CAA NZ PPL Air Law key terms

The set of rules made under the Civil Aviation Act 1990 that governs aviation in New Zealand. They are numbered by Part, and each Part covers a particular activity such as airworthiness, licensing, or operations.

The Civil Aviation Rule Part containing general operating and flight rules that apply to most aircraft and pilots in New Zealand airspace, covering matters such as flight preparation, fuel, right of way, and minimum heights.

A document issued by the CAA that explains how a rule may be complied with. It gives acceptable methods but does not itself create a legal requirement, so other means of compliance are possible.

The New Zealand government body that administers the Civil Aviation Act, makes and enforces the Civil Aviation Rules, issues licences and certificates, and promotes aviation safety.

The statutory officer who heads the CAA and holds powers under the Act and Rules, including issuing, suspending, and revoking licences, certificates, and other aviation documents.

The primary statute governing civil aviation in New Zealand. It establishes the CAA and the Director, sets safety objectives, and provides for the making of Civil Aviation Rules.

A certificate issued to an organisation authorising it to conduct specified commercial air transport operations, subject to the organisation holding the required approvals and meeting the relevant rule Part.

A Civil Aviation Rule Part governing air operations by aeroplanes and helicopters with a seating capacity of 10 or fewer, covering matters such as crew, equipment, and operational procedures.

A document certifying that an aircraft conforms to an approved type design and is safe to operate. It must remain current for the aircraft to be flown.

The document recording the aircraft's identity, owner, and registration mark. It is issued when the aircraft is entered on the New Zealand register.

A certification by an authorised person that specified maintenance has been carried out and that the aircraft or component is airworthy and fit for return to service.

Controlled airspace in which all aircraft are subject to ATC clearance and IFR separation applies to all flights. VFR is not permitted unless specifically authorised.

Controlled airspace where IFR and VFR flights are separated from each other, and VFR flights receive traffic information on other VFR flights. Clearance is required for all flights.

Controlled airspace where IFR flights are separated from IFR flights and receive traffic information on VFR flights. VFR flights receive traffic information about all other flights. Clearance is required.

Uncontrolled airspace in which no ATC clearance or separation service is provided. Pilots are responsible for their own separation and must use the correct VFR cruising levels.

Airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control service is provided to flights, and in which clearances and instructions from ATC must be complied with.

Airspace designated for specific activities such as military operations, danger areas, or restricted areas, where entry may be prohibited or subject to conditions published in the AIP.

Airspace in which pilots must make specified position reports on the designated radio frequency before entering and while operating within the zone, to improve traffic awareness.

A radio frequency used at an aerodrome for pilots to broadcast their intentions and position when no air traffic control service is provided, improving situational awareness among traffic.

The official publication containing aeronautical information essential to air navigation in New Zealand, including aerodromes, airspace, procedures, and regulatory material.

A notice distributed by means of telecommunication containing information about the establishment, condition, or change of any aeronautical facility, service, procedure, or hazard whose timely knowledge is essential.

The prescribed pattern flown by aircraft around an aerodrome for landing and departure, normally left-hand unless otherwise published, used to sequence traffic and avoid collisions.

The segment of a flight where the aircraft is aligned with the landing runway and descending for touchdown, during which the pilot must check the runway is clear before landing.

A procedure in which a pilot abandons an approach to landing and climbs away, for example because the runway is occupied or the approach is unstable, then rejoins the circuit or follows instructions.

The prescribed altitude or flight level, based on magnetic track, that a VFR flight must maintain in certain airspace to reduce the risk of collision between aircraft.

The lowest height at which an aircraft may be flown over built-up areas or persons, except during take-off and landing, as specified in the operating rules to protect people and property on the ground.

A licence permitting the holder to act as pilot in command of an aircraft carrying passengers, but not for hire or reward, subject to the privileges, ratings, and currency requirements specified in the rules.

An authorisation entered on a pilot licence permitting the holder to fly a category of aircraft, such as aeroplanes or helicopters, subject to any conditions specified.

An authorisation permitting a pilot to operate a specific type of aircraft that requires one, usually because of its complexity or performance, and recorded on the pilot licence.

A certificate issued by an authorised medical examiner confirming that the holder meets the medical standards for the licence or rating held, and which must remain current for the privileges to be exercised.

The statutory test applied to applicants for licences and certificates, considering factors such as criminal history and compliance with aviation law, to determine suitability to hold an aviation document.

A periodic check of a pilot's competence, normally conducted by an appropriately qualified instructor, required to maintain the privileges of a licence or rating under the rules.

The requirement that a pilot has completed specified recent flight experience, such as take-offs and landings or instrument approaches, within a defined period before carrying passengers or operating in certain conditions.

A report made to the CAA or TAIC about an accident, serious incident, or other safety occurrence, describing what happened so that safety lessons can be identified and acted upon.

The independent New Zealand body that investigates aviation accidents and serious incidents to determine circumstances and causes, and to make safety recommendations rather than assign blame.

A safety approach in which honest errors and mistakes are not punished, but reckless or deliberately unsafe behaviour is, encouraging people to report occurrences without fear.

A formal, documented system used by an aviation organisation to manage safety risks, including hazard identification, risk assessment, reporting, and continuous improvement of safety performance.

The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft during flight time, with final authority over decisions affecting the flight, including whether to commence or continue it.

The information a pilot must obtain before flight, including weather, NOTAMs, aerodrome data, and airspace status, to plan the flight safely and comply with the rules.

The New Zealand agency responsible for aviation security screening and regulation at airports, working alongside the CAA to protect civil aviation from unlawful interference.