Civil aviation rules update programme

In addition to modernising the rules, this programme will also seek to increase New Zealand’s alignment with international standards and be more responsive to the aviation sector’s needs, while increasing safety and security for the travelling public.

The Civil Aviation Rules Update Programme is a key deliverable of the Aviation Action Plan developed by the joint industry/government Aviation Council(external link).

What you need to know

Civil Aviation Rules set the mandatory legal and safety standards for the entire aviation sector to ensure the safety of passengers, crew and the public. They are established under the Civil Aviation Act 2023.

New Zealand’s Civil Aviation Rules need updating to make sure they continue to:

• align with the approach of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• support safety and security
• boost economic growth
• enable innovation.

This ambitious programme is jointly led by the Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (formerly the Ministry of Transport) and the Civil Aviation Authority.

There are 23 key focus projects that have been selected based on extensive industry feedback from airports, pilots, airlines and other operators, and results of ICAO audits.

Important links

Civil Aviation Rules Update Programme – summary of projects(external link)

Hon James Meager - Accelerated aviation rules programme takes off (external link)