en.Wedoany.com Reported - James Meager, New Zealand's Associate Transport Minister, has confirmed that a reform program aimed at updating the country's civil aviation rules has commenced, and will accomplish in two years what would have taken two decades. Meager stated: "This work will remove barriers to growth and improve aviation safety and security. The large-scale program will use a streamlined rule-making process, thereby driving greater economic development and enhancing industry efficiency."
The program contains 23 broad projects, including implementing rules that address issues raised by International Civil Aviation Organization audits, aligning New Zealand with other countries regarding safety, security, and efficiency improvements; better supporting the use of drones in agricultural operations while avoiding unnecessary compliance cost burdens on the sector; updating pilot training and licensing processes to create clearer, more flexible pathways with other jurisdictions; updating security rules to reflect risk levels, easing infrastructure cost burdens for small and regional airports; cutting red tape by recognizing overseas approvals for aircraft maintenance providers and parts, thereby reducing costs and saving time for airlines.
Meager noted that with the support of industry engagement and consultation, the government has identified many long-standing issues hindering the growth of the aviation sector and set priorities. Many of these issues represent economic growth opportunities.
Regulation Minister David Seymour stated that the Ministry for Regulation has received feedback from farmers wanting to use agricultural drones and has prepared options to reduce and optimize regulations. He said: "Agricultural drones can be used for surveillance, spraying, and other tasks that are often time and energy consuming. Today, new technologies are boosting productivity, making it possible to do much more with less. New Zealand farmers must not be held back by these regulations through red tape. The Ministry has identified specific rules that need changing and generated options for creating use cases."
Meager added that the program is supported by multiple quick wins—simple changes made to deliver maximum benefit—and significant progress has already been made on the work of many fast-track projects. When New Zealand's rules are consistent with international standards, it strengthens confidence among overseas operators in the safety of the aviation system, while lowering compliance costs for airlines, airports, and maintenance organizations operating abroad.
The New Zealand Airports Association supports this initiative, with Chief Executive Billie Moore saying: "This program represents a massive shift in the speed and ambition of aviation rule reform. It could set a new standard for how government and industry can work together to get things done." She pointed out that for airports, the program will address long-standing safety, security, and quality infrastructure investment issues, with consultation on runway end safety area requirements already underway.
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