An adventure aviation seminar will be held in Queenstown today, ahead of the introduction of rigorous new safety standards, with companies expected to either comply or cease operations.
Civil Aviation Authorityspokeswoman Emma Peel said passenger-carrying hot-air balloons, hang-gliders, tandem parachutes and paragliders had six months to meet the standards which will come into effect on Thursday.
"The new [rule] ... means all commercial adventure aviation businesses must meet strict safety standards and apply for an operating certificate granted by the Director of Civil Aviation.
Under the new rule, these activities must have similar safety standards and practices as small airlines.
"There is a transition period for existing businesses, but the highest risk operations - hot-air balloon, hang-glider, paraglider, tandem parachute and parachute drop aircraft - must be certified within six months." Microlight operations had a year to meet the standards and gliding operations 18 months.
The certification will apply to the operator and give the CAA the authority to suspend a company's operations, if required.
The new rule, aimed at regulating the industry, was being planned in 2009 when a commercial tandem-hang glider crashed near Queenstown, killing Sky-Trek hang-gliding pilot Argentinian Gerardo Bean (27) and Northland volunteer firefighter Andrew Scotland (34).
At the men's inquest, held by Otago-Southland Coroner David Crerar almost a year ago, submissions on the proposed rule had only just opened, prompting criticism over the delay.
