Rotorua Airport is reminding drone users there are rules around what you can and can't do with the popular remote-controlled aircraft.
Rotorua Airport acting chief executive John Harrison said drones were on lots of "Christmas gift guide" lists this year and he wanted to update operators about their responsibilities as a pilot.
New Civil Aviation Authority rules, which came into effect on August 1 last year, outline regulations for unmanned aircraft, such as drones, and have been developed to improve aviation safety for operators, air space users, people and property.
With the increasing popularity of drones, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) occurrences and complaints have increased from 11 in 2012 to more than 172 so far this year with 63 per cent of those being aviation-related concerns, while others have included air space incidents and accidents.
Mr Harrison said operators need to be aware of where they can and cannot fly their remote-controlled aircraft, regardless of how big or small, as they are all considered air traffic users.
"There is more to flying a remotely controlled aircraft than people think and with the increasing popularity of drones in particular, people must understand the Civil Aviation rules, even if they are flying recreationally.
"Air traffic users have a responsibility to keep themselves, as well as others who use the airspace, safe," he said.
Civil Aviation Rule Part 101 sets out where UAVs can fly.
As a general rule, drones are unable to be flown within 4km of any aerodrome, or within 4km of any defined area of land or water used for the landing, departure, or surface movement of aircraft, such as airfields and heliports.
"Many people are not aware of relevant airspace restrictions and they don't realise that they cannot fly in spaces such as around hospitals, where rescue helicopters operate, and the likes of the Rotorua lakefront, where different aviation tourism operators are located."
Mr Harrison said endangerment of an aircraft can carry a penalty of 12 months imprisonment or a hefty fine.
"It comes down to the responsibility of each individual pilot to know the rules.
"We all want to enjoy our open spaces and the development of drones gives people a greater level of access to the air than ever before - but we have to ensure that everyone uses this space safely."
Drone users can find out more about the rules at www.airshare.co.nz, as well viewing the Rotorua Lakes Council's guide for operating a drone in Rotorua at www.rotorualc.nz.