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The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) will put into effect new regulations for unmanned aircraft from 1 August.

The new rules will allow unmanned aircraft owners to operate outside the existing rules with a plan in place, to manage the safety risks.

Named the Civil Aviation Rule Part 102 – Unmanned Aircraft Operator Certification, the regulation is designed to improve aviation safety for operators, airspace users, people and property.

CAA general aviation general manager Steve Moore said: "This new rule part gives operators greater freedom while maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety."

The agency will also put into force the amended Rule Part 101 regulation, which requires operators to receive consent from the affected individuals or property owners before they fly over people or property.

" This new rule part gives operators greater freedom while maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety."

The unmanned aircraft owner is also required to gain approval from the land owner if they intend to fly over public spaces or obtain an operating certificate from the CAA under Rule Part 102.

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"Having a conversation with a property owner beforehand is an effective means of risk management because they are likely to have the best knowledge of the risks," Moore added.

"We are encouraging public land owners to be proactive. This could involve erecting signs indicating if unmanned aircraft flights are allowed or not at the park entrance."

The amendments are part of the agency’s interim approach to regulate unmanned aircraft.

The number of aviation incidents involving unmanned aircraft in New Zealand has increased significantly in recent years.

Last year, 27 aircraft incidents occurred in the region and, as of the end of June, the number totalled 53.

Image: An unmanned drone aircraft. Photo: courtesy of Victor Habbick / FreeDigitalPhotos.net.