Delays threaten aerospace industry

• Published date: 17 December 2022
• Publication title: Otago Daily Times (New Zealand)

Regulators say they are under pressure and adding resources, but the backlog for a burgeoning industry is daunting

Companies say it is taking 10 to 18 months to get approval from the Civil Aviation Authority, whether to test reusable rockets or commercialise drones to spray crops or weeds.

One consultant who RNZ is not naming said they had just sent two companies to Queensland rather than wait around here.

Separately, Syos Aerospace of Mount Maunganui is about to begin testing its black drone helicopter, able to lift 200kg, in the UK and open an office there.

Chief executive Sam Vye is considering whether to take that further.

‘‘Certainly there is an attractive route to going overseas permanently to actually have a faster regulatory sign-off,’’ Mr Vye said.

‘‘We could go to Australia, we could go to the UK.

‘‘The UK, it seems like they can approve things within two to three months, because we’re doing that right now. So it’s significantly faster than New Zealand.’’

President of Aerospace New Zealand Mark Rocket is fearful of an industry boom degenerating into a mass exodus.

‘‘We’re talking about just a few that I’ve heard...