Recreational pilot licence revoked
NZ revoked the RPL. RPL holders were deemed PPL holders with a DL9 medical and its limits (rule 61.159).
Why it matters The licence ladder is now student pilot to PPL.
RETURNING PILOTS
What's changed since you last flew.
Pick when you last flew as pilot in command. You get every change in our register since then, what it means for you, and the source to read for yourself.
Where you fly
4 changes for New Zealand private pilots since January 2019.
- 5 Apr 2021
- 31 Dec 2022
ADS-B OUT required in transponder mandatory controlled airspace
An aircraft in transponder mandatory controlled airspace in the New Zealand FIR must be equipped with an ADS-B system that meets the minimum performance standards (rule 91.255), except as rules 91.253, 91.255D and 91.255E provide.
Why it matters Check your aircraft's equipment before planning a flight into transponder mandatory controlled airspace.
The requirement is rule 91.255 in NZ CAR Part 91. The 31 December 2022 start date comes from a CAA NZ page excerpt and is not yet confirmed from the rule text.
- Nov 2024
Radio guidance revised
CAA NZ revised its Plane talking radio guidance, including calls at unattended aerodromes.
Why it matters Calls you learned years ago may no longer be the recommended ones.
- 5 Apr 2025
Civil Aviation Act 2023 in force, PPL syllabus revised
The Civil Aviation Act 2023 replaced the 1990 Act. AC61-3 Revision 31 aligned the PPL syllabus to it and revised Subject 4 Air Law.
Why it matters Air law references and some exam content changed.