Council trials new approval app for drones

Christchurch City Council is one of three local councils taking part in Airways New Zealand’s new digital approval trial for drone flights.

Beginning today, drone operators can use AirMap’s free iOS and Android apps to request airspace approvals required by New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Authority at Christchurch, Queenstown, and Wanaka airports, and on public lands in the Christchurch City, Selwyn, and Queenstown Lakes districts, including parks and reserves.

A new app aims to make it easier for people to get approval to fly drones.

“During the three-month trial, the Council will use AirMap to approve flight plans and share real-time updates via the app with drone operators about the location of events, community gatherings, emergencies, and more,'' says Christchurch City Council Head of Strategic Policy Helen Beaumont.

“This information is published immediately to AirMap so that drone operators can plan safer flights and stay up-to-date on changing airspace conditions.

“People can still apply for airspace approvals via the Council’s website, if they choose to, or if they are flying over roads, buildings or other sensitive areas. But we would encourage them to download the free AirMap app for their device and give it a go,” adds Ms Beaumont.

Using AirMap, drone operators can seek necessary airspace and public-land-owner approvals to fly, file flight plans, and access real-time information about other drones in the area.

For more information about the trial, visit Airshare’s website.