The Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopter has become the first drone to be certified for flight in New Zealand under Part 102 of the Civil Aviation Rules.
Civil Aviation Rule Part 102 came into effect on the 1st August 2015 and establishes a framework for the safe operation of unmanned craft or drones in New Zealand. Yamaha Motor New Zealand (YMNZ) received their operating certificate on the 1st August and wasted no time in conducting its first flight under the new CAA rule regime at its test site near Auckland.
General Manager of YMNZ, Darryl Lovegrove, said “Yamaha has developed a robust safety framework in respect of the operation of the Yamaha RMAX, and this has enabled us to ensure compliance to CAA Rule Part 102. As a certified operator, YMNZ are delighted to be marketing the extensive industrial, research and agricultural applications of the RMAX within the New Zealand market”.
Yamaha have stated that they see the new CAA rules as a good balance; they take into account public concerns about safety and privacy, while still encouraging innovation.
The Yamaha RMAX is an unmanned helicopter powered by a 246cc engine and has a payload of 28 kilograms. The RMAX was designed in Japan in response to a call from the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for an unmanned craft to be utilised for crop spraying. The design of the craft ensures that it is well suited to the vastly varying New Zealand topography.
Source: Press Release