The [CAANZ] government has decided, at this stage, not to adopt the ICAO categorisations of model aircraft and UAS. This distinction is that model aircraft are flown for recreational purposes only, and UAS are flown for commercial, research or other non-recreational purposes.
Well done CAANZ for proposing the regulation of UAS operations based on risk and not on the commercial nature of the operation.
The proposed regulation will allow low risk UAS commercial operations up to 15kg TOW without any specific approval and up to 25kg with an aircraft airworthiness inspection required. Inspections to be carried out by approved persons or organisations.
Shielded operations, meaning operations below obstacle height (within 100m) allowed within 4km of aerodromes without approval (400ft AGL max)
Higher risk operations such as Beyond Line of Sight, Controlled Airspace and operations over property without owner consent regulated under a new Part 102 Operator's Certificate proposal.
Generally it seems like a great set of foundation regulations that are fundamentally based on common sense and risk.
Would it be the most enabling UAS proposed regulations in the world? Read the proposal through the links below. It is a very well structured proposal and well worth the effort to read.
CAA NZ NPRM
http://www.caa.govt.nz/rules/nprms/N...1_Part_102.pdf
CAA NZ AC
http://www.caa.govt.nz/Advisory_Circ...02-1_draft.pdf