The Civil Aviation Authority has joined forces with aviation leaders to raise awareness of the need to increase safety at unattended aerodromes, as part of their Work Together, Stay Apart safety campaign.
A Statement of Commitment to Work Together, Stay Apart was launched today by CAA to demonstrate the collective dedication within the aviation sector to working together and staying apart, to reduce the likelihood of mid-air accidents and the number of near collision and air proximity events within the circuit at unattended aerodromes. All participants, whether organisations, groups, or individuals, that operate at and from uncontrolled aerodromes, and those who influence those operations, are invited to sign.
The Statement of Commitment has already been signed by representatives on behalf of Aviation New Zealand, Flying New Zealand, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, Air New Zealand, New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA), Gliding New Zealand, Massey School of Aviation, the International Aviation Academy of New Zealand (IAANZ), The Recreational Aircraft Association of New Zealand (RAANZ), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of New Zealand, and Christchurch Helicopters.
Deputy Chief Executive Aviation Safety David Harrison acknowledged the positive response from the aviation sector since the start of the safety campaign in June 2023.
“We’ve been really encouraged by the level of participation in the campaign so far and this is an opportunity for everyone to show their dedication to safety publicly,” said David.
Director of Civil Aviation Keith Manch called on individuals and organisations to lead by example in signing the Statement of Commitment.
“Safety in aviation is everyone’s responsibility and we’re all accountable for playing our part in achieving this – no one is exempt from risk, no matter how experienced, or whether their operations are recreational or professional,” said Keith.
Aviation participants – individuals and organisations alike – can sign the Work Together, Stay Apart Statement of Commitment on CAA’s website, where a list of signatories will be published.
The Work Together, Stay Apart safety campaign provides educational opportunities for the sector through seminars, working groups and educational products. It was launched in June 2023 and will run for a two-year period.
