Consultations
Seeking feedback from commercial pilots and operators on fatigue framework
We are conducting a post-implementation review of the fatigue framework in Civil Aviation Order 48.1. As part of the review, we are seeking feedback from commercial pilots and aircraft operators on how the framework is working in practice.
CAO 48.1 provides a framework for managing the risks of flight crew member (pilot) fatigue in Australian aircraft operations. In particular, Appendices 1 to 7 of CAO 48.1 establish fatigue management settings for commercial operations (operations that are not private operations).
Commercial pilots
Pilots operating under the appendices to CAO 48.1 can complete the pilot survey on the CASA Consultation Hub and share their experiences with the fatigue management arrangements.
Aircraft operators
Aircraft operators can complete the operator survey that has been distributed directly to aircraft operators.
Feedback collected through the pilot and operator surveys will help us better understand how the fatigue rules are working in practice and identify opportunities for improvement.
Summary of consultation
Proposed annual VH aircraft registration scheme
We've published the summary of consultation and feedback on the proposed annual VH aircraft registration scheme. We received 718 submissions from across the aviation community. Respondents identified a range of considerations relating to affordability, administration and implementation, while feedback largely focused on how the scheme should be designed and implemented rather than opposition to the concept itself.
We are considering your feedback as policy development progresses. We will consider the operational impacts, administrative and legislative arrangements needed to introduce the scheme and seek further feedback on any proposed legislative changes required to support.
Feedback helps shape future drone operations above 400 ft
We have published the summary of consultation on proposed drone operations above 400 ft in defined environments.
Respondents broadly supported a more proportionate, risk-based approach. They also sought clearer operating boundaries, practical guidance and proportionate radio, notification and assurance requirements. The feedback will inform further policy development and work to support any future changes.
Proposed updates to the Sydney VTC near Camden and The Oaks
We have published the summary of consultation and responses received on a proposal to update information for The Oaks aerodrome on the Sydney visual terminal chart (VTC), along with associated changes near Camden Airport.
We are now considering and reviewing the feedback received, as well as safety information about the area, to determine how to proceed with any airspace changes and what these might look like.
Rules and regulations
Class 5 medicals to remain unchanged
The Class 5 medical self-declaration scheme will continue without change after a post-implementation review. The review found that Class 5 is working as intended and supporting recreational and private flying while maintaining an appropriate level of safety. If you currently use, or plan to use, a Class 5 medical, nothing is changing. Find out more on the CASA website.
DAMP program exemptions
CASA has renewed several exemptions relating to drug and alcohol management program (DAMP) requirements:
DAMP requirements for approved maintenance organisations
From 1 September, CASA EX66/26 replaced the expired CASA EX86/23 and continues existing arrangements for CAR30 and Part 145 maintenance organisations conducting activities outside Australian territory. It allows eligible organisations to continue using alternative measures, instead of a Part 99-compliant DAMP, for safety-sensitive aviation activities conducted outside Australia.
DAMP organisation reporting requirements
From 1 October, CASA EX84/26 replaces the expired CASA EX92/23. The new exemption continues existing arrangements alleviating DAMP organisations from needing to regularly report certain occurrences to CASA. The organisations are instead required to keep appropriate records and make them available to CASA on request.
DAMP requirements for persons employed by non-DAMP organisations
From 1 October, CASA EX83/26 replaces the expired CASA EX93/23. The new exemption continues allowing employees or contractors of non-DAMP organisations, who conduct safety sensitive aviation activities for DAMP organisations, to be covered by a drug and alcohol management program run by the non-DAMP organisation instead of the primary program run by the DAMP organisation.
Airspace updates
Provide feedback for airspace in Ballina and Sydney
We have published a new 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. The form will help us better understand pilot experiences, measure operational impacts, assess the effectiveness of the airspace and identify opportunities for improvement.
Guidance materials
Advisory Circulars (AC)
We published the following ACs in September:
AC 139.D-02 v1.1 - Guidelines for certified air/ground radio services
AC 21-56 v1.0 - Implementation procedures for the technical arrangement on airworthiness between CASA and UK CAA
AC 139.C-22 v2.0 - Runway safety teams
AC 139.C-13 v2.0 - Apron safety management
AC 139.A-03 v1.2 - Application of aerodrome standards
AC 139.C-05 v2.0 - Aeronautical information reporting and monitoring
AC 139.C-01 v2.0 - Aerodrome manual
AC 65-01 v2.0 - Air traffic controller licensing
AC 139.C-03 v2.0 - Serviceability inspections
Aviation Safety Advisory Panel
The Aviation Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) is CASA's main advisory body. It helps us seek industry input on current and future regulatory and policy approaches.
The ASAP held its third meeting for the year. The agenda covered a range of topics including updates on the new airspace around Bankstown and Western Sydney International Airport, the business transport technical working group, and an overview of CASA's aviation safety scorecard.
Technical working groups
Technical working groups (TWGs) support the ASAP. They provide advice to CASA on specific work areas.
In September the following TWGs occurred:
Sport and recreation aviation (Part 103) Manual of Standards
Biannual remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) roadmap implementation.
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.
Register your interest now
Other news
Are you ready for 1 December?
From 1 December, operators who are in the final stage of the flight operations transition are expected to be actively using their SMS, HFNTS and, where applicable, FDAP procedures as part of normal operations. Visit the flight operations regulations transition webpage for guidance, tools and resources to support implementation.
Don't miss out - safety manager scholarships closing soon!
Applications for our safety manager scholarships close on 18 October. Each $5,000 scholarship provides financial support for safety managers to enhance their knowledge and skills through professional development. They are designed to support emerging or developing safety managers who have not yet had access to formal safety management training.
Aviation weather services survey
The Bureau of Meteorology is seeking feedback on the aviation weather services they provide. Your feedback will help them understand how satisfied industry is with the services and identify opportunities for improvement. It also includes questions on how you access weather information. The survey closes 30 October.
