Last Edited 7 September 2023
NSMAC WINGS Qualifications requirements
There are some changes to flying operations being introduced by MFNZ starting in 2025 which will require some changes in our operations.
As our Flying Field is within 4km of an Active Aerodrome (North Shore Aerodrome) it is a Civil Aviation requirement (and also a requirement of our Club Rules) that all Fixed Wing Model Pilots must fly with an observer present beside them. Flying alone is not an option and is illegal under Aviation Law. Shielded Operations such as Helis, Multicopters and Control Line flying from their designated areas are exempted.
A new Observer Qualification has now been introduced by MFNZ.
This qualification is available now via an online training and certification process.
It is a CAA requirement that:-
As from Feb this year ALL observers must be either a MFNZ Wings Qualified Pilot, Instructor, or hold an MFNZ Observer Qualification.
As from 2025 all Wings Qualifications will need to be renewed every 5 years.
From the start of 2025 it will be a requirement for all Pilots with Wings Qualifications to be re-tested in their elected flying discipline every 5 years to retain currency and competence. This means that if you were Wings Qualified prior to 1 January 2020 and you have not re-qualified before 31 December 2024 then on 1 January 2025 your Wings Qualification will lapse and you will only be able to fly with a Qualified Observer (Wings or Observer Qualification). We also anticipate that there may be potential insurance implications for unqualified Pilots not in the process of renewing their Wings Qualification. It is the intention of the Committee to front-foot this problem by starting a re-testing program as soon as possible on a progressive basis so that we don’t have everyone wanting to renew their Qualification at the same time.
It is not compulsory (yet) for all Pilots to be tested and hold a Wings Qualification but the Club Committee strongly recommends that all Pilots should gain a Wings Qualification as soon as practical as this will reduce the workload on our need to train people for an Observer Qualification.
The Club will shortly produce an updated list of Instructors and Examiners.
As our Flying Field is within 4km of an Active Aerodrome (North Shore Aerodrome) it is a Civil Aviation requirement (and also a requirement of our Club Rules) that all Fixed Wing Model Pilots must fly with an observer present beside them. Flying alone is not an option and is illegal under Aviation Law. Shielded Operations such as Helis, Multicopters and Control Line flying from their designated areas are exempted.
A new Observer Qualification has now been introduced by MFNZ.
This qualification is available now via an online training and certification process.
It is a CAA requirement that:-
As from Feb this year ALL observers must be either a MFNZ Wings Qualified Pilot, Instructor, or hold an MFNZ Observer Qualification.
As from 2025 all Wings Qualifications will need to be renewed every 5 years.
From the start of 2025 it will be a requirement for all Pilots with Wings Qualifications to be re-tested in their elected flying discipline every 5 years to retain currency and competence. This means that if you were Wings Qualified prior to 1 January 2020 and you have not re-qualified before 31 December 2024 then on 1 January 2025 your Wings Qualification will lapse and you will only be able to fly with a Qualified Observer (Wings or Observer Qualification). We also anticipate that there may be potential insurance implications for unqualified Pilots not in the process of renewing their Wings Qualification. It is the intention of the Committee to front-foot this problem by starting a re-testing program as soon as possible on a progressive basis so that we don’t have everyone wanting to renew their Qualification at the same time.
It is not compulsory (yet) for all Pilots to be tested and hold a Wings Qualification but the Club Committee strongly recommends that all Pilots should gain a Wings Qualification as soon as practical as this will reduce the workload on our need to train people for an Observer Qualification.
The Club will shortly produce an updated list of Instructors and Examiners.
The Model Flying New Zealand Wings Program
Aim
To provide certification at either a basic or advanced proficiency level for Radio Control model pilots enabling them to operate unsupervised. The certification asserts that the holder has a solid understanding of operating model aircraft across a range of domains including ground handling, flight operations, New Zealand airspace law and health & safety.
Pilots achieving the required level are entitled to hold the MFNZ Wings qualification, endorsed to one or more of 11 disciplines, plus 4 specialist endorsements.
The MFNZ wings qualification meets the requirements of Civil Aviation Rule 101.205 for flying within 4km of an aerodrome.
MFNZ also provides a specific observer qualification that is available to anyone, including non MFNZ members. This qualification is available via an online training and certification portal.
Method
MFNZ encourages all clubs to ensure that members follow this proficiency scheme and to ensure that all Radio Control pilots obtain their Wings.
Many club flying sites, rallies and contests are on or near aerodromes and this qualification is mandatory to fly at those sites. The qualification provides ready proof of the holders skill level.
Within 4km of an aerodrome all pilots must either hold a Wings qualification or operate under direct supervision of a Wings qualification holder or an approved Instructor. Away from aerodromes trainees should not be considered safe to fly on their own until they have reached the Wings standard.
Members are encouraged to gain Wings qualifications at the earliest time.
Recurrency
Model Flying New Zealand has adopted a recurrency period for the Wings qualification.
• Any member will re-sit Wings every 5 years
• A club committee may require a club member to re-sit Wings at any time they are concerned about their ability to safely meet the Wings standard.
This will ensure that all members remain competent and safe when flying and ensure that any changes in Civil Aviation or MFNZ rules or procedures are being adopted.
Qualification
There are 6 disciplines of Qualification each with two levels:
• Basic fixed wing Powered (BP)
• Advanced Power (AP)
• Glider (BG)
• Advanced Glider (AG)
• Helicopter (HP)
• Advanced Helicopter (AH)
• Multirotor (BM)
• Advanced Multirotor (AM)
• Basic Jet Turbine (BT)
• Advanced Jet Turbine (AT)
• Dynamic Soaring (DS)
There is additional specialist endorsements for the following categories:
• Large Model (LM)
• First Person View (FP)
• High Speed (HS)
• Night Rating (NR
Certification
The proficiency qualification gained will be issued by MFNZ in the form of an endorsement on the membership card. Applications should be made through Club Secretaries on the official form, signed by the examiner.
Annual membership cards will show the details of all qualifications held, including Instructor and Examiner. Members attaining a new qualification within the membership year may request the issue of a replacement membership card.
A pilot must be a current financial member of MFNZ to be the holder of a Wings qualification and issue / retention of a Wings qualification is at the discretion of the MFNZ Council.
Any qualification may be withdrawn by a club if the pilot is considered to be no longer able to satisfactorily meet the required standard.
The Wings qualification will be reissued upon the satisfactory passing of a full wings test. You can have your Wings certification taken away if you become incapable of flying safely due to an ongoing medical condition such as failing eyesight.
If you do not renew your MFNZ membership for 3 consecutive years you will be required to retake your qualification upon re-joining.
Holders of qualifications from overseas organisations must take the MFNZ Wings qualification in order to comply with CAA regulations to be familiar with NZ airspace law.
Observers
Model Flying New Zealand uses observers to add to situational awareness when operating model aircraft, the role of observers is varied and depending on the operation may be required to maintain observation of the airspace, ensuring separation to manned aircraft, or to observe any potential ground hazards, such as public encroachment on the flying area. It may be required to maintain observation of both the air and ground area.
By holding Model Flying New Zealand Wings, in any discipline, part of the Wings syllabus MUST include training for role of Observer, and any Wings qualified Pilot is deemed to have been trained in the role of Observer, as dictated by CAR101 and in the MFNZ CAR102 Unmanned Aircraft Operations Manual
The observer qualification is unique in that it is also available to non MFNZ members. This process is available via an online training and certification process, ensuring that those performing the observer role have the required knowledge of aviation law and health and safety principals. Any MFNZ Wings qualified member can assess and approve an Observer.
To provide certification at either a basic or advanced proficiency level for Radio Control model pilots enabling them to operate unsupervised. The certification asserts that the holder has a solid understanding of operating model aircraft across a range of domains including ground handling, flight operations, New Zealand airspace law and health & safety.
Pilots achieving the required level are entitled to hold the MFNZ Wings qualification, endorsed to one or more of 11 disciplines, plus 4 specialist endorsements.
The MFNZ wings qualification meets the requirements of Civil Aviation Rule 101.205 for flying within 4km of an aerodrome.
MFNZ also provides a specific observer qualification that is available to anyone, including non MFNZ members. This qualification is available via an online training and certification portal.
Method
MFNZ encourages all clubs to ensure that members follow this proficiency scheme and to ensure that all Radio Control pilots obtain their Wings.
Many club flying sites, rallies and contests are on or near aerodromes and this qualification is mandatory to fly at those sites. The qualification provides ready proof of the holders skill level.
Within 4km of an aerodrome all pilots must either hold a Wings qualification or operate under direct supervision of a Wings qualification holder or an approved Instructor. Away from aerodromes trainees should not be considered safe to fly on their own until they have reached the Wings standard.
Members are encouraged to gain Wings qualifications at the earliest time.
Recurrency
Model Flying New Zealand has adopted a recurrency period for the Wings qualification.
• Any member will re-sit Wings every 5 years
• A club committee may require a club member to re-sit Wings at any time they are concerned about their ability to safely meet the Wings standard.
This will ensure that all members remain competent and safe when flying and ensure that any changes in Civil Aviation or MFNZ rules or procedures are being adopted.
Qualification
There are 6 disciplines of Qualification each with two levels:
• Basic fixed wing Powered (BP)
• Advanced Power (AP)
• Glider (BG)
• Advanced Glider (AG)
• Helicopter (HP)
• Advanced Helicopter (AH)
• Multirotor (BM)
• Advanced Multirotor (AM)
• Basic Jet Turbine (BT)
• Advanced Jet Turbine (AT)
• Dynamic Soaring (DS)
There is additional specialist endorsements for the following categories:
• Large Model (LM)
• First Person View (FP)
• High Speed (HS)
• Night Rating (NR
Certification
The proficiency qualification gained will be issued by MFNZ in the form of an endorsement on the membership card. Applications should be made through Club Secretaries on the official form, signed by the examiner.
Annual membership cards will show the details of all qualifications held, including Instructor and Examiner. Members attaining a new qualification within the membership year may request the issue of a replacement membership card.
A pilot must be a current financial member of MFNZ to be the holder of a Wings qualification and issue / retention of a Wings qualification is at the discretion of the MFNZ Council.
Any qualification may be withdrawn by a club if the pilot is considered to be no longer able to satisfactorily meet the required standard.
The Wings qualification will be reissued upon the satisfactory passing of a full wings test. You can have your Wings certification taken away if you become incapable of flying safely due to an ongoing medical condition such as failing eyesight.
If you do not renew your MFNZ membership for 3 consecutive years you will be required to retake your qualification upon re-joining.
Holders of qualifications from overseas organisations must take the MFNZ Wings qualification in order to comply with CAA regulations to be familiar with NZ airspace law.
Observers
Model Flying New Zealand uses observers to add to situational awareness when operating model aircraft, the role of observers is varied and depending on the operation may be required to maintain observation of the airspace, ensuring separation to manned aircraft, or to observe any potential ground hazards, such as public encroachment on the flying area. It may be required to maintain observation of both the air and ground area.
By holding Model Flying New Zealand Wings, in any discipline, part of the Wings syllabus MUST include training for role of Observer, and any Wings qualified Pilot is deemed to have been trained in the role of Observer, as dictated by CAR101 and in the MFNZ CAR102 Unmanned Aircraft Operations Manual
The observer qualification is unique in that it is also available to non MFNZ members. This process is available via an online training and certification process, ensuring that those performing the observer role have the required knowledge of aviation law and health and safety principals. Any MFNZ Wings qualified member can assess and approve an Observer.
