TAIC Report – Drone Nearly Collides With A320 Passenger Plane
Press Release – Transport Accident Investigation Commission
TAIC investigated a report of a near-collision between an Air New Zealand Airbus passenger flight and what was reported to be a drone, at 2000 feet on the approach to Auckland airport last April.
The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) is highlighting the need for better identification and control of drones and operators.
TAIC investigated a report of a near-collision between an Air New Zealand Airbus passenger flight and what was reported to be a drone, at 2000 feet on the approach to Auckland airport last April.
The Commission found that it was very likely to have been a drone, in breach of current rules prohibiting drones from within 4 km of airports except in limited and approved circumstances.
Neither the drone nor its operator could be identified.
'Most drone users comply with civil aviation rules, but some either don't know the rules or choose to disobey them due to an expectation they won't face consequences,' says TAIC Manager Air Investigations Jim Burtenshaw.
'The onus is on drone operators to avoid aircraft. People buying and flying a drone should first know how to operate it safely, and where they can't fly.'
Information and other tools are available to assist operators to operate their drones safely and comply with the Civil Aviation Rules, for example on the AirShare website.
'There would very likely be more compliance with the rules with operator licencing/accreditation, registration of drones, electronic conspicuity or remote identification of drones and geo-fencing or geo-location awareness.
TAIC recommends the Ministry of Transport and CAA work to work to fully integrate drones into the aviation system and develop appropriate rules and standards, to reflect technology developments and relevant international best practices.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Herald
a day ago
- NZ Herald
Airline ‘matchmaker' service created for sustainable aviation fuel
A type of Tinder for airlines should address the hot, sometimes fraught topic of sustainable jet fuel. The International Air Transport Association (Iata) said its new sustainable aviation fuel matchmaker platform would match requests for fuel with offers. Kiri Hannifin, Air New Zealand's chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer,
Scoop
a day ago
- Scoop
Wellington Airport's Annual Climate Reports Released
Wellington Airport has released its annual climate-related disclosures today, outlining good progress towards reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The disclosures outline how the airport is preparing for the impacts of climate change and playing a supporting role in the decarbonisation of the wider aviation sector. Highlights from the last financial year included: Achieved Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4+ First shipment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Wellington Airport used by Air New Zealand Continued work to provide electric charging for Air New Zealand's Alia BETA electric aircraft Progressing design and planning work to upgrade the southern seawall Procurement of local carbon offsets to cover all FY25 Scope 1 and Scope 3 (business travel) emissions Wellington Airport has also released its annual Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory, showing Scope 1 and 2 emissions have reduced 38% since FY17, or 68% when including certified renewable energy. Our analysis shows Wellington Airport is on track for its target of Net Zero by 2030 despite an increase in Scope 1 emissions from FY24, mostly due to increased heating during an unusually cold winter last year and refrigerant top ups. A decrease in Scope 1 emissions is expected once the gas boilers in the terminal are replaced. *With the purchase of 100% certified renewable electricity through Ecotricity, market-based Scope 2 GHG emissions are zero. Scope 3 emissions have increased 2.4% in FY25 due to an increase in emissions from fuel used by aircraft and increased construction work. Emissions from natural gas are down 46% since the base year of FY17, while airside vehicle fuel emissions are down by 44% thanks to switching to EVs and hybrids. Wellington Airport's chief executive Matt Clarke says the airport remains on track to achieve net zero emissions for its own direct operations by 2030. 'This reflects a lot of hard work from our team to improve how we operate and reduce the emissions we can directly control. Regular progress and transparent reporting are also key to making genuine progress. 'As always, there is more work to be done - especially on supporting airlines with their decarbonisation journey.' The full reports are available below: Wellington Airport Climate Related Disclosures 2025: Wellington Airport Greenhouse Gas Inventory Report 2025:
Scoop
2 days ago
- Scoop
Canterbury Granted Permanent Test Flight Airspace
Minister for Space Canterbury's Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre has been allocated permanent test flight airspace, giving advanced aviation companies the freedom to safely trial next-generation technologies, Space Minister Judith Collins announced today. 'The Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) permanent special use airspace designation for Tāwhaki anchors Canterbury's growing reputation as a national hub for space and advanced aviation innovation.' Ms Collins announced the Tāwhaki designation at the launch of the Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy, which aims to position Canterbury as a global leader in aerospace innovation by 2035. 'Canterbury is an ideal launchpad for the space and advanced aviation sectors due to its combination of location, test-bed facilities, research and innovation capability, manufacturing capability and workforce. 'We know New Zealand's space and advanced aviation sectors are growing rapidly. The space sector has grown 53 percent in the five years to 2023-24 to contribute more than $2.47 billion to the economy. The advanced aviation sector contributed $480 million in the same period, with some overlaps with the space sector. 'The Government sees space as having huge potential, and that's why we're working towards delivering a world-class regulatory environment for advanced aviation by the end of this year, as signalled less than a year ago. 'The CAA is currently consulting on proposed changes to the Civil Aviation Rules to make it easier to test and deploy new aerospace technologies. 'A new rule will, in most cases, allow advanced aviation companies to freely develop their product without needing to seek further approvals.' 'The upcoming New Zealand Aerospace Summit in Christchurch in October will draw an international audience, providing an opportunity to showcase Canterbury's unique attributes to advanced aviation innovators. 'Overall, this is an exciting opportunity to grow advanced aviation in New Zealand,' Ms Collins said. Tāwhaki will manage the permanent Special Use Airspace by activating areas when required for operators, while minimising the effect on other airspace users. Public consultation about the proposed changes to the Civil Aviation Rules closes on 27 July.
