AuSAE - Pilots want tighter rules around drones

Pilots want tighter rules around drones

21 Jun 2017 11:27 AM | Deleted user

Airline pilots are increasingly worried about drones and want tighter regulations around their use.

A review of Civil Aviation Authority rules is about to start and the New Zealand Airline Pilots' Association says it needs to be extensive.

Association president Tim Robinson said the number of incidents around New Zealand airports had increased during the last 12 months. Passenger aircraft had experienced near-misses at Christchurch and Queenstown.

''We know the Civil Aviation Authority is about to undertake that review. It needs to be extensive and it needs to include all stakeholders in the industry,'' he said.

Drone users flying in controlled airspace - such as around airports - need to receive clearance from Air Traffic Control. The association supports registration of drones.

''We're not anti-drones - we want to see their development safety into the New Zealand aviation system,'' said Robinson.

''We see them as having huge economic benefit for our country. We recognise that we're a bit of a test bed and the regulations have been fairly flexible - but now they've been operating for a couple of years we're starting to see the complaints and incidents increase and we need to see a tightening of regulations.''

Pilots are not the only group worried. OceanaGold, which owns the Martha Mine in Waihi, has warned that drone operators are endangering helicopters associated with its operation.

One recent posting on social media showing video of Waihi town was clearly well above 400 feet and staff estimated would have been at a height of least 1500 feet.

"That's a real worry for us as we regularly have helicopters flying in the Waihi area. That puts a recreational drone and an aircraft in the same airspace,'' the company said in a community newsletter.

This article was originally sourced from NZ Herald.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325

The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia