What's new

Vector Online: Getting the best from ADS-B

We've updated two Advisory Circulars, in response to industry feedback.

AC00-1 - Acceptability of Parts

AC43-3 - Parts Documentation - CAA Form Two - New Zealand Domestic Part Label

We also have marked-up versions, so participants can easily see changes.

AC00-1 marked-up [PDF 477 KB]

AC43-3 marked-up [PDF 381 KB]

3 new dog detectives added

Aircraft register - updated

Vector Online: What the hell is ‘anxiety’?

If you missed the recent Circuit Certainty seminars, you can watch the recording of the online session here:

Circuit Certainty - Online seminar(external link)

Vector Online: Emotions are contagious. Stay calm.

FAA SAIB 2024-05 - Robinson R44 and R44 II helicopters - Engine/Transmission Coupling, Gearmotor Assembly

Aircraft register - updated

Bird incident rate report 2024 Q3 [PDF 1.1 MB]

Part 77 determination

• Wind farm at 379 Maitahi Road, Mamaranui - hazard determined

Circuit Certainty GAP videos

Part 77 proposal

• Met Mast at 900 Scotts Road, Linton, Palmerston North
  Submissions close 5 December 2024

New revision of Night VFR GAP booklet now available

The Night VFR Good Aviation Practice (GAP) booklet has been updated. Flying at night presents pilots with a new set of threats and challenges compared with flying during the day. It’s essential to seek training with a flight instructor specifically for night flying. As an aid to your training and revision, this booklet looks briefly at some underlying principles and practices, including illusions, planning considerations, and handling emergencies.

Download a copy [PDF 2.1 MB] or request a printed copy using our online form.

CAA teams win special recognition award

Vector Online: I learned about near misses from this

AC061-03- Rev 30 Pilot licences and ratings - Private pilot licence

We've made a minor correction to this AC. On 5 November 2024, the last item in Subject No. 6 Air Navigation Subtopic 6.4.6 “relative bearing using the clock method” was amended to be included in the numbering sequence, as item (q), since it had been inadvertently left off the list. We've also added a note in the Version History to explain this. CAA would like to thank the participant who brought this to our attention.

Basic Turbine Knowledge added to the pilot syllabus assistance archive

Aircraft register - updated

AC61-10 - Pilot licences and ratings - Type ratings

This Advisory Circular has been updated. Revision 14 makes changes to the Basic Turbine Knowledge (BTK) syllabi for pilots. We have separated the BTK pilot syllabus into two separate syllabi for Aeroplane and Helicopter respectively. The existing syllabus for Subject 64 has been amended to focus on Aeroplane and a completely new syllabus for Helicopter Subject 65 has been produced. We have also updated information on applying online and made minor corrections.

A marked-up version with the deletions in strikethrough and the insertions in yellow highlight is available here to check the changes quickly:

AC61-10, Revision 14, marked-up version [PDF 592 KB]

AC91-22, Revision 3, Aircraft Refuelling and Defuelling — Fire Prevention and Safety Guidance Measures

This Advisory Circular has been updated. Revision 3 is not a substantive update to this AC. It fixes typos, standardises spelling and makes other stylistic changes to align with current AC format. It also updates some references and deletes a reference to the Hazardous Substances (Classes 1 to 5 Controls) Regulations, 2001, which have been revoked.

A marked-up version with the deletions in strikethrough and the insertions in yellow highlight is available here to check the changes quickly:

AC91-22, Revision 3, marked-up version [PDF 517 KB]

Advisory Circulars monthly report - October 2024 [PDF 235 KB]

Airworthiness Directive Schedule Amendment Nr 24-10 - effective 31 October 2024

Part 77 proposal

• Crane at 57 Pitau Road, Mount Maunganui
  Submissions close 27 November 2024

Part 77 determination

• Mobile crane at Auckland Airport - hazard

FAA SAIB 2024-05 R44 and R44 II helicopters - Engine/Transmission Coupling, Gearmotor Assembly

For Part 99 Drug and Alcohol Management Plans:

DAMP compliance matrix [DOCX 172 KB]

Vector Online | Fatigue: a saboteur of good decisions

Advisory Circular AC133-1 open for consultation

AC133-1, Revision 0, Helicopter External Load Operations

This is a new AC, relating  to Part 133, Subparts B, Operating rules and related requirements, F, Instruments and Equipment, and G, Maintenance. It outlines CAA’s expectations of operators who are carrying out external load operations conducted under Civil Aviation Rule Part 133, Helicopter External Load Operations.

Comments close Tuesday 24 December 2024.

Airspace user consultation: 2024 Review of designated airspace

Consultation closes 29 November 2024

Aircraft register - updated

EASA Emergency AD 2024-0202-E Arrius 2F Engines Fuel Control Unit - Replacement [PDF 199 KB]

Emergency airworthiness directives

Vector Online: Weather tragedies affect air traffic controllers too

Part 77 determinations

• Tower Crane at 107 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch - hazard
• Crane booms at 76 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead, Auckland - hazard
• Queenstown Lakes District Council - hazard
• Crane at Lower Queen Street, Richmond, Tasman - no hazard
• Crane booms at 484 Johns Road, Harewood, Christchurch - hazard

Proposed Ashburton Common Frequency Zone | Summary of Submissions Received, and Final AIP Changes [PDF 942 KB]

2022 airspace reviews

Aircraft register - updated

FAA SAFO 24007 - Shipments of Batteries/Battery-Powered Devices and Flammable Materials [PDF 183 KB]

Other authorities' airworthiness advisories: FAA

New brochure: Flying your drone safely [PDF 8.4 MB]

Check out updated content in our Drones section.

Draft Advisory Circular open for consultation

AC119-1, Revision 8, Air Operator Certification

This AC has been revised for the first time since 2014. Revision 8 is a substantive update which deletes outdated sections and updates sections throughout. It also updates the style and format to align with other ACs and adds a Version History.

As with other ACs,  proposed insertions are in yellow highlight and proposed deletions in strikethrough.

Comments close Monday 18 November 2024.

Part 109 Regulated air cargo agents list (v.163)

Vector Online: Survival skills for pilots

CASA AWB 53-012 Issue 1 - Retrofit of Symmetrical Horizontal Stabilizers to Robinson Helicopters(external link)

Other authorities' airworthiness advisories: CASA

Aircraft register - updated

Transport Canada (TC) Feedback is available on the CAA website at:

Other authorities' airworthiness advisories: Transport Canada

Part 77 proposal

• Crane at Fonterra, 12 Packers Road, Studholme
  Submissions close 6 November 2024

Vector Online: Latching on to great safety

CA Act 2023: Certification and licensing transition arrangements

New GAP booklet revision: In, out, and around Queenstown [PDF 7.5 MB]

Flying in and out of this popular area presents some unique challenges: mountainous terrain, complex and busy airspace, ‘character-building’ weather, and many different types of operations. This booklet contains advice on planning your flight around this remarkable area.

Good Aviation Practice Booklets

Aircraft register - updated

Amendment to AC-002, Revision 2, Storage and distribution of aeronautical supplies - open for consultation

On 30 September 2024, we advised that a new revision of this AC was open for consultation.

Following feedback from a participant, we have added the marked-up version of this AC, so participants can easily see changes.

As with other ACs, proposed insertions are in yellow highlight and proposed deletions in strikethrough.

Comments close Monday 28 October 2024.

Airspace user consultation: Proposed change NZD926, NZD927 and NZD928 to be designated as Military Operating Areas

Consultation closes 1 November 2024

Part 77 determination

• Wind farm at 20 Makomako Road, Pahiatua - hazard

Latest issue of Vector magazine

The spring 2024 edition of Vector is now available online.

AC-002, Revision 2, Storage and distribution of aeronautical supplies - open for consultation

This AC is open for consultation for the first time since 2007. Revision 2 is a substantive update of this AC. It updates content throughout and removes information:

• drawn from foreign guidance material, replacing it with direct reference to the source information, and

• which could have contravened overarching guidance from organisations such as WorkSafe or the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), replacing it with reference to the relevant source data.

Lastly, it adds a Version History.

If you have any comments or feedback please send this via the Advisory Circular feedback form by Monday  28 October 2024.

Aircraft register - updated

Contact your airline about lost luggage

Airworthiness Directive Schedule Amendment Nr 24-09 - effective 26 September 2024

A new revision of form 24061-07 Instrument Rating – Competency Demonstration Report has been published on the forms section of our website. Please ensure the current revision is used when completing competency assessments.

Part 61 forms

Part 77 proposal

• Crane at Auckland International Airport
  Submissions close 22 October 2024

Aircraft register - updated

Part 77 proposal

• Windfarm at 379 Maitahi Road, Mamaranui
  Submissions close 16 October 2024

AMENDMENT - AC061-03 Rev 30 Pilot licences and ratings - Private pilot licence

On 19 September 2024, in response to feedback from a participant, item 4.4 (kk) in Subject No. 4 PPL Air Law (Aeroplane and Helicopter), 4.4 Definitions was changed from “hover taxi” to “air-taxiing”, to reflect a change in the AIPNZ. We have placed a note in the version history of the AC accordingly. CAA would like to thank the participant who brought this to our attention.

CAA Emergency AD DCA/PA-25/127 All Piper PA-25, PA-25-235 and PA-25-260 aircraft - Forward and Aft Wing Spars Inspection [PDF 22 KB]

Part 109 Regulated air cargo agents list (v.162)

EASA SIB 2024-13 - Garrecht Avionik GmbH (trading as Air Avionics) Mode-S Secondary Surveillance Radar Transponders Loss of Transponder Reply [PDF 206 KB]

Advisory Circulars AC00-1 and AC43-3

We've updated these two ACs, to address a potential contradiction between Part 43 and AC 43-3 and AC00-1. Because the changes in AC00-1 are reflected in changes to AC43-3, which is about CAA Form Two, we felt participants would find it more efficient to look over the ACs together.

AC00-1 Acceptability of Parts

Revision 3 clarifies some technical issues:

• Adding a rule reference in section 2.2, Part 43 – Maintenance practices
• Clarifying section 2.4, Acceptable parts, and section 5.2, Determining eligibility, about the use of CAA Form Two
• Deleting advice about finite life components in section 2.4, Acceptable parts
• Deleting examples of unacceptable parts in section 2.5, Unacceptable parts, and.
• Moving the section on finite life components from section 3.1, General, to new section 5.3, Conformity.

AC43-3 Parts Documentation—CAA Form Two-New Zealand Domestic Part Label

Revision 6 updates terminology and wording where needed to clarify guidance.

For easy reference, we have included marked up version to show the changes that were made, with the insertions being in yellow highlight and the deletions in strikethrough:

AC00-1, Revision 3, Acceptability of Parts – marked up version [PDF 491 KB]

AC43-3, Revision 6, Parts Documentation—CAA Form Two-New Zealand Domestic Part Label – marked up version [PDF 352 KB]

CAA would like to thank the participants who provided feedback, some of which we have incorporated in the new revisions.

AC139-4, Revision 7, Aerodrome Rescue and Firefighting

We've completed a new revision of this AC, the first since 2016. Revision 7 is a substantively updated revision which among other things:

• Adds new sections 7, Simulated and synthetic training, and 7.4, Rescue and firefighting – operational requirements
• Updates some medical requirements
• Updates some entry training standards
• Adds Tables 1 and 2 to section 6.5 Reserve supply
• Deletes the Definitions section
• Updates old Table 1, now Table 3, Typical aeroplane types and the respective category
• Updates style and format to align with current AC standards, and
• Adds a Version History.

CAA would like to thank the participants who took the time to send in feedback about the draft, as many of their suggested changes have improved the new revision.

Aircraft register - updated

Part 157 determination

• Aerodrome Conditional Determination - Te Tohunga Airstrip

Part 77 proposal

• Crane at 76 Mokoia Rd, Birkenhead
  Submissions close 10 October 2024

Request for Military Operating Area - New Zealand Defence Force - Trentham - Wellington - Airspace user consultation

Consultation closes 11 October 2024

CAA Briefing | September 2024(external link)

EASA SIB 2024-11 - Continuing Airworthiness of Aerazur AIR 12 A (M2) Towing Hook [PDF 212 KB]

Part 157 determination

• Heliport Conditional Determination - Te Kuiti Hospital

Part 77 determinations

• Crane at Oaks Road, Otaika, Northland - no hazard
• Electricity Pylons between Khandallah and Takapu Road - hazard
• Tower Crane near Queenstown Airport - hazard
• Crane at 89 Symes Drive, Red Beach, Auckland - no hazard

Continuing Airworthiness Notice 25-004 - Helicopter Lifting Equipment – Load cell failures in service [PDF 357 KB]

Pricing review - questions and answers

Part 157 proposals

• Notice of proposal for activation of a heliport – Raeithi Airfield
  Submissions close 7 October 2024
• Notice of proposal for construction of a heliport – Taranaki Base Hospital – New East Wing Building
  Submissions close 4 October 2024

Aircraft register - updated

Part 157 proposal

• Notice of proposal for activation of a Heliport - Wairoa Airport
  Submissions close 20 September 2024

Airspace user consultation - Application to Amend the Lateral Extent of Danger Area NZD522 - Mangahao, Wairarapa - NZ Army

Media release: Pilot convicted for operating helicopter without appropriate licence and certification

Part 77 proposals

• Excavator and Dump Trucks at Wanaka Airport
  Submissions close 30 September 2024
• Cranes at 484 Johns Road, Hereford, Christchurch
  Submissions close 30 September 2024

Part 157 proposal

• Notice of proposal for activation of a Heliport - Whanganui
  Submissions close 30 September 2024

Part 157 determination

• Aerodrome Conditional Determination - Te Tohunga Airstrip

Part 77 determination

• Navigable airspace determination: 66 Willow Street, Tauranga

Media release: Brad MacLachlan receives Civil Aviation Authority Director’s Award

Draft rules under the 2023 Act

These drafts are being provided now to give aviation participants visibility of the proposed realigned rules prior to them being finalised.

Aircraft register - updated