiliser, or patrolling the night skies searching for stock rustlers.

In the meantime, it is important the Government progress regulation that will enable rather than hinder agricultural innovation, and ultimately allow remote piloted aircraft systems to be utilised to their full potential on-farm.