for the enjoyment of New Zealand's unique aviation environment
Frequently Asked Questions
Keeping it simple.
Does the RBPA concession give unlimited access to conservation estate?
No - the concession allows access to specific places. This list includes some airstrips and other locations where rugged, high performance aircraft can land. It also includes some places which aren't currently suitable for aircraft due to ever changing conditions.
Does the RPBA publish a list of airstrips?
No - the RBPA wants our members to enjoy the backcountry safely. To achieve this outcome, RBPA has a process for sharing information about airstrips and ensuring members understand the restrictions prior to entering conservation estate. Discovering airstrips has always been one of the most exciting parts of a new journey into the backcountry.
What are membership fees used for?
The RBPA enables access to airstrips by upholding and periodically renewing our concession. We maintain a membership system and ensure reporting requirements are met. We also continue to work with DOC to add new locations of importance to the aviation community, as old locations are lost to the ever-changing backcountry environment. We also advocate for continued access, when necessary. All this activity comes at some cost, although the RBPA is run by volunteers.
The RBPA also aims to develop relationships with other users of conservation estate by supporting recreational and conservation activities. RBPA volunteers regularly fly people or materials into the backcountry for conservation projects. RBPA occasionally makes modest cash donations toward the cost of upgrading facilities - such as backcountry huts.
