CASA -October 2026 Regulatory wrap-up

November 3, 2026

Have you seen the following updates published on our website during October?

SMS requirements for aviation service providers

Have your say on our proposal to establish a single set of safety management system (SMS) requirements under a new Part 5 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) and an associated Manual of Standards (MOS). The proposal applies only to organisations currently required to have an SMS under Parts 139.H, 171, 172, 173 and 175 of CASR, including:

aerodrome rescue and firefighting service providers
air traffic service providers
aeronautical communication and navigation service providers
aeronautical information service providers
instrument flight procedure design organisations.

Review the proposal and provide feedback by 11 November.

Airworthiness guidance for complex drone operations

We are seeking feedback on draft guidance to support airworthiness requirements under the Australian Specific Operations Risk Assessment (AusSORA) framework. AusSORA is CASA's process for assessing higher-risk drone operations, such as beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights.

Have your say by 11 November.

Guidance for drone-drone deconfliction

We are seeking feedback on draft guidance to help drone operators identify and manage potential conflicts with other drones. The guidance outlines recommended practices for sharing planned flight information, coordinating with other operators and using available uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) traffic management services. It also outlines expectations for UAS service suppliers.

Read the draft guidance and provide feedback by 17 November.

Drone-related NOTAMs, record keeping and RePL exams

We have published the summary of consultation on proposed amendments affecting some drone and rocket operations, remote pilots, and training providers. Respondents broadly supported the objectives of the 3 proposals.

We will now consider the feedback as we determine the final regulatory approach. We also intend to consult further with industry on RePL examination standards and arrangements, providing another opportunity to contribute to their development.

Proposed business and owner transport classifications

We have published the summary of consultation on the proposal to introduce 2 new operational classifications: business transport and owner transport.

Structural fatigue ADs repealed for ageing aircraft

We have repealed 18 unique Australian structural fatigue ADs affecting certain ageing general aviation aircraft. Following a policy review and public consultation, we determined these requirements are no longer necessary because ageing aircraft risks can be effectively managed through existing continuing airworthiness obligations, manufacturer instructions and applicable State of Design ADs.

More information about the changes and any actions you may need to take is available on the CASA website.

Consequential amendments to CAO 100.5

We have amended Civil Aviation Order 100.5 (General requirements in respect of maintenance of Australian aircraft) 2011. This compilation of the instrument incorporates amendments up to the Civil Aviation Order 100.5 Amendment Instrument 2026 (No. 1), which took effect on 23 October. The amendments are largely consequential, updating references, definitions, and cross-links to align CAO 100.5 with the flight operations regulatory framework.

Part 21 amendments improve flexibility for specialised operations

Amendments are now in effect that provide greater flexibility for specialised aviation operations while maintaining appropriate safety standards. The amendments also update Part 21 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) and its associated Manual of Standards (MOS) to provide approval pathways for certain equipment used in human external cargo operations. More information is available on the CASA website.

New guide published for aerodromes

We've published a new guide to help aerodrome operators understand the Part 139 regulations. Our Guide for aerodrome operators brings together key regulatory requirements and standards in a practical, easy-to-read format for Part 139 of CASR and the Part 139 MOS. We have also included exemptions, relevant guidance material and advisory documents.

Flight operations final transition countdown

The flight operations transition milestone of 1 December is fast approaching. By 2 December, all exemptions that allowed existing operators to defer implementation of certain flight operations requirements will end.

Operators who are required to implement their SMS, HFNTS and where required FDAP systems, should now ensure that they're ready to support normal operations. Download our implementation readiness checklist to help you identify any actions that need to be completed before 1 December.

Western Sydney International: Passenger flights commenced

Domestic and international passenger flights are now operating at Western Sydney International Airport.

With more aircraft operating in the Sydney Basin, now is a good time to refresh your understanding of the new Sydney airspace arrangements.

Upcoming changes to restricted airspace near Sydney Harbour

From 26 November, the En route supplement Australia (ERSA) will contain updates for helicopters and seaplanes that fly in restricted airspace R407 over Sydney Harbour.

This includes new tracking requirements for the Harbour Lane and the removal of the Lane Cove River access lane. Check the AIP and NOTAMs to prepare. Visit the CASA website to learn more.

Provide feedback for airspace in Ballina and Sydney

We have published an Airspace insights feedback form to collect data from pilots and operators about their experiences operating in controlled airspace at Ballina, Bankstown and Western Sydney International Airports. Information collected will help us better understand pilot experiences, measure operational impacts, assess the effectiveness of the airspace and identify opportunities for improvement.

Advisory Circulars (AC)

We published the following AC s in October:

AC 139.E-05 v2.0 - Obstacles (including wind farms) outside the vicinity of a CASA certified aerodrome
AC 147-02 v8.10 - Approved Part 147 training organisations
AC 145-07 v1.0 - Implementation procedures for the technical arrangement on aviation maintenance between CASA and UK CAA
AC 101-01 v6.2 - Remotely piloted aircraft systems - licensing and operations
AC 139.C-05 v2.1 - Aeronautical information reporting and monitoring
AC 91-22 v2.2 - Aircraft checklists
AC 1-01 v3.2 - Understanding the legislative framework

Technical working groups (TWGs) support the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP). They provide advice to CASA on specific work areas.

In October, the following TWGs took place:

Sport and Recreation Aviation Part 103 Manual of Standards (MOS)
Australian Future Airspace Framework.

Find out more about active technical working groups.

Expressions of interest for TWG register

Would you like to use your aviation experience to help with safety and regulatory proposals? The ASAP regularly draws on the expression of interest list when considering TWG membership.

Update to pilot exam materials

Pilots preparing for CASA flight crew licensing examinations should be aware of changes relating to Jeppesen paper publications that can be used for exams. With Jeppesen paper publications being discontinued from 31 October, pilots choosing to use existing Jeppesen printed materials from 1 November should note that this information may no longer reflect current aeronautical data.

Website updates

We often get enquiries about topics which we use to improve the information on our website. As a result, the following web pages have recently been updated:

Apply to provide AROC training and assessment - explains the requirements and application process for organisations that want to deliver Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) training.
Getting a type rating overseas - provides information on overseas type-rating training pathways to improve awareness, reduce confusion and help industry access approved training options.
Keeping records in flight crew logbooks - provides a single source of guidance on how to record flight information, reducing confusion and repeat enquiries about what hours can be logged and count towards CASA requirements.

CASA -October 2026 Regulatory wrap-up

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