Media Release
11 January 2011

Model aircraft present potential hazard at Ardmore

The Papakura Local Board is reminding model aircraft enthusiasts to abide by civil aviation rules following recent reports of model aircraft being flown within restricted flight areas near Ardmore Airport.

“Model aircraft are a potential hazard to aircraft taking off and landing at Ardmore Airport, and the last thing anyone wants is an incident taking place when it is so easily avoidable”, said Papakura Local Board Chair, John Robinson.

“We are reminding all casual model aircraft enthusiasts that they need to be aware of the rules and the safety hazard they pose to aircraft if these rules are breached,” said Mr Robinson.

Under civil aviation rules model aircraft need to be more than four kilometres away from the airport in all directions and outside this area are not allowed to fly higher than 400 feet (121 metres) above ground level without special dispensation from the Civil Aviation Authority.

Council bylaws also restrict this activity on council owned or managed land.

There are a number of parks within a four kilometre radius of the airport, but Ardmore Airport spokesperson, Allan Bostock, believes that most of the model aircraft are being flown out of one location.

“It appears that the model aircraft are being flown from Bruce Pulman Park at the moment, but there have also been occasional problems from other locations”, Mr Bostock said

“We have raised the issue with officials at Bruce Pulman Park who have advised that they are monitoring model aircraft activities at the Park”, Mr Bostock said.

John Robinson said the obvious solution for people enjoying their pastime of flying model aircraft in the vicinity of Ardmore is for them to abide by the civil aviation rules, and contact their local council office to find out where model aircraft flying is permitted.

ENDS

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