New Zealand Aviation Permits
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Civil Aviation Authority
- Name: Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA NZ)
- Website: https://www.aviation.govt.nz
- Contact: CAA NZ, Wellington | Tel: +64 4 560 9400 | Email: info@caa.govt.nz | Foreign operators: aviation.govt.nz/foreign-air-operators
Estimated Processing Time
Requirements by Operation Type
Private flights require customs pre-notification. Biosecurity declaration mandatory.
Non-scheduled flights require CAA permit, 3 business days.
Liberal aviation policy. Bilateral agreements via CAA New Zealand.
Overflight Permit
- Required: Conditional
- Authority: CAA NZ
- Lead Time: 72 hours
- Validity: Per schedule
- Fees: Weight-based overflight charges
Overflight permit required. Apply at least 72 hours before flight. Cost varies by weight and aircraft type.
1. Submit overflight permit request to CAA NZ at least 72 hours before 2. Provide: aircraft details, flight schedule, operator information 3. Pay weight-based overflight charges 4. Contact: info@caa.govt.nz
Landing Permit
- Required: Conditional
- Authority: CAA NZ
- Lead Time: Private: no formal landing permit system -- comply with NZCAR Part 91. FAOC: allow 6-8 weeks for initial certification.
- Validity: FAOC: valid until expired/suspended/revoked
- Fees: Standard landing/navigation fees
New Zealand has NO formal landing permit system. Instead: FAOC RULES (Part 129): one landing + one takeoff within 28 days without FAOC. More than 4 takeoffs and 4 landings within 365 days requires FAOC. Private flights: no CAA application needed; comply with NZCAR Part 91. Aircraft must be ICAO registered, have valid airworthiness certificate, and comply with State of Registry requirements. FAOC operations restricted to approved aerodromes (controlled airspace, ATC on duty, instrument approach, weather forecasting).
FOR PRIVATE NON-REVENUE (Part 91): 1. No formal landing permit or CAA application required 2. Aircraft must have ICAO registration, valid airworthiness certificate 3. Comply with NZCAR Part 91 4. Subject to inspection upon arrival FOR COMMERCIAL (FAOC REQUIRED -- Part 129): 1. Check frequency: 1 landing + 1 takeoff per 28 days OK without FAOC 2. More than 4 takeoffs + 4 landings per 365 days: FAOC required 3. Apply for FAOC with CAA NZ (allow 6-8 weeks) 4. FAOC restricts operations to approved aerodromes 5. Aerodromes must have: controlled airspace, ATC, instrument approach, weather forecasting 6. Contact: aviation.govt.nz/foreign-air-operators
Cabotage
No (limited domestic operations for foreign carriers)
General Remarks
New Zealand's system is unique -- no formal landing permits, instead frequency-based FAOC requirements. Private operators have minimal paperwork. Auckland (NZAA), Wellington (NZWN), Christchurch (NZCH) are primary airports. 28-day rule and 365-day rule determine whether FAOC is needed.