FILE - In this Aug. 23, 2015, file photo, an Air New Zealand passenger plane flies past the moon on its way to the Los Angeles International Airport from London, in Whittier, Calif. Air New Zealand said a drone came within meters of a flight descending into Auckland Airport from Tokyo, putting the safety of 278 passengers and crew at risk. The national carrier is calling for prison terms for drone operators who endanger lives after the incident Sunday, March 25, 2018. Air New Zealand is calling for tighter regulation of drones after one of its aircraft came within a few feet of one on approach to Auckland Airport

The flight, a Boeing 777-200 operating NZ092 from Tokyo Haneda, was on its descent into Auckland when it encountered a drone the airline estimated to be only five metres (16 feet) away. “It passed so close to the incoming aircraft that they were concerned it may have been ingested into the engine.”

A later inspection of the aircraft showed the drone had not gone into the engine. It passed so close to the incoming aircraft that they were concerned it may have been ingested into the engine.”

“It’s clear the time has now come for tougher deterrents for reckless drone use around airports to safeguard travellers, including imposing prison terms in the case of life-threating incidents.”

Under current New Zealand regulations, individual drone operators who breach Civil Aviation Rules can receive a fine of up to $NZ5000. “The incident is the second example of reckless drone use potentially endangering passenger safety this month, with flight operations at Auckland Airport halted for 30 minutes on 6 March when an Air New Zealand pilot reported a drone within controlled airspace,” Air NZ said. Under current New Zealand regulations, individual drone operators who breach Civil Aviation Rules can receive a fine of up to NZD$5000 (USD$3,650). The airline’s call for action follows near figures that show that the huge growth in the use of drones in the past five years has seen a marked rise in complaints to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The Civil Aviation Rules, detailed in Part 101 and Part 102 of the Civil Aviation Act, also address not operating an aircraft that is 25kg or larger without certification, flying only in daylight, and minimising hazards to persons, property and other aircraft. “Such action is highly irresponsible and is the height of stupidity.”

Harris said New Zealand was not alone in trying to grapple with a rapid rise in the use of drones in its skies.
A New Zealand light aircraft pilot Rod Vaughan claims that his plane was brought down at Waihi after colliding with a drone. If true, it would be the first such incident in the country.