Pilots attend ‘UAV’ (Drone) Conference, cautions on risks

Press release

14th January 2015

Air Line Pilots attend ‘UAV’ (Drone) Conference and cautions on potential risks

The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA) will be attending the upcoming Conference (Symposium) on ‘UAV’s or drones as they are more commonly known - being run by the Royal Aeronautical Society and held in Masterton this weekend, but warns of the risk to aircraft they could pose in our airspace.

Drones are set to transform many fields of commerce and their private use is set to soar with their associated commercial benefits set to greatly benefit the economy. However they also have the potential to present a serious hazard to aircraft, according to NZALPA Technical Director Captain Rob Torenvlied.

“Attending the conference will further develop our insight into these devices and to give a commercial pilot and air traffic controller’s perspective to those attending the event. NZALPA accepts that the use of UAV’s/Drones is increasing worldwide and wishes to see them integrated in a safe manner into the existing aviation system.”

“Despite the fact that they present us with many new challenges we must ensure that the lessons of the past are not forgotten and that they provide the same levels of safety that apply to all other users of the aviation system,” said Captain Rob Torenvlied.

NZALPA has informed the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority and other stakeholders associated with UAV’s/Drones and that it stands by and is willing to assist in the safe introduction of these devices into New Zealand.

The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association, is the professional organisation that represents about 2,500 commercial pilots and air traffic controllers – making it one of the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Ends

© Scoop Media