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Our Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic 2 Pro platforms are classified as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and may also be referred to as a Drones, Remotely Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS), Quadcopters or Multirotors. Our company fully understands, complies with the required regulating procedures contained within Civil Aviation Rule Part 101 that govern flying this category of remotely controlled vehicle.

A summary of those applicable to our operation include the adhesion to flying:

  • Below 400 feet / 120 meters above ground level (although we are able to request exemptions to exceed this restriction in certain airspace)

  • During daylight hours only (at night we must fly within 100 meters of a structure, and not above its roofline)

  • Within unaided visual line of sight of the controller

  • Clear of all manned aircraft, persons and property

  • Outside of airspace restricted areas (Low Flying Zones, Military and Restricted Areas designated on the official VNC maps that we carry)

  • Not above roofline or treetop height within a 4 kilometer radius of any published aerodrome

SkyPix Photography is one of the few companies in Auckland legally able to operate right up to 400 feet above ground within these 4km radius’s with approval from aerodrome management

We will always require the permission of the land owner or occupier to overfly private property

HAZARD ASSESSMENT

Before conducting each flight, our crew will conduct a site specific evaluation of the surrounding environment, checking wind speed, tree positions and height, power and telephone line placement, birdlife activity, cellphone masts and other sources of magnetic interference, making sure any potential hazard is mitigated before the take off is initiated.

Our operation is conducted with procedures similar to those practiced in full sized manned aviation, with pre flight inspections, use of check lists and pre programmed routes to ensure the safe flight of the Drones.

FAIL SAFE TECHNOLOGY

The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom and Mavic 2 Pro boast several safety innovations that don’t feature on some of the older first generation Drones being flown in New Zealand:

If either craft loses signal from the controller for any reason, they will return to a memorised GPS recorded home position, no lower than a custom minimum safe altitude above the ground that is set by the pilot prior to take off on each flight. Upon reaching the home position, the Drone will enter a stationary hover for 20 seconds to allow for the clearing of the landing area before commencing a gentle descent and automated touch down.

A warning on the controllers tablet screen will alert the pilot when the battery in use reaches 30% capacity, and if the Drone is not landed by the time it reaches 15% capacity, it will return home and land automatically.

Each Drone also comes with ‘Hands Off Hover’ functionally allowing them to remain stationary in the air when the hand controls are released.

INSURANCE

Skypix Photography NZ is covered by Aviation Liability insurance through Delta Insurance for damage to third party property and any related expenses, up to a maximum value of $1,000,000. We are happy to supply a Certificate of Currency to any clients wishing to see proof that our policy is current.