Civil Aviation Rules and Regulatory Framework
Civil aviation in New Zealand is regulated under the Civil Aviation Act 1990, with the Civil Aviation Rules made as secondary legislation. This domain tests whether you can locate the right rule part, separate binding rules from guidance, and apply the framework to a scenario without inventing requirements.
Rule structure and hierarchy
The Act establishes the CAA and the Minister's powers. Rules are organised in Parts: Part 1 definitions, Part 19 transition, Part 61 licensing, Part 67 medical, Part 91 general operating, Part 71 airspace, Part 139 aerodromes, and Part 12 occurrences. A rule uses "must" or "shall" and is legally binding. Advisory Circulars (ACs) explain an acceptable means of compliance. An AC is not law, but following it is usually a defensible way to meet the rule. If a rule and an AC conflict, the rule prevails.
Applying a rule
Start with the Part 1 definition, then identify the operating part that applies by aircraft type and operation. Exemptions are granted in writing and are not implied; an AC cannot create one. Check the current amendment rather than an old study note.
Worked example
A pilot reads an AC recommending a particular fuel-reserve planning method and asks whether it is mandatory. The rule in Part 91 sets the legal reserve requirement; the AC describes one acceptable method. The pilot must meet the rule, may use the AC method, and should document the decision. The AC alone does not create an offence if another method also satisfies the rule.
Traps
Treating "should" in an AC as "must"; citing an AC instead of the rule; missing that a Part 1 definition changes the scope; and assuming one rule part applies to every aircraft. Read the applicability clause first.