Police get powers to bring down ‘dangerous’ drones
A new law enhancing aviation safety and security gives police powers to “take down drones if they are being flown in a dangerous manner”, says associate transport minister Kiri Allan.
“New technology like cheap and easy to operate drones are creating new opportunities but they can also create problems when used around airports,” Allan explains, adding this could lead to potential safety issues.
She says the Government’s passing of new legislation ensures New Zealand’s civil aviation rules are fit for purpose in the 21st century.
The Civil Aviation Bill repeals and replaces the Civil Aviation Act 1990 and the Airport Authorities Act 1966 and provides a framework allowing New Zealand to meet its international aviation emissions obligations.
“A lot has changed in the aviation sector over the last 33 years and the Government recognises that the laws that govern this important industry need to reflect and be able to respond to the current times,” says Allan.
“The recent weather events in Aotearoa demonstrated the crucial role our aviation sector in helping our communities stay connected during a crisis when other transport modes are affected.
“These events are becoming more frequent and the Government knows we must act to reduce our transport emissions to help meet our climate goals as we adapt to the realities of climate change.”
The Civil Aviation Bill will be implemented over 24 months.
The policy includes new drug and alcohol management plans – including random testing of those working in safety sensitive activities; new powers for authorities to respond to serious misuse of drones; a framework to allow New Zealand to meet internal aviation emissions obligations; new powers for the transport minister to consider and make new rules about national security risks within the aviation system; a new rules and registration regime for airports, including a requirement for airports to consult on their spatial plans; a new independent review process of decisions made by the Civil Aviation director; and new provisions that could allow the use of in-flight security officers, if future Governments consider it necessary.
Join the conversation