CAA and Industry launch Emerging Aviation Forum

The Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA), supported by the Ministry of Transport and New Zealand Defence Force, in concert with – aviation/aerospace representatives from industry, research institutes, state-owned enterprises, government agencies and academia – have created a forum designed to enable the aviation/aerospace industry and the aviation regulator to work more closely together.

The Emerging Aviation Technologies Forum is co-chaired by Steve Smyth (CAA) on behalf of the aviation regulators and by Catherine MacGowan (Wisk), on behalf of ‘Industry’.

“We have invited individuals with appropriate knowledge, skills and experience to join the Forum,” says Steve Smyth, Director the CAA’s Emerging Technologies Programme. ‘The Forum is set to be a key enabler of strategic advice between the aviation industry and the regulator regarding aviation technologies that are likely to enter the New Zealand aviation system in the next decade.’

During the Forum’s first meeting in April, members emphasised the importance of safety, and the potential for benefits to the environment, the economy and communities offered by advanced aviation technologies.

“There is a huge amount of innovation happening in the aviation sector in Aotearoa as companies explore ways that these technologies can support our communities. I'm really excited that the CAA is committed to increasing their understanding of these developments,” says Catherine MacGowan, Vice President of APAC and Air Operations for Wisk Aero.

As co-chairs, the CAA and Wisk will act as both facilitators and collaborators. “This Forum will help the CAA to consider how to adapt for the needs of the sector in the future, to safely certify and incorporate new technologies into our aviation system,” says MacGowan.

This Forum’s work will be made available on the CAA website for the benefit of industry and other agencies and be kept updated after future Forum meetings.