Civil Aviation Authority of NZ

11/06/2026

Introducing new ASA Scotty Booth

Whangārei-based Scotty Booth has been appointed the CAA’s new Aviation Safety Advisor (ASA) for North Island flight operations.

Scotty’s 30 years of aviation experience includes becoming a B-cat (H), and founding Twin Coast Helicopters, carrying out Part 135 and 137 operations for 17 years, before selling the business in 2024.

Scotty’s looking forward to his new role of ‘bridge’ between the flying community and the CAA, bringing valuable information to both sides of the aviation coin.

“Communication is everything and I’m very keen to take to the CAA what I’m seeing and hearing out in the field. In the other direction, I want to help participants understand how they can stay on the right side of rules and requirements,” he says.
Owning an aviation business so recently, Scotty is particularly well-placed to offer the CAA an insight into the realities of owning an operation in current times.

“I look around and see the effect of everyone struggling to get parts, and trying to cope with rising fuel costs, among other increasing expense – they’re tough operating conditions right now.

“I’m particularly concerned about what this is doing to the mental wellbeing of my business-owning peers. It’s pretty massive to be honest and I’m really keen for the CAA to understand the realities of that. I’m also looking forward to doing what I can to help the Authority support participants who are ‘doing it tough’.”

https://www.aviation.govt.nz/safety/safety-education-and-advice/education/vector-magazine/vector-online/introducing-new-asa-scotty-booth/

11/06/2026

New GAP booklet: Aircraft maintenance and airworthiness

It’s not just about complying with civil aviation rules – aircraft maintenance and airworthiness are vital to making sure crew, passengers, and those on the ground are safe. This Good Aviation Practice booklet provides some easily readable guidance on some key requirements you need to know.

Download a digital copyhttps://www.aviation.govt.nz/assets/publications/gaps/caa-gap-booklet-aircraft-maintenance-and-airworthiness.pdf

Or request a free printed copy https://www.aviation.govt.nz/safety/safety-education-and-advice/education/order-publications/

05/06/2026

Great news! ✈️ PDF Medical Certificates winging your way from 1 July 2026

Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers, we’re excited to let you know that from 1 July 2026, Medical Examiners will send your CAA medical certificates as PDFs by email, replacing laminated ones sent by post.

You’ll be able to show your certificate:
• as a printed copy
• on your device
• or keep using your current laminated one (if still valid)

Nothing’s changing about what’s required, there are still three parts:
1. Medical Certificate
2. Medical Assessment Report
3. Covering letter (if referenced)

A few handy updates:
✅ No more waiting for snail mail 🐌
✅ No need to replace lost certificates, just reprint or check your email
✅ No need to return certificates if suspended/disqualified (for PDFs)
📝 Please note, the new PDF certificates will still be issued by Medical Examiners.

If you lose your device, just contact us and we’ll resend your certificate. As always, CAA holds the official register. Questions? Get in touch: [email protected]

04/06/2026

The dangers of aircraft icing.

The polar jet is beginning its northward migration, bringing weather conditions perfect for producing ice on aircraft – both in the air and on the ground.

Read more on Vector Online: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/safety/safety-education-and-advice/education/vector-magazine/vector-online/the-dangers-of-aircraft-icing/

03/06/2026

31/05/2026

Don’t become a statistic.

From the recent Work Together, Stay Apart campaign, this poster shares an important safety reminder.

Download a digital copy: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/safety/safety-education-and-advice/education/safety-education-posters/
Or order a free printed copy today: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/safety/safety-education-and-advice/education/order-publications/

29/05/2026

CAA is proud to support the NZ Association of Women in Aviation AERO-DECO Rally 2026 in Hawke’s Bay this King’s Birthday Weekend.

The rally brings together women from across New Zealand aviation to compete, connect, learn and celebrate achievement across the sector.

Initiatives like NZAWA’s mentoring, scholarships and rally events play an important role in supporting the future aviation workforce and strengthening safety capability across aviation.

Thanks to the NZAWA organising committee and congratulations to all competitors, scholarship recipients and award winners.

Pictured: a beautiful day for gliding in Bridge Pa! ✈️☀

28/05/2026

Have you seen our latest GAP booklet?

Published in April this year, In, out, and around Cook Strait is designed to give pilots information, tips, and warnings about operating in this complex airspace.

Download a digital copy:https://www.aviation.govt.nz/assets/publications/gaps/GAP-In-out-and-around-Cook-Strait.pdf
Or order a free printed copy today: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/safety/safety-education-and-advice/education/order-publications/

21/05/2026

How to be a prime person

So you want to be a prime person? It’s a rewarding position which gives you the opportunity to provide safety leadership and add value to the business.

But it’s not for the faint-hearted.

The role cannot be underestimated and requires commitment to the continual improvement of safety, and commitment to the time it takes to do that properly.

The role

The safety-critical role of a prime person is pivotal to a Part 102 unmanned aircraft organisation’s success.

It’s also a requirement of the civil aviation rules. An organisation cannot become the holder of a Part 102 unmanned aircraft operator certificate without a prime person in place.

A prime person is responsible for all the functions associated with an operation, and they foster the safety culture of the organisation. They exercise an appropriate level of control, direction, and responsibility to ensure the continued safety, and effective running, of the operation.

A prime person may have several employees to assist them to do the work, but they remain responsible for ensuring the work is done and done right.

https://www.aviation.govt.nz/safety/safety-education-and-advice/education/good-aviation-practice-booklets/gap-online/how-to-be-a-prime-person/

20/05/2026

Flying with Fi****ms This Deer Roar & Gamebird Season? ✈️🦌🦆

Know the Rules Before You Fly

• If you're travelling with fi****ms, know the rules and double check them before flying with fi****ms: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/passenger-information/what-can-i-bring/show/fi****ms/, firearm components and ammunition/bullets: https://www.aviation.govt.nz/passenger-information/what-can-i-bring/show/ammunition-bullets/

• Pack Smart/Together we fly safer - our priority is keeping everyone safe and secure when they fly so make sure you pack these items correctly in your checked luggage

👉Check out this handy fact sheet for fi****ms licence holders, which covers the key requirements for travelling with fi****ms and ammunition on domestic airlines. It’s clear, practical guidance to help you get it right before you arrive at the airport:https://www.fi****mssafetyauthority.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2025-11/Travelling%20on%20domestic%20airlines%20-%20fact%20sheet.pdf