Forms & Links

Which Aircraft need to be certified?

  • Category 1: All unmanned aircraft (RC model aircraft) that weigh 15 – 25kg (including fuel)

  • Category 2: All unmanned aircraft (RC model aircraft) that weigh 25 – 150kg (including fuel) Category 2 is broken down into 2A and 2B

    • 2A applies from 25kg up to 75kg
    • 2B applies from over 75kg to 150kg

  • Category 3: All unmanned aircraft (RC model aircraft) that weigh less than 15kg, but are powered by

    • Internal combustion engine that exceeds 88cc
    • Turbines greater than 142N thrust
    • Turboprops greater than 5.2kW sustained output
    • Electric motors with greater than a sustained input of 5kW

How do I get certified?

  • Step One: Read the LM Code of Practice – this document contains all the information you need to know.

  • Step Two: Fill out Form A – Registration, this process applies to both scratch built and ARTF models.

  • Step Three: Once the form has been received, the Large Model Controller will email you an invoice as per the inspection fee structure outlined below.  Once payment has been received the Large Model Controller will then contact you with your project registration number.

  • Step Four: The Large Model Controller will asign an Inspector to your project and advise on things you need to know that will assist you completing your project.

Next steps?

Once your inspector completes and signs your Form B, Cat 1 & 3 pilots can commence test flying and a Certificate of Design and Construction will be issued.

Note both Cat 2A & 2B require a Flight Authorisation issued by the LMC (large model controller) prior to ANY test flights!

Depending on which category your project falls into will determine the flight test requirements

  • Cat 1 & 3 require 5 flights
  • Cat 2A requires 1 hour 
  • Cat 2B a total of 1.5 hours

Once the test flights are successfully completed and lodged on Form C the Permit To Fly is issued and you are MFNZ certified to fly your aircraft at events, club meetings and the likes.

LM Permit Expired?

Aircraft Permit Renewal

There’s a simple 3 step  process for renewing your LM permit as follows:

1/ Go to this link Aeroplane Re-Inspection Form and in conjunction with your inspector go through the form checking the aircraft over section by section.

It’s a simple tick box process and then you submit the form.
The process is the same for helicopters and gliders just using their respective links.

2/ I will then process the form and send you an invoice for the Permit Renewal.

3/ On receipt of your payment I will issue your new permit and you’re done!

Any questions or if you don’t have an inspector please don’t hesitate to contact me on email lmc@mfnz.org

All Cat 1, 2A, 2B & 3 aircraft must comply with the MFNZ Large Model Code of Practice (LMCOP)

Download

Large Model Code of Practice

Download

List of MFNZ Large Model Inspection fees

(Effective 1st January 2024)

  • Rene Redmond – Large Model Controller

  • lmc@mfnz.org