Operating drones in the Far North
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for flying drones, also known as Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).
The CAA rules require that anyone operating a drone is not to fly directly over anyone unless given consent, and that an operator must obtain the consent of the property owner or person in charge of the area the operator wishes to fly above.
It is important that anyone operating a RPAS familiarise themselves with the CAA rules and requirements, more information regarding the rules and regulations can be found on the Civil Aviation Authority website here.
A permit is is required to operate a RPAS over any council-owned property this includes parks, playgrounds or reserves. A permit can be obtained by submitting the form below to council.
Once a request form has been completed, it can be dropped into one of our council service centres
An application is subject to refusal should it be deemed a risk to public safety, property and wildlife.
Any permitted use of a RPAS over council-owned property is subject to the code of conduct and must adhere to the following.
The operator agrees to:
- be courteous of other members of the public
- keep craft in full view at all times (not operated through binoculars, video monitor or smartphones)
- fly in daylight hours only
- cease operation if requested by council staff or contractor
- acquire consent of any person/s the operator will be flying over.
Under Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules, drones / RPAS are restricted from flying within 4km of any aerodrome, aerodrome control zones, Low Flying Zones, Military Operating Areas and restricted areas.
It is important that operators familiarise themselves with these areas. Details of these locations can be found using the maps provided by Airshare here.
Airshare is also a useful resource for RPAS operators and is recommended to register with the Airshare website. This allows the CAA to keep track of regular and non-regular UAV operators in each area.
If a drone flies above you or your property without permission and you feel your privacy has been breached, you can make a complaint to the Privacy Commissioner.
If you have concerns about a drone operation, report a drone safety concern to the CAA.
If there's an urgent risk to public safety, contact the police.