Federated Farmers: Farm airspace is not your own

RPAS technology is becoming much more affordable and easier to use.

Make the most of aerial technology on your farm and stick to the ground rules, writes GREG BAUM

Whether it's checking for stock on the loose, seeing if there's enough water in the troughs or looking at how the crops are doing, there's no doubt that Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) are proving to be an incredibly useful extra set of eyes for farm managers and staff. Not to mention the time saved not having to walk or hop on a quad bike.

RPAS technology is becoming much more affordable and easier to use. We know some farmers are getting their kids to operate these drones while others pre-programme their machines for particular flights to check fences, water troughs and stock.

It saves time - and it's fun. However, as enjoyable as flying an RPAS is, they are aircraft and the rules for flying them are there to keep other aircraft safe. Regardless of the fact that you're flying an RPAS over your own farm, the airspace above it is public and open to other traffic so you need to fly within the rules.

You must be able to see the aircraft with your own eyes, ie. not through binoculars, a monitor, or a smartphone. As the operator it's your responsibility to avoid other aircraft and you can only do that if you can see the area your RPAS is operating in.

The most serious risk posed by RPAS flying beyond the visual line of sight is that, for some unknown reason, the machine could start operating on its own and get in the way of other aircraft, eg. tourist, private or agricultural aircraft flying overhead. This creates real potential for an accident.

RPAS operators need to take responsibility at all times when operating these aircraft and retain some form of control. Unfortunately, that's not always made clear when people buy an RPAS.

"You must be able to see the aircraft with your own eyes - not through binoculars, a monitor, or a smartphone."

As well as flying your RPAS within the line of visual sight, there are some other basic safety rules including the need to get consent if you're going to fly over other people, other properties or public roads. This ensures that you are aware of potential risks such as scaring other people's livestock.

There is also a requirement that you fly below 400 feet or 120 metres from the ground. This rule is intended to separate RPAS from other aircraft which typically fly at 500 feet or above. However, in rural areas you need to be aware of agricultural aircraft in particular which may fly lower than this for operations such as aerial spraying.

You can fly at night but only in a shielded operation where your aircraft is within 100m of an object such as a building or forest of trees, capable of stopping it. If you're not sure about what a shielded operation is, get some advice by emailing info@caa.govt.nz.

If the maximum weight of your RPAS at take-off, ie. the aircraft plus any additional gear such as a camera, is less than 15kg, you don't have to do anything other than fly within the basic safety rules.

If your aircraft weighs between 15-25kg at take-off it must have been constructed, or inspected and approved, then operated under the authority of a person or association approved by the director of Civil Aviation.

Any aircraft weighing more than 25kg will require a certificate under Civil Aviation Rule Part 102. You will also need to apply for a Part 102 certificate if you want to fly your aircraft outside any of the other basic Civil Aviation Part 101 rules.

If, for example, you want to fly beyond the line of visual sight you will need to present a strong safety case in your application demonstrating, for example, how you would provide separation from other aircraft and how risks to people, property and terrain would be mitigated.

The Civil Aviation Authority is keen to support your use of aerial technology on your farm and make sure it's safe. See our website www.caa.govt.nz/rpas for more information.
¦Greg Baum is the Civil Aviation Authority's manager special flight operations and recreational aviation