CHRIS GARDNER

Drone pilots have been granted council permission to fly their aircraft over public Hamilton spaces so long as they respect other users.

But most of the city is still in restricted airspace because of its proximity to Hamilton Airport.

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules say anyone flying aircraft in the Hamilton City Zone needs permission from air traffic control before take off.

Hamilton City Council’s general manager community Lance Vervoort granted permission to fly over council property in a media statement.

The statement followed a new CAA rule that requires drone operators to get consent from a property owner before flying over their property.

“We’re asking drone pilots to use some common-sense and keep themselves and their devices well clear of other park users,” Vervoort said.

But the statement said zone pilots needed special permission to fly over Hamilton Zoo, the city’s two water treatment plants, event facilities such as Claudelands Events Centre, FMG Stadium Waikato, Seddon Park, and swimming pools. Drone use is also not permitted within 100 metres of council playgrounds, and pilots need to stop flying if asked to by a council staff member.

“If there’s a sports match on one of our parks, we expect drone pilots to seek the permission of participants and officials in the match if they want to fly over the game.”

Read more http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/72677092/drones-free-to-fly-in-public-hamilton-spaces