MoU Update.

We’re delighted to share some excellent news to end the year on a high note. Over the past week, we have received our fully signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airways New Zealand (Auckland Control Tower), the authority responsible for the controlled airspace in which we operate.

A link to the MoU can be found on our Rules and Policies Page HERE.

Securing this MoU has been a significant piece of work for the committee, with invaluable support from Behram in his MFNZ Prime Person role. Together, we have worked closely with Airways and the Auckland Airport Control Tower to put the required formal agreement in place.

A key outcome of this process is a much simpler and more practical operating framework. Airways has agreed that we do not need to determine VMC/SVFR/IMC weather conditions (which would have required costly additional equipment) in order to set our operating altitude. As a result:

• Within our flight envelope and when operating under Danger Zone DZ120, we are permitted to fly up to 900 ft.
• Within our flight envelope but outside DZ120 (the mangrove area to the east), the maximum permitted altitude is 400 ft.

This is a fantastic result for the club and a real win for our ongoing operations.

The MoU will be reviewed every two years and requires strict adherence to its conditions. Maintaining compliance is essential to ensure we protect and retain the privileges we have worked hard to achieve.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this happen, and we look forward to building on this positive momentum in the year ahead.