An RAAus certificate might now have validity on visits to NZ (conditions apply)

[Garfly]

I was alerted to this interesting change to the Ops Manual of RAANZ (Recreational Aircraft Association of New Zealand) by a local instructor.  As elsewhere, NZ has long made provision for visiting Part 61 (ICAO) licence holders but now (uniquely?) they're extending certain privileges to equivalent certificate holders, too.  Of course, it's often going to make more sense to choose to fly dual with a local instructor, especially in among the impressively awesome bits.  But still, it opens up interesting opportunities, for anyone who can demonstrate their competence over a given route in a given craft (with a grasp of local regs) to do some satisfying self-flying while over there.

 

 

The RAANZ Ops Manual:

 

https://raanz.org.nz/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Exposition-2025.pdf

 

The relevant bit:

 

12.8.4   Cross-Crediting of Foreign Certificates

Visiting overseas pilots can apply for a RAANZ certificate up to the level of Microlight Pilot Certificate by meeting the following requirements:

● Becoming a financial member of RAANZ.

● Providing evidence that the overseas certificate held is equivalent to the RAANZ certificate sought.

● Passing the RAANZ aviation law examination.

● Satisfying a RAANZ Senior Instructor that they meet the standard set by RAANZ for the issue of the certificate type sought by passing a Flight Test and completing a CMV

 

12.8.4.1    Short Term Operation using Foreign Pilot Certificates/Licences

Pilots visiting for a period of less than one month may fly using their foreign certificate, up to the Microlight Pilot Certificate, and a logbook endorsement from a RAANZ Senior Instructor by meeting the following:

● Becoming a financial member of RAANZ.

● Satisfying a RAANZ Senior Instructor that they meet the standard set by RAANZ for the issue of a RAANZ certificate equivalent to the foreign certificate held.

● All flying is done under the supervision of the instructor named in the pilot's logbook endorsement.

 

Note: The Instructor is responsible for ensuring the pilot is fully briefed for the activity to be undertaken, particularly with respect to Aviation Law and Airspace

Edited 10 hours ago by Garfly