AIP - An Introduction

What is an AIP in New Zealand?

AIPs or Aeronautical Information Publications are a result of the Civil Aviation Authorities' requirement to "… ensure that aeronautical information services are provided in New Zealand" (CAA, 2005, p. 1). This process is carried out by Airways New Zealand, the AIS or Aeronautical Information Services Provider, under CAR Part 175.

The AIPs are divided into three sections: GEN - General, ENR - En-route, and AD - Aerodrome. These section provide administration and explanations, information about airspace and its use, and information regarding aerodromes and their use respectively. However, the third section is broken up into two separate sections AD1, which provides information about airports, and Aerodrome Charts, which provides aeronautical charts for pilots and aviators to use.

Explanations of the Different Sections

GEN - General

The general section of the AIPs provide information regarding national regulations and requirements, important and helpful tables and codes, a list and the explanations of the services provided to aircraft within New Zealand, and the charges for aerodromes and services.

Examples of which are: Differences from ICAO Standards, Daylight Tables, Aeronautical Information Services, and Air Navigation Service Charges.

ENR - En-route

The en-route section of the AIPs provide information in regards to the events and hazards that could be found outside of aerodromes, which are covered in another section. The en-route section provides such information as general rules and procedures, to VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) aircraft, other areas include: air traffic support services, preferred en-route routes, radio navigation aid and systems information, and navigation warnings.

Examples of which are: Visual Flight Rules, FIR, OCA, and CTA Support Services, Domestic ATS Routes, Ground Navigation Aids, and Bird Migration and Concentration.

AD1 - Aerodrome

This section of the AIPs provides information regarding hazards and events at Aerodromes, this section does not cover each aerodrome individually, but gives a regional overview of the information that could be of use at a general level. However, there is information regarding specific major airports within this section, such information includes operational hours and facilities. These major airports are: Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Palmerston North, Queenstown, and Wellington.

Examples of which are: Index of Aerodromes and Heliports, Wake Turbulence and Jet Blast, and Pilot Activated Lighting (PAL).

CHARTS - Aerodrome Charts

This section simply covers all the information regarding aerodrome and heliport operations at all of New Zealand's registered airfields and heliports, this includes heliports such as the ASB Bank Center, to airfields such as Rangiora all the way up to Auckland and Christchurch International Airports, and all the charts regrading operations.

Examples of which are: Auckland, Dunedin, and Rotorua

Why are AIPs important?

As a pilot

AIPs govern the regulations and operational requirements when operating anywhere within New Zealand. It is therefore of the utmost importance that for pilots and aviators learn about their use, how to read them, and how to access them.

The NZ AIP is available on the INTERNET. This initiative contributes to the efficiency and safety of the NZ aviation system. Access to the information is now easier with the assurance that the information is up to date. Making the information available in electronic form also facilitates the use of the information in capabilities such as advanced cockpits, smart phones, tablets and electronic flight bags. All this may eventually lead to the paperless cockpit. In high work load situations critical information should be available quicker in a more presentable form. The use of electronic formats reduces laborious tasks such as amendments, and time associated with preparation of paper formats. Therefore the initiative is more efficient and safer.

As an operations manager

When pilots operate they must comply with the regional AIPs, it is therefore important for operations managers to understand how this will effect them. In a sense, not very much, but because the AIPs include items such as preferred routes, gate positions and taxi charts, it may make aircraft operations more efficient if the manager of such operations were to understand how the above impacts fuel, time spent in the air, and passenger comfort or quality.

As a safety manager

AIPs include specific information regarding hazards found both at aerodromes and en-route. Information such as bird migration, daylight times, dangerous areas, and military zones may have a safety impact on operations, and it therefore falls upon the safety manager to alter routes or seek corrective action.

1. Civil Aviation Authority (2005). General 0-1 Preface [Electronic Version]. Wellington, New Zealand: Civil Aviation Authority.

Want to know more?

AIP Website

Contributors to this page

Authors / Editors

David HansenDavid Hansen
