Shielded Operations Within 4km of Aerodromes

In plain language

To fly within 4km of an airfield without special permission under shielded rules, there must be a physical barrier (like a building or trees) between your drone and the airfield that is taller than your flight altitude to stop the drone if it flies away.

Requirement as structured

CAA NZ states that to conduct a shielded operation within 4km of an aerodrome without prior authorization, there must be a physical barrier between the drone and the aerodrome that is higher than the drone to prevent it from flying towards the aerodrome.

Original regulatory text

52. Shielded operations need to be considered in two situations: 22 December 2025 16 a) Controlled airspace: operations within controlled airspace can be carried out without prior authorisation from ATC, if the entire operation is shielded. b) Within 4km of aerodromes: RPAs may be operated within 4km of an aerodrome (but outside its boundary) without needing to meet other qualification, approval and supervision requirements if the operation meets two criteria: • The operation meets the distance and height criteria stated above, and • There is another barrier between the RPA and the aerodrome, which is higher than the RPA and could stop the RPA from flying towards the aerodrome in the event of a fly-away or some other technical erro

Applies when

max altitude m

10