Drone sentencing a ‘beacon of awareness’
for new aviation rules – CAA
At Kaiapoi, on 5 January 2015, Simon Reeve operated a remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS) in a
control zone in close proximity to a helicopter conducting firefighting duties over the Pines Beach
settlement.
The helicopter pilot was not aware that the RPAS was operating in his proximity. Further RPAS
flights were carried out over a beach fire at the same location on 20 January. The Civil Aviation
Authority (CAA) decided to prosecute the drone pilot.
CAA General Manager - General Aviation, Steve Moore said CAA’s decision to prosecute three
charges was based on the following factors:
· Seriousness of the offending;
· Serious risk of harm;
· Breach of Section 44 of the Civil Aviation Act 1990 [Dangerous activity involving aircraft] Civil
Aviation Rule 101.13 X 2 [Hazardous Operations]
On 6 May 2015 the District Court Judge, G S MacAskill, found Mr Reeve guilty on all 3 charges. Today
Judge MacAskill sentenced Mr Reeve to make a $500 payment to charity and discharged him
without conviction on the charge of unnecessary endangerment. He was sentenced to pay a $250
fine for each of the other charges of flying a model aircraft in controlled airspace without Air Traffic
Control clearance.
“The CAA respects the decision of the court and considers that any penalty in this case, irrespective
of the conditions of the sentence, provides a very clear signal to RPA (drone) operators that they
need to follow rules that are in place to ensure the safety of all.
“These are not toys, they are a new form of aircraft and need to be treated with respect and flown
responsibly,” Mr Moore said.
Mr Moore continued “This case has become a beacon of awareness of the new RPAS (drone) rules
that came into effect last August.”
“This outcome should come as a timely reminder to all RPAS users – fly within the rules. And think of
others when your unit is in the sky.” He said.
look up RPAS (www.caa.govt.nz/rpas/)
or CAA website and Contact: Mike Richards, Manager Corporate Communications (Media phone 0800 222 697)
