Dunedin drone operator Aaron McGrouther says he has no problems with new laws restricting the use of the machines, but he wonders who will police them.
''There's so many people out there doing it now.''
Mr McGrouther was responding to rules released yesterday by the Civil Aviation Authority.
A key change is the requirement for operators who want to fly over people or property to gain consent from the affected individuals or property owners before they fly.
''Operators who intend to fly over public spaces will also need to get permission from the landowner,'' CAA general manager Steve Moore said.
''For example, if an operator wants to fly over a park, they will need to get permission from the local council.''
However, people would be able to operate outside the existing rules for unmanned aircraft if they had a plan in place to manage the safety risks.
Those who could not get consent from a landowner or individuals could also still operate if they had an operating certificate from the CAA.
Mr McGrouther said, under rules in place at the moment, operators could not fly within 4km of an airport.
If they were in a restricted air zone, they had to ring the air traffic control tower for approval, and would be given a maximum flying height.
Mr McGrouther filmed for Sky Sport recently at the New Zealand Open at Arrowtown's The Hills Golf Course, for instance, where the height allowed was 60m.
''It's really easy to stick to those laws.
''I never got denied clearance.
''I don't have too many problems with the new laws. I just think it's going to be very hard to police.''
Mr McGrouther, who does work for Dunedin company Animation Research and was hired by Fulton Hogan to film slips after flooding, said he would be happy with a registration and licence system, as drivers required.
He said he would ''definitely'' get an operating certificate when those became available.
Mr Moore said the changes addressed the safety risks modern unmanned aircraft posed to other airspace users, as well as people and property on the ground.
''Having a conversation with a property owner beforehand is an effective means of risk management because they are likely to have the best knowledge of the risks.''
The CAA received up to 50 inquiries a week relating to drones, compared with about 20 to 30 inquiries weekly at the beginning of 2014.
The number of aviation incidents involving unmanned aircraft had grown significantly since 2011.
The new rules come into effect on August 1.
Drones
Requirements for drone operators include:
• Consent from the affected individuals or property owners, including local councils. Plan to manage the safety risks.
• Operating certificate from the CAA.
