Transmission power:

Hi, John,
Great article! I have a few questions, though: Does NZ observe CE power level, or FCC? Also, I have a DJI Mini 4 Pro, but my “plus” batteries put me over 249 grams. Will this be a problem, or should I buy some standard batteries for my NZ trip?
BTW, I’ve flown San Francisco. I’ve SEEN how aggressive seagulls can be (LOL)!

Happy flying!
Rich R (Hurst TX, USA)

Grickey Michael I’ve been flying my Cessna ” aircraft” over DOC and other private land for 30 years, never asked them once if its OK.
CAA controls airspace nobody else.
Johns right onto it when it comes to DOCs jurisdiction.
Flying low over someone’s house etc. could possibly be a breach of their privacy, tough to prove in court if they want to spend the money to prosecute.
Not to say that some DOC land has legal CAA flight restrictions, eg Farewell spit 0 to 1000 feet. Well documented and rightfully enforced.
DOC used the existing legislation for “aircraft” to charge a concession fee for take offs and landings from DOC designated land, and that’s all it is. They are clear to says if you are approved to take off and land you must fly under CAA rules. Dead right eh.
There are many rivers and lakes running thru conservation land that are legally not in excluded from their boundary. If a drone operator stood in the river launched and landed legally not on DOC land.
Just like launching from outside DOC boundary and then transiting under CAA rules over vacant land, all legal.
Be sensible and don’t annoy people.

John’s comments have some truth, but are not a good summary of the civil aviation rules that apply to drones (Part 101). You must have landowner approval for land you fly over. This is how DoC get to say ‘no’. It’s not simply a matter of airspace.

Same thing goes for what your quoting with permit applications to apply for permission to fly your drone over, X, Y and Z areas from A, B and C small local government agencies. It’s all bureaucratic red tape that wasted time and money. If you ever get approached by a local “council” or “DOC” person about your drone, remind them the CAA controls and manages the airspace in NZ, not them. Ask them to politely leave you alone and refer to the CAA.

I’ll say it again, the NZ CAA works with drone manufactures like DJI to ensure their drones are automatically stopped from flying in NZ CAA approved NFZs. Everything else you dealt with was unneeded noise from other smaller government agencies flexible their muscle with no legal backing. Next time you’re in NZ with your drone, just ensure your drone software is up to date and fly it with common sense. If your drone says, “NFZ” then you can’t fly it. If your drone stops you from going above 120m then so be it. Bring your aviation receiver to listen for pilots in the area, and use FlightRadar24 to look for aircraft in the area. Easy!

Drones use airspace just like high altitude jets or a small single engine Cessna that fly much lower. Aircraft have higher priority for airspace use over drones.

For most retail branded drones, like the DJI Mavic series, the company continually receives updated no fly zone (NFZ) data from the NZ CAA and then incorporates this into their firmware/software for the drone. When you turn on your drone, it checks to see if your firmware/software is up to date, if it is not or its too long out of date, it won’t let you fly. If your drone firmware/hardware is up to date, it then compares your current GPS location to the NFZ data. If you’re in a NFZ zone, your drone remote will tell you. Then you can’t fly at all. Sometimes you’re not in a NFZ, but it stops you from flying your drone above 120m Alt. Sometimes, when you’re outside of a NFZ you can fly it as high as 500m AGL (Above Ground level). Obviously flying at 500m AGL requires very careful planning, but can be done. If flying above 120m, its suggested to use flightradar24 app to track local air traffic near you (using a transponder) and to listen to an aviation receiver/transceiver for aircraft in the region.. Only a licensed pilot can talk on a transceiver but anyone can listen. All aircraft “in flight” in NZ and around the world will be shown on FlightRadar24 regardless of type, size, or rego except aircraft like US Air Force One. FlightRadar24 will tell you the aircraft’s altitude, groundspeed, etc. If there are no aircraft near you by far distances then its safe to fly above 120m.

Your most likely to have your drone to be harassed by eg. seagulls who seem to have a hatred for drones. Hawks have been know to “take out/down” drones so be forewarned. Seagulls will dive bomb drones whilst in flocks, but generally won’t risk getting cut by the drone’s blades. Don’t fly too close to other people (above / beside them) unless they want you to on purpose, eg. filming your mate mountain biking or skiing.

Too much false chatter is going around regarding drone use. Again, NZ DOC and local councils do NOT control or manage NZ airspace. The NZ CAA is only authorised government entity to control airspace. They have contracted out Airways NZ to run this daily task.

I am actually trained on all aspects of airspace and aviation this unlike your local city council member.
I am license pilot in 3 countries including NZ ; I am rated to fly numerous aircraft.
I am also an avid drone operator as well who enjoys aerial photography and videography.

In short, I know the skies well unlike your local DOC ranger or city councilor who usually have over inflated egos based on incorrect facts.

Thank you and safe drone flying to all!