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West Auckland Airport, Parakai, planes outside hangers at sunrise

Drone Flights

If you’re planning to fly a drone within a 4km radius of our airport, there are important rules and procedures you need to follow to ensure the safety of all airspace users.

West Auckland Airport, Parakai Drone Flight Request Zone

If you intend to fly a Drone anywhere within the shaded area shown on this map then you must get approval from West Auckland Airport, Parakai first.

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Please read on for more information on how to do this. 

NZPI 4km Drone Approval Zone.jpg
​Regulatory Requirements

In New Zealand, drone operations near airports are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under Part 101 and Part 102 of the Civil Aviation Rules. These rules help protect the safety of both manned aircraft and drone operations.

  • Part 101: Covers drones weighing less than 25kg that are flown within the operator’s visual line-of-sight. However, even under these rules, you must get permission from the airport operator if you plan to fly within 4km of the airport.

  • Part 102: Applies to more complex operations or heavier drones. If you’re flying under these conditions, you’ll also need approval from the CAA.

 

Getting Approval

To fly a drone within 4km of the airport, you must first receive permission from our team. Follow these steps to apply:

  1. Submit a Request: Contact our airport operations team via the Drone Flight Request Form at the bottom of this page.

  2. Provide Details: Be ready to provide information about your drone flight, the intended date and time, and the specific location where you plan to fly.

  3. Await Approval: We will assess your request and provide approval or further instructions if needed.

For certain operations, you may also need approval from the CAA if your flight falls under Part 102 regulations.

Airspace Maps & Guidelines

The airspace surrounding our airport is uncontrolled, but there are still important rules for drone use. Before flying, make sure to check the airspace using AirShare where you can view any applicable no-fly zones and submit an application for approval.

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Safety First

When flying a drone near the airport, you must ensure your drone does not interfere with manned aircraft. Key safety points include:

  • Keeping your drone within your line-of-sight.

  • Staying below 120 meters (400 feet) in height above ground level.

  • Avoiding restricted zones and complying with any additional conditions set by the airport or CAA.

  • You must also hold a recognised qualification, or be supervised by someone with one. (Here is a list of approved qualifications)

  • You must have a 'observer' present to monitor for aircraft.

 

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Operating a drone near an airport without permission can result in severe penalties, including fines and potential confiscation of your equipment by the CAA. It’s essential to follow the rules and obtain the necessary permissions.

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Additional Resources

For more information, please visit:

Terms and Conditions for using the West Auckland Airport, Parakai and it's Facilities. 

By entering the West Auckland Airport, Parakai you are agreeing to the latest Terms/Conditions/Fees as published on the this website which are subject to change without notice.  

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These terms and conditions are to be read in conjunction with the Airport Landing Plate found in the AIP

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