Wānaka Airport Certification
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Why is certification required?
Wānaka Airport (the airport) has passed a threshold of activity which requires it to be managed under the authority of a Qualifying Aerodrome Operator Certificate.
As a result, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued a letter notifying QLDC that it requires the airport to achieve qualifying status under Part 139 of the Civil Aviation Rules.
The agreed deadline to achieve qualifying status is 1 July 2027
Benefits of becoming certified:
Becoming certified will bring the airport into line with similar facilities around the country, improving safety and providing an appropriate level of independent assurance for airport users and our wider community.
The alternative – not achieving certification – would restrict activity at the airport to below current levels which would have a negative effect on current users and the local community.
What changes are required?
Achieving 'qualifying status' will require changes to the way the airport operates.
As a first step, a mandatory operational and safety review has been completed. This outlines a range of improvements required to achieve qualifying status and improve safety for all users.
Key work includes:
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Appointing suitable senior people to specific roles. This requires a change to the current Management Services Agreement (expected to take approx. 12-18 months).
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Physical works to provide a safe operating environment e.g. tree removal, strip widening and new fencing to support safe access to the airstrip (expected to take approx. 2-3 years).
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Prepare a Safety Management System that includes specific policies, procedures and documentation (10-12 months work).
A full set of requirements are outlined in the CAA rules Part 139, sub part G & H - see link below:
What will it cost?
Budget has been allocated in the Long Term Plan 2024-2034 to complete agreed work required to achieve a qualifying aerodrome status.
The LTP can be read in full - click on the link below:
Stay up-to-date
It is essential we work closely with existing airport users as safety improvements and operational changes are implemented.
Changes will be communicated regularly and directly with users, as well as published here on this page as work progresses.
Related documents
We've provided links to relevant documents below.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns, please email the QLDC property team at: property@qldc.govt.nz