RPAS/Drone Occurrences – Reported, Investigated, But Not Penalised

Allen Reynolds made this Official Information request to Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand

The request was successful.

From: Allen Reynolds

hello CAA

You supplied numbers for “RPAS Reports Received Annually”, and for “Number of RPAS investigations resulting in written warnings”, “…in infringement notices”, and “…in prosecution” – refs below.

Question: For each year – 2014 to 2021, and part-2022 to 31 May - how many reports were ‘investigated’* and did NOT result in written warning(s), infringement notice(s) or prosecution(s).

* - ‘investigated’ is used in the same sense as “investigations” in the data headings

Your data was supplied in reply to FYI member ‘Oscar’ –
https://fyi.org.nz/request/19310-drone-i...

In the file –
2022 05 31 Response to 22OIR230 SIGNED DIH.pdf

Thanks
Allen

Link to this

From: Bridgette Chisnall
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand

Tçnâ koe 

I acknowledge receipt of your OIA requests to CAA dated 2 June 2022. These
requests have been consolidated in accordance with s 18(A)(2) of the
Official Information Act 1982. We will endeavour to respond to your
request as soon as possible and in any event no later than 4 July 2022,
being 20 working days after your request was received. 

If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of
an extension of that timeframe. Your request is being handled by the OIA
Team. If you have any queries, please feel free to contact us at
[CAA request email] with the reference 22/OIR/253.

If any additional factors come to light which are relevant to your
request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that these can be taken
into account.             

 

Nâku noa, nâ

 

Bridgette Chisnall (she/her) | Official Information Coordinator

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand | Aviation Security Service

Te Mana Rererangi Tûmatanui o Aotearoa  |  Kaiwhakamaru Rererangi

Level 8, Aon Centre, 1 Willis Street, Wellington 6011, PO Box 3555,
Wellington, 6140, New Zealand

(DDI) +64 4830 0528

Please note that I am currently working part-time, usually between the
hours of 8am – 1pm. For urgent requests please contact [1][CAA request email].

 

This e-mail (and its accompanying attachments) is intended for the named
recipient only and may contain information that is confidential and
subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient please
inform the sender and destroy the message. If you have received this
message in error you must not distribute or copy this e-mail or its
attachments. The Civil Aviation Authority accepts no responsibility for
any changes made to this message after the transmission from the Civil
Aviation Authority. Before opening or using attachments, check them for
viruses and other effects. This communication may be accessed or retained
for information assurance and cyber security purposes.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[CAA request email]

Link to this

From: Bridgette Chisnall
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand

Tçnâ koe 

I acknowledge receipt of your OIA requests to CAA dated 2 June 2022. These
requests have been consolidated in accordance with s 18(A)(2) of the
Official Information Act 1982. We will endeavour to respond to your
request as soon as possible and in any event no later than 4 July 2022,
being 20 working days after your request was received. 

If we are unable to respond to your request by then, we will notify you of
an extension of that timeframe. Your request is being handled by the OIA
Team. If you have any queries, please feel free to contact us at
[CAA request email] with the reference 22/OIR/253.

If any additional factors come to light which are relevant to your
request, please do not hesitate to contact us so that these can be taken
into account.             

 

Nâku noa, nâ

 

Bridgette Chisnall (she/her) | Official Information Coordinator

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand | Aviation Security Service

Te Mana Rererangi Tûmatanui o Aotearoa  |  Kaiwhakamaru Rererangi

Level 8, Aon Centre, 1 Willis Street, Wellington 6011, PO Box 3555,
Wellington, 6140, New Zealand

(DDI) +64 4830 0528

Please note that I am currently working part-time, usually between the
hours of 8am – 1pm. For urgent requests please contact [1][CAA request email].

 

This e-mail (and its accompanying attachments) is intended for the named
recipient only and may contain information that is confidential and
subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient please
inform the sender and destroy the message. If you have received this
message in error you must not distribute or copy this e-mail or its
attachments. The Civil Aviation Authority accepts no responsibility for
any changes made to this message after the transmission from the Civil
Aviation Authority. Before opening or using attachments, check them for
viruses and other effects. This communication may be accessed or retained
for information assurance and cyber security purposes.

References

Visible links
1. mailto:[CAA request email]

Link to this

From: Allen Reynolds

thank you Bridgette

I did ask as two separate OIA's because they seemed to be very different questions, and answers
- how EACH occurrence was investigated - lotsa detail...
- the numbers of investigated occurences that weren't 'penalised' - a number for each year

still... let's see what you come up with...

Allen

Link to this

From: Talia Zachariah
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand


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Tçnâ koe Allen,

I am writing in reply to your two OIA requests to CAA dated 2 June 2022
which has been consolidated and responded to as below –

 

 1. For each year – 2014 to 2021, and part-2022 to 31 May - how many
reports were ‘investigated’* and did NOT result in written warning(s),
infringement notice(s) or prosecution(s).

 

Key:

NFA – No further action

NOD – No offence disclosed

EL – Educational Letter

ROA – Referred to Other Agency

 

Number of RPAS investigations closed with outcomes other than written warning, infringement and
prosecution
January February March April May June July August September October November December
2014                        
2015                        
2016                        
2017           1     1 (NFA)      
(NFA)
2018                        
2019   1 (NFA)                    
2020 1 (NFA) 1 (NFA)   1 1 1            
(ROA) (NFA) (ROA)
2021         1         1 (NFA)
(NOD)

1
(EL)    
2022                    
(to
31-May)    

 

 

 2. What was/were the investigation methodology(s) used FOR EACH
occurrence investigated that resulted in a written warning, in an
infringement notice, or no action.  A table in Excel format, or as a
pdf of such, would suffice.

 

From the data we have previously released on RPAS investigation (on which
basis your OIA request has been raised) and from the data provided above,
we can advise that there are about 75 RPAS investigations that has
resulted in either a written warning, infringement notice or a No Further
Action (NFA) from 2016 to present. Your request for investigation
methodologies would involve a manual search through these 75 files with an
estimated 15-30 minutes time spent on each file that will require almost
38 hours of full-time work to complete this task. This will have a
significant impact on the Authority’s other operations.  

 

Therefore, due to the substantial amount of work that would be required to
research and collate the information you have requested, we are refusing
your request under section 18(f) of the OIA. For the reasons explained
above, we consider that charging or extending the timeframe for responding
to your request would not help.  

 

We are able to advise that investigation on occurrences is guided by the
Authority’s Regulatory Strategy, consideration of the Solicitor General
Guidelines and public interest factors. All of the investigation
methodologies described in your request like electronic contact with the
submitter/alleged flyer etc are used dependant on how the
submitter/reporter has reported the occurrence and how they have requested
to be communicated with.

 

Civil Aviation Authority utilises a number of different sources to
corroborate evidence such as tracking data, social media, manufacturer
guidelines/standards, Airways NZ data, NZ Police information, witnesses,
SME etc.

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

Please contact me at [2][CAA request email] should you have any questions in
this regard.

 

Ngâ mihi

Talia Rachel Zachariah (she/her)*

Official Information Advisor | Kaitohutohu

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand | Aviation Security Service

Te Mana Rererangi Tûmatanui o Aotearoa | Kaiwhakamaru Rererangi

Level 15 | Asteron Centre | 55 Featherston Street | PO Box 3555 |
Wellington | 6011

 

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CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic mail transmission is confidential,
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recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, please
immediately notify the sender and delete it from your system.

 

*If you’re wondering about the use of the pronouns he/him on this
signature, [5]read this article about how sharing pronouns in this way can
help create an inclusive and safe environment for transgender and
nonbinary colleagues

 

 

This e-mail (and its accompanying attachments) is intended for the named
recipient only and may contain information that is confidential and
subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient please
inform the sender and destroy the message. If you have received this
message in error you must not distribute or copy this e-mail or its
attachments. The Civil Aviation Authority accepts no responsibility for
any changes made to this message after the transmission from the Civil
Aviation Authority. Before opening or using attachments, check them for
viruses and other effects. This communication may be accessed or retained
for information assurance and cyber security purposes.

References

Visible links
1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
2. mailto:[CAA request email]
5. https://medium.com/gender-inclusivit/why...

Link to this

From: Talia Zachariah
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand


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Tçnâ koe Allen,

I am writing in reply to your two OIA requests to CAA dated 2 June 2022
which has been consolidated and responded to as below –

 

 1. For each year – 2014 to 2021, and part-2022 to 31 May - how many
reports were ‘investigated’* and did NOT result in written warning(s),
infringement notice(s) or prosecution(s).

 

Key:

NFA – No further action

NOD – No offence disclosed

EL – Educational Letter

ROA – Referred to Other Agency

 

Number of RPAS investigations closed with outcomes other than written warning, infringement and
prosecution
January February March April May June July August September October November December
2014                        
2015                        
2016                        
2017           1     1 (NFA)      
(NFA)
2018                        
2019   1 (NFA)                    
2020 1 (NFA) 1 (NFA)   1 1 1            
(ROA) (NFA) (ROA)
2021         1         1 (NFA)
(NOD)

1
(EL)    
2022                    
(to
31-May)    

 

 

 2. What was/were the investigation methodology(s) used FOR EACH
occurrence investigated that resulted in a written warning, in an
infringement notice, or no action.  A table in Excel format, or as a
pdf of such, would suffice.

 

From the data we have previously released on RPAS investigation (on which
basis your OIA request has been raised) and from the data provided above,
we can advise that there are about 75 RPAS investigations that has
resulted in either a written warning, infringement notice or a No Further
Action (NFA) from 2016 to present. Your request for investigation
methodologies would involve a manual search through these 75 files with an
estimated 15-30 minutes time spent on each file that will require almost
38 hours of full-time work to complete this task. This will have a
significant impact on the Authority’s other operations.  

 

Therefore, due to the substantial amount of work that would be required to
research and collate the information you have requested, we are refusing
your request under section 18(f) of the OIA. For the reasons explained
above, we consider that charging or extending the timeframe for responding
to your request would not help.  

 

We are able to advise that investigation on occurrences is guided by the
Authority’s Regulatory Strategy, consideration of the Solicitor General
Guidelines and public interest factors. All of the investigation
methodologies described in your request like electronic contact with the
submitter/alleged flyer etc are used dependant on how the
submitter/reporter has reported the occurrence and how they have requested
to be communicated with.

 

Civil Aviation Authority utilises a number of different sources to
corroborate evidence such as tracking data, social media, manufacturer
guidelines/standards, Airways NZ data, NZ Police information, witnesses,
SME etc.

 

You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of
this decision. Information about how to make a complaint is available at
[1]www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or freephone 0800 802 602.

 

Please contact me at [2][CAA request email] should you have any questions in
this regard.

 

Ngâ mihi

Talia Rachel Zachariah (she/her)*

Official Information Advisor | Kaitohutohu

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand | Aviation Security Service

Te Mana Rererangi Tûmatanui o Aotearoa | Kaiwhakamaru Rererangi

Level 15 | Asteron Centre | 55 Featherston Street | PO Box 3555 |
Wellington | 6011

 

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CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic mail transmission is confidential,
may be privileged and should be read or retained only by the intended
recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, please
immediately notify the sender and delete it from your system.

 

*If you’re wondering about the use of the pronouns he/him on this
signature, [5]read this article about how sharing pronouns in this way can
help create an inclusive and safe environment for transgender and
nonbinary colleagues

 

 

This e-mail (and its accompanying attachments) is intended for the named
recipient only and may contain information that is confidential and
subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient please
inform the sender and destroy the message. If you have received this
message in error you must not distribute or copy this e-mail or its
attachments. The Civil Aviation Authority accepts no responsibility for
any changes made to this message after the transmission from the Civil
Aviation Authority. Before opening or using attachments, check them for
viruses and other effects. This communication may be accessed or retained
for information assurance and cyber security purposes.

References

Visible links
1. http://www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/
2. mailto:[CAA request email]
5. https://medium.com/gender-inclusivit/why...

Link to this

From: Allen Reynolds

hello CAA (Talia)

thank you for your reply, re: Non-Penalised Occurences, but...

your data has become garbled upon 'cut-and-pasting' into FYI
go to FYI.org, and have a look

I asked for data by year - you have added months as well
any chance you can provide this data in an intelligible form?

thanks
Allen

Link to this

From: Allen Reynolds

hello Talia - CAA

thank you for your reply, re: Non-Penalised Occurences, but...

your data has become garbled upon 'cut-and-pasting' into FYI
go to FYI.org, and have a look

I asked for data by year - you have added months as well
any chance you can provide this data in an intelligible form?

thanks
Allen

Link to this

From: Allen Reynolds

to CAA

and...
I question your data - example: for 2018 you indicate NIL Non-Penalised reports investigated
but... here's three (3) in the first month -

I refer to CAA's reply to my request about 'Occurrences' - Request 20 OIR 69 RPAS information 1 Jan 2018 to 31 July 2019

ARC 3/01/2018
Complaint about drone over house. RANG COMPLAINANT [my caps] and advised basic rules, they unable to identify pilot so no further action. Bromley Canterbury/Christchurch RPAS

ARC 4/01/2018
Complaint about drone outside window over several nights. Has also contacted Police. ADVISED OF RULES [my caps] but pilot not identified so no further action. Woodridge Wellington/Kapiti RPAS

ARC 22/01/2018
Complaint of drone over private propety. RANG COMPLAINANT [my caps] to get details, advised no further action as operator not identified. Foxton Beach Wellington/Kapiti RPAS

"Rang complainant..." and "Advised of rules..." sure sounds like investigation to me
so... not NIL

Allen

Link to this

From: Talia Zachariah
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand


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Kia ora Allen,

 

Thank you for your email dated 18 June 2022.

 

You asked if you could be provided with the data by year for “how many
reports were ‘investigated’* and did NOT result in written warning(s),
infringement notice(s) or prosecution(s)”. Please find the data as below –

 

2016 - Nil

2017 – 2 (NFA)

2018 – Nil

2019 – 1 (NFA)

2020 – 5 (3 NFA’s and 2 ROA)

2021 – 3 (1 NFA, 1 NOD, and 1 EL)

2022 (to 31 May) – Nil

 

Key:

NFA – No further action

NOD – No offence disclosed

EL – Educational Letter

ROA – Referred to Other Agency

 

In your email, you say that the information released to you by CAA in 2019
indicates investigation of three ARCs in 2018 as opposed to the Nil figure
provided above.

 

Your request for information in 2019 was for all reported incidents and
accidents involving remotely piloted  aircraft during the period 1 January
2018 to 31 July 2019. This is different from your recent request for
number of reports that were investigated but did not result in written
warnings, infringement notices or prosecutions. As you can see the scope
of your requests is different under both the requests. The information
provided to you under the recent request covers regulatory investigations.

 

Not all occurrences reported to the CAA are put through the formal
investigation process. The Inward Safety Unit of the CAA conducts an
initial triage of aviation related concerns received and will sometimes
respond to the submitter advising if the concern is not relevant to CAA or
if there is insufficient information supplied. Regarding the three
occurrences in 2018 noted in your email, we understand that this would
have happened.

 

Hope the above clarifies.

 

 

Ngâ mihi

Talia Rachel Zachariah (she/her)*

Official Information Advisor | Kaitohutohu

Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand | Aviation Security Service

Te Mana Rererangi Tûmatanui o Aotearoa | Kaiwhakamaru Rererangi

Level 15 | Asteron Centre | 55 Featherston Street | PO Box 3555 |
Wellington | 6011

(DDI) +64 (4) 560 9606

[1]image002 (2)  [2]avsecSeal

 

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This electronic mail transmission is confidential,
may be privileged and should be read or retained only by the intended
recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, please
immediately notify the sender and delete it from your system.

 

*If you’re wondering about the use of the pronouns he/him on this
signature, [3]read this article about how sharing pronouns in this way can
help create an inclusive and safe environment for transgender and
nonbinary colleagues

 

 

This e-mail (and its accompanying attachments) is intended for the named
recipient only and may contain information that is confidential and
subject to legal privilege. If you are not the intended recipient please
inform the sender and destroy the message. If you have received this
message in error you must not distribute or copy this e-mail or its
attachments. The Civil Aviation Authority accepts no responsibility for
any changes made to this message after the transmission from the Civil
Aviation Authority. Before opening or using attachments, check them for
viruses and other effects. This communication may be accessed or retained
for information assurance and cyber security purposes.

References

Visible links
3. https://medium.com/gender-inclusivit/why...

Link to this

From: Allen Reynolds

thanks Talia
the table is now much clearer

also, thanks for clarifying the 'formal investigation process', and the 'initial triage'...
winnowing - I bet there's a lot of 'chaff'...

Ngā mihi o Matariki
Allen

Link to this

Things to do with this request

Anyone:
Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand only: