Air Traffic Services and Airspace
Airspace classes and clearances
NZ airspace is designated under Part 71. Controlled airspace includes Classes A, C, D and E; Class G is uncontrolled. The class determines clearance, separation and radio requirements. In Class C and D, ATC separates IFR from IFR and from VFR; VFR needs a clearance. In Class E, IFR is separated from IFR, but VFR may not be separated; know the specific clearance and radio rules. Class A is IFR only. Class G has no ATC separation; pilots use TIBA or MBZ procedures where published.
ATS and services
ATS is provided under Part 172. Units include area control, approach control, tower and flight information. Clearances may include route, altitude, speed, departure or approach instructions and transponder code. Read back runway, hold-short, altitude, heading and frequency instructions. Position reports are required where specified. Special use airspace includes restricted, danger and military areas; entry may require approval.
Worked example
You depart an uncontrolled aerodrome and need to enter Class C. You must obtain an ATC clearance before entering, squawk the assigned code, and comply with the clearance limit. Filing an IFR flight plan does not itself authorise entry; the clearance does.
Traps
A flight plan is not a clearance. Controlled does not mean every aircraft is separated from every other. Do not enter a Mandatory Broadcast Zone without the published radio calls. Do not assume Class E is the same as Class G.