for the enjoyment of New Zealand's unique aviation environment
Recreational
Backcountry
Pilots
Association
OUR PURPOSE
Since our establishment in 2012, the RBPA has worked to enable recreational access to New Zealand's backcountry for fixed wing aircraft. Our focus is preserving recreational aircraft access by respecting conservation objectives, collaborating with other users of public land, and continuing New Zealand's unique history of backcountry aviation.
Become an RBPA member or renew your membership to gain access to the backcountry. Through our concession, we offer members the ability to land on conservation estates without contacting the Department of Conservation (DOC) or the RBPA prior to each flight. With annual subscriptions and straightforward access, RBPA makes it easy to enjoy the backcountry.
ACCESS TO THE BACKCOUNTRY
How does it work?
Members of the association are provided with our concession, membership rules, and access to information about the airstrips and other landing places. We are here to enable backcountry access, we do not to publish maps or lists of airstrips. Discovering your own slice of New Zealand's backcountry has always been part of the journey.
NEW TO THE BACKCOUNTRY?
What you need to know...
As pilot in command, gaining permission to land is your responsibility. RBPA members may land upon conservation estate under our concession.
The concession provides for access to selected places. Many airstrips have closed seasons, runholder's rights, or special conditions of use. Become an RBPA member to learn more.
Access to the backcountry for new users may be facilitated by our committee members. Our committee is comprised of experienced pilots able to provide information about how the concession applies to conservation estate. This is not a substitute for instruction or flight training.
