Had Captured Video Of New Zealand’s Anzac Day Celebration At The Request Of The City Council

UAV operator Robert Edwards got caught up in a regulatory change that resulted in $3,000 in fines levied by the New Zealand government for flying his aircraft over the Anzac Day centenary commemoration in Palmerston North in New Zealand.

Edwards had been contracted to take some photos using his UAV by the city council of the celebration. But a change in the rules that went into effect August 1 requires UAV operators to get the permission of a landowner and the air traffic control unit overseeing the airspace of an intended flight. Palmerston North is under the jurisdiction of the Palmerston North Airport tower.

sUAS News relays a report from stuff.co.nz that there was a complaint to the New Zealand CAA, and he was hit with fines of $2,000 for operating a “model aircraft” in controlled airspace without permission, and $1,000 for operating his aircraft “at night,”

“Yes, OK, I broke the rules. I didn’t mean to,” Edwards said.

The City Council distanced itself from Edwards. Council chief executive Paddy Clifford said Edwards had been contracted to take the photos, but “it is our understanding that Mr.Edwards, ad the pilot and operator, was responsible for complying with the CAA guidelines and rules covering the use of the drone.”

Edwards had reportedly asked for some support from the council to help with his case with the CAA. A spokeswoman for the agency said that the fines are fixed, and there is no flexibility in what is imposed.

Edwards said the fines were “excessive.” Since being fined, Edwards said he’s done “four or five jobs … I have done everything right.”

(Image from file)

FMI:  www.caa.govt.nz/rpas/