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From Director of Aviation Safety Shane Carmody

Earlier this month I announced my time with CASA will draw to a close at the end of 2020. It has been a privilege to lead CASA and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me personally, as well as our organisation, over what will be more than four years. I have really appreciated the many personal approaches throughout my time as Director of Aviation Safety, and the willingness of the aviation community to work collaboratively with CASA to achieve the best possible safety and regulatory outcomes. It is my view that CASA is in a strong position and is well equipped to meet the challenges of the future. An executive search is underway to find the best candidates to take CASA forward.

Between now and the end of 2020 I intend to keep pushing ahead with a comprehensive range of initiatives. These include:

• Managing our business and assisting the aviation community through the COVID-19 recovery
• Finalisation of the consequential, application, transitional and savings regulations
• Finalisation of the manuals of standards for the flight operations regulations
• Implementation of commercial drone registration due to commence in September 2020
• Completion of a review into issues around the passenger seat limit for air transport in smaller aeroplanes
• Further transition of self-administering organisations into Part 149, and
• Continuing our business transformation and digitisation initiatives, including the release of electronic access to flight crew licence and remote pilot licence details and some licence applications via the myCASA portal. We will also be releasing the first iOS compatible electronic licence view for remote licences next month and for flight crew licences holders later this year.

We will continue to closely monitor the impacts caused by COVID-19 and are doing our utmost to be flexible in our regulatory approach during this challenging time. Some of our initial exemptions from March this year are approaching their end date and it is important to make sure they do not just lapse without further consideration. While many parts of the aviation industry have continued to operate during the COVID crisis, I am conscious of people and organisations who have been heavily impacted. We particularly want to be able to support those who will need to come back from an extended period of time without operating. If you are still experiencing difficulties, please contact your CASA regional office for support.

Below are two mock ups of digital licences CASA is developing.

    

Best wishes
Shane Carmody

Updates

Green light for low cost ADS-B

A greater range of Automatic Dependant Surveillance-Broadcast equipment will now be available for visual flight rules aircraft. A Civil Aviation Order has been amended to widen the range of ADS-B technology that can be approved for visual flight rules operations. This will make it possible for more affordable equipment to be voluntarily fitted. CASA has published detailed advice for aircraft owners and pilots on the voluntary fitting and use of ADS-B in visual flight rules aircraft. The technical standards for ADS-B OUT now include a range of equipment options primarily aimed at visual flight rules aircraft, including transponder-based systems and self-contained systems called Electronic Conspicuity devices and integrated Traffic Awareness Beacon Systems. The standards also allow technically capable, but non-TSO ADS-B OUT equipment, to be installed in a range of sport aviation, experimental and certain other aircraft. The changes follow consultation on proposals to expand standards to permit the use of lower cost ADS-B equipment to enhance visual flight rules situational awareness to improve flight safety. One hundred and thirteen responses to the proposals were received and as a result CASA made a number of changes to the final standards.

Read the low cost ADS-B advisory circular.

Find out more about the ADS-B consultation feedback.

Read general information about aircraft surveillance.

Carbon monoxide danger

Warnings have been issued about the dangers of carbon monoxide poising in piston engine aircraft. Both CASA and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau have released notices highlighting the risks of exhaust gas leaks and openings in engine firewalls. The warnings follow the collision with water of a DHC-2 Beaver floatplane at Jerusalem Bay, on the Hawkesbury River north of Sydney, on 31 December 2017. The pilot and five passengers lost their lives in the accident. Medical toxicology testing as part of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s ongoing investigation of the accident found the pilot and two of the passengers had elevated levels of carbon monoxide. On the basis of medical advice the Bureau considers the levels of carbon monoxide were likely to have adversely affected the pilot’s ability to control the aircraft. The Beaver aircraft had pre-existing cracking of the engine exhaust collector-ring and a breach in the firewall from missing bolts used to secure magneto access panels in the firewall under the instrument panel in the cabin. A CASA airworthiness bulletin recommends a thorough inspection of exhaust systems and system replacement before the point of failure. Modifications to firewalls and access panels must be sealed and heating ducts and valves must function correctly. Small electronic carbon monoxide detectors should be carried in aircraft, with reliance on only visual indicator placards that change colour not considered optimal.

Read the carbon monoxide airworthiness bulletin.

Go to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigation update and safety notices.

Safety bureau R44 vibration warning

Robinson R44 helicopter pilots who experience unusual vibrations through the tail rotor pedals are being urged to land as soon as possible. The advice from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau follows a fatal accident involving an R44 helicopter at Broome in Western Australia on 4 July 2020. CASA is monitoring the investigation and will take appropriate action if required. “Based on CCTV footage and examination of the wreckage, ATSB investigators have been able to determine that the helicopter’s tail rotor gearbox, tail rotor and tail assembly separated from the helicopter soon after take-off,” said Australian Transport Safety Bureau Chief Commissioner Greg Hood. Following the in-flight separation of the tail, the helicopter then fell to the ground, out of control. ATSB investigators have interviewed a pilot who flew the accident aircraft on 2 July 2020 and reported feeling unusual vibrations through the tail rotor pedals. The pilot of the accident flight also conducted a short flight in the helicopter and confirmed the unusual vibrations. Maintenance personnel subsequently conducted a dynamic tail rotor balance on the day before the accident. “At this stage the reasons for the in-flight breakup, and the significance of the reported vibrations through the tail rotor pedals, are not known, and the ATSB will provide further advice when relevant information is available,” Mr Hood said. “While the investigation is on-going, the ATSB urges any R44 pilot that experiences unusual vibrations through the tail rotor pedals to land as soon as possible.”

Find out more about the R44 accident investigation.

Inspections to stop Piper wing failure

Owners, operators and maintainers of a range of Piper PA-28 and PA-32 aeroplanes need to be aware of recommended actions to prevent a wing spar failure. In December 2018, a wing separated from a Piper PA-28R-201 operated at a US flight school due to fatigue cracking of the left wing lower main spar cap. Two pilots were killed in the accident. The right wing from the wreckage showed similar cracks in the lower spar attachment outer bolts. A further 16 aircraft from four other flight schools in the US were inspected and one was found to be cracked in the same location. Other failures have occurred in the past on similar models and in a similar location. These areas of the wing are not easily inspected during existing routine maintenance. Piper have released a service bulletin for inspections for cracking in the wing lower spar cap outer two bolts on each wing using an eddy current. In an airworthiness bulletin CASA says aircraft with more than 5000 hours time in service should have the inspection at the next maintenance opportunity, but not greater than 100 hours time in service.

Read the airworthiness bulletin about Piper wing inspections.

More online services coming soon

Additional services will be added to the myCASA portal in early August 2020. New functions range from a simple licence reprint through to an online application to be a pilot. The myCASA changes are all part of CASA’s program to make online services better and more comprehensive. New services include:

• Aeronautical Radio Operators Certificates
• aviation English language proficiency assessment and validation
• General English language proficiency assessment and validation
• Flight crew and pilot licence applications
• Fireworks display notifications
• Flight review notifications and licence reprints.

This initiative will transfer about 15,000 regulatory service transactions a year from a paper process to online. Individuals will also be able to access the library of their data held by CASA, such as their contact details, licences, ratings and endorsements. Currently CASA offers a range of online service such as applications for aviation reference numbers, online learning, aircraft ownership transfer for individuals, remote pilot licence applications and contact detail updates. To make the latest upgrades CASA’s systems will be unavailable from 7 pm on Friday 31 July 2020 until 7 pm on Sunday 2 August. The outage will affect the self-service portal, flight test management system, myCASA and AviationWorx.

Go to the myCASA portal.

Part 121 standards consultation open

Have your say now on the second tranche of the proposed manual of standards for Part 121 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. To make consultation on the Part 121 manual of standards easier CASA has divided the process into three tranches. The second tranche includes standards relating to aircraft performance, flight crew and cabin crew training and checking and emergency evacuation demonstrations and procedural requirements. Consultation on the first tranche of Part 121 closed in 16 July 2020, and the third tranche which has five chapters will open shortly. Part 121 applies to all operators conducting Australian air transport operations using larger aeroplanes. Part 121 was made into law in December 2018 as part of the new flight operations suite of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and takes effect from 2 December 2021. The manual of standards will not be made into law until after feedback from all three tranches of consultation has been analysed and any necessary changes have been made.

Comment before 3 August 2020 on the second tranche of the Part 121 manual of standards.

COVID-19 support continues

CASA continues to provide support to the aviation community during the COVID-19 crisis. A 12-month extension has been put in place for people training to be an aircraft maintenance engineer. The exemption gives relief from the normal Part 66 timeframe requirements covering the practical aspects of aircraft maintenance engineer training and exams. There is now more time for people who are part way through their training and examinations to complete their qualifications. The exemption applies from 22 March 2020 until 22 March 2021. CASA has a package of COVID-19 relief measures for aircraft operators, pilots, aerodromes, maintenance organisations, air traffic controllers and remote aircraft pilots. For pilots there are general exemptions and extensions for number of licencing authorisations including medical certificates, flight reviews and proficiency checks.

Keep up to date with the COVID-19 relief measures.

New CASA Board members

Two new appointments have been made to the CASA Board. Ms Elizabeth Hallett and Ms Marilyn Andre have been appointed for three-year terms. They replace Ms Anita Taylor and Ms Cheryl Cartwright, whose terms have been completed. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the appointments ensure CASA will continue to deliver the high standard of aviation safety that the Government, travelling public and broader community expect. “Ms Andre has a strong aviation background with more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across various sectors of the industry and is actively involved in encouraging, mentoring and promoting women as the future leaders of aviation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “Ms Hallett has an extensive background in legal, regulatory and corporate governance, risk management and strategy development which will be so valuable to the CASA Board. I look forward to continuing to work closely with CASA to ensure Australia maintains our enviable position as a world leader in air safety and continues a safety regime that meets worldwide best-practice standards.” Mr McCormack acknowledged and thanked Ms Cartwright and Ms Taylor for valuable contributions to the CASA Board.

In brief

• There have been a number of infringements of controlled airspace since the Sunshine Coast aerodrome runway 13/31 opened on 14 June 2020. Changes to control area steps means pilots transiting the visual flight rules lane to the west of the Bruce Highway must now stay below 1500 feet. Failure to do this is bringing general aviation aircraft into close proximity to turboprop and jet aircraft landing at the Sunshine Coast from the north on the new runway 31. Find out about correct procedures now.
• Two new members will join CASA’s primary consultative group - the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel. Mark Awad, chief executive officer, Australian Warbirds Association, and Malcolm Sharp, managing director, Sharp Airlines, bring a wealth of experience from recreational and regional aviation. They replace Jim Davis and Michael Monck who were inaugural members of the Panel. Professor Patrick Murray will continue as the chair of the Panel for another year.
• More than 113,000 Australians have taken CASA’s drone safety quiz and learned more about the drone rules as a result of a national drone safety education campaign. The ‘Know Your Drone’ campaign ran on a range of online media during the first half of 2020.
• Don’t delay, subscribe today to Flight Safety Australia magazine. A recent survey found 94% of readers have learnt useful information on aviation safety. And 85% said it influenced them to become safer in their role. Choose a subscription plan to suit you - $39 per year (save over 10 per cent) or $11 per quarter. Hurry - subscribe by 4 August in time to get the Spring edition.
• Transitional arrangements for new aerodrome regulations, which come into effect on 13 August 2020, have been released. Feedback from consultation has been incorporated and the transition period has been extended by a further three months for existing certified and registered aerodromes.

From Director of Aviation Safety Shane Carmody

On 6 July 2020, CASA turns 25. I realise not everyone will be rushing to celebrate, but never-the-less this is a time to reflect on where we have come from, the many challenges faced and overcome by the aviation community and the progress we have all made. Being a regulator is challenging but, on balance, I believe that over the last 25 years CASA and its people have got far more right than wrong. Australia’s aviation safety record is arguably one of the best in the world and we have a widely respected aviation safety system. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization we are currently ranked sixth out of member states for an effective national safety system. Of course, CASA is only one part of the national aviation safety system, yet on any reasonable assessment it is an important part. The system works best when the regulator, aviation organisations, people in operational roles such as pilots and engineers, as well as other aviation bodies such as Airservices Australia and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, all pursue common and complementary safety goals – in other words we work together.

CASA and Airservices Australia were born out of reviews of systemic regulatory issues with their predecessor, the Civil Aviation Authority, in relation to the major aviation tragedies Monarch and Seaview, in which 15 people were fatally injured. The Civil Aviation Authority was split into separate safety regulatory and air navigation functions, which allowed greater specialisation and focus on key areas. Importantly, it lowered the risk of conflicts of interest arising, which is particularly significant for the safety regulator.

Over the last 25 years CASA has strived to get the safety balance right, whether that is protecting fare paying passengers from unacceptable risks or ensuring there are appropriate regulations for general aviation. There can be debates about the finer details of actions we have taken over 25 years, but there can be no doubting our intent has always been to develop and nurture a safety framework that manages risks effectively and in doing so saves lives.

I consider CASA can be particularly proud of its achievements over 25 years in the area of safety education and promotion. Flight Safety Australia has delivered in-depth and insightful stories on every facet of aviation safety, both in magazine and online editions. We have held thousands of safety seminars for pilots and engineers, produced safety resources such as flight guides, information booklets and checklists, and delivered multimedia packages to support campaigns on key issues such as safety management and human factors.

Over the life of CASA there have been a wide range of important initiatives that have reached fruition. These include the introduction of Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast for all instrument flight rules operations, the adoption of a risk-based approach to surveillance with priority given to passenger-carrying operations, reforms to the aviation medical system including the establishment of the Basic Class 2 medical, more effective and formalised consultation with the aviation community, establishment of the Industry Complaints Commissioner, setting up the Office of Airspace Regulation, establishing the Flight Training and Testing Office, introducing requirements for safety management systems, establishing drug and alcohol management and testing, running an ageing aircraft campaign, bringing in new fatigue risk management rules and pioneering regulations covering remotely piloted aircraft operations. This is only an extract of the last 25 years and I thank CASA’s staff, past and present, for all their achievements working with the aviation community for safe skies for all.

Best wishes
Shane Carmody

Updates

Support for COVID-19 recovery

A new resource has been released to support the aviation community during the COVID-19 recovery. A valuable package of safety tips called ‘fit to fly’ is set out in a series of checklists. The check lists cover personal issues for pilots, flight planning, aircraft preparation, aerodrome and airspace issues and maintenance. Information ranges from physical and mental health to issues for aircraft after long periods of inactivity. There is also a package of related maintenance information and links to other useful reading. All pilots will find the fit to fly checklists a practical tool in the current environment. Fit to fly is the latest CASA initiative to support pilots during the COVID-19 crisis. Other initiatives include extending 800 air operator certificates and more than 300 flight training approvals by six months, a six-month extension of medical certificates for more than 30,000 pilots and a package of measures for more than 14,000 aircraft maintenance engineers. There are also relief measures in place for drone operators, aerodromes and air traffic controllers. CASA moved quickly to introduce these measures to ease the burden on the aviation community during the COVID-19 crisis.

Go to the fit to fly check lists.

Find out more about COVID-19 relief measures.

Have your say on Part 121 standards

Consultation is underway on the new manual of standards covering air transport operations in large aeroplanes. The consultation on the manual of standards for Part 121 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations is being run in three tranches. The first, which is open for comment until 16 July 2020, covers five areas. These are carriage of documents and emergency and survival equipment information, operational flight plans, narrow runway width calculations, safety briefings and instructions including safety briefing cards, and weight and balance documents and standard weights. CASA is also asking for comment on a number of proposed modifications to the Part 121 regulations which have become necessary as a result of ongoing discussions with representatives from the aviation community. There will be consultation on the remaining nine chapters of the Part 121 manual of standards later in 2020. Part 121 covers multi-engine aeroplane air transport operations - including passenger, cargo and medical transport operations - with a maximum operational passenger seating capacity of more than nine seats or a maximum take-off weight of more than 8,618 kilograms. Part 121 was made into law in December 2018 as part of the new flight operations suite of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and takes effect from 2 December 2021.

Have your say on the first tranche of the Part 121 manual of standards.

Update on new maintenance regulations

Work to develop proposed new maintenance rules for the private and aerial work sectors is well advanced. To help everyone get a better understanding of what is coming CASA has provided a new set of questions and answers on the proposed Part 43 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. The questions and answers cover aircraft operations, aircraft maintenance, inspection authorisations, licensed aircraft maintenance engineers and pilot maintenance. The information confirms CASA will be producing a plain English guide to Part 43 along the lines of the guide about to be released for the general operating and flight rules in Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. The new maintenance rules for private and aerial work operations will provide increased flexibility as well as reducing administrative costs. The next step in developing Part 43 is releasing the final policy decision summary and a regulation impact statement. Regulatory drafting will follow as soon as the flight operations suite of regulations is completed. CASA has also provided a series of information sheets on continuing airworthiness which cover Parts 43, 42 and 145. Part 42 is about continuing airworthiness management organisations and Part 145 is about approved maintenance organisations.

Go to the Part 43 questions and answers.

Read the continuing airworthiness information sheets.

New path for aerial work chief pilots

A new and more flexible way to become a chief pilot in a range of aerial work operations is now available. CASA can approve chief pilots for some aerial work operations in aeroplanes where the applicant has successfully completed a course run by the Aerial Application Association of Australia. This course replaces the requirements set out in Civil Aviation Order 82.0, which includes oral and performance examinations. The Aerial Application Association chief pilot course includes skill-based prerequisites, study requirements and a three-day face-to-face training workshop. Applicants will work through multiple exercises during the workshop and be assessed for suitability to be a chief pilot. The new aerial work chief pilot pathway is set out in an instrument which also allows CASA to approve other suitable courses. CASA will audit courses to ensure they provide the level of training required to deliver an acceptable level of aviation safety. The new pathway does not prevent anyone applying to CASA directly for a chief pilot assessment using the Civil Aviation Order criteria.

Read the exemption that establishes the new aerial work chief pilot pathway.

Avalon airspace review recommends changes

A review of the airspace around Avalon airport has made five recommendations. CASA’s Office of Airspace Regulation looked at airspace in a radius of 15 nautical miles of Avalon, from the surface to 8500 feet. The first recommendation is for Airservices Australia to review the airspace design at Avalon and submit an airspace change proposal within 12 months to remove Class E airspace and replace it with Class D or Class C airspace as appropriate. This is to optimise and enhance the level of air traffic services provided at Avalon. It is also recommended that airspace architecture should align with performance-based navigation criteria, the designated airspace handbook information be reviewed and amendments made to remove inconsistencies with other published aeronautical information. Avalon airspace architecture and air traffic control services were assessed as complex, with varying levels of Class D, Class E and Class G airspace overlaid by Class C. The Avalon airspace classifications are linked to the Avalon air traffic control tower hours of operation. The review says airspace architecture should deliver a less complex structure and reduce confusion or uncertainty by airspace users.

Read the Avalon airspace review.

Promise to support drone innovation

CASA will continue to embrace innovation so it can support the remotely piloted aircraft sector to be competitive and world leading. That was the pledge made by CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety, Shane Carmody, in a wide-ranging speech to a recent Australian Association of Unmanned Systems virtual event. Mr Carmody told the event, which replaced a scheduled conference due to COVID-19 restrictions, that Australia punches above its weight in the remotely piloted aircraft sector. He said this was the result of hard work by people and organisations in the remotely piloted sector, helped by a forward-thinking regulatory approach by CASA. The goal for the sector was the safe and efficient integration of remote aircraft operations into the Australian aviation system. Mr Carmody said CASA will continue to improve processes for managing applications for approvals and look for more efficient ways to deliver safe outcomes. He said there will be further enhancements to regulatory service delivery, with online transactions being streamlined. CASA continues to be active in supporting drone surveillance and assisting where required with counter drone activity. Drone detection equipment is now operating at 29 major airports across Australia.

Listen to Shane Carmody’s remote aircraft presentation.

In brief

• Improvements to CASA’s online services continue. Individuals who sell their aircraft to another individual can start the transfer of registration using the myCASA portal. The former owner and current registration holder needs to begin the transfer process and requires the aviation reference number of the new owner. Other registration transfers currently still need to be done using forms.
• Have a say now on CASA’s flagship publication, Flight Safety Australia. A survey is seeking views from everyone - whether they read the print or online editions, or never read Flight Safety Australia at all. The survey will only take about 5-10 minutes to complete. Take the survey now.
• The popular Visual Flight Rules Guide is now a free downloadable PDF on the VFRG website. This 466-page version includes some minor amendments. The updated print edition is also available from CASA’s online store.
• The micro-business drug and alcohol management plan exemption has been renewed. This exemption reduces the administrative burden on small organisations employing 10 or less people performing safety-sensitive aviation activities not engaged in or providing services to regular public transport operations. Two other related exemptions that provide relief from drug and alcohol management plan administrative and cost burdens have also been renewed.
• An exemption has been made to help pilots having difficulty completing their commercial pilot licence and air transport pilot licence examination program due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Social Media

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From Director of Aviation Safety Shane Carmody

From the earliest days of the COVID 19 event CASA has been working hard to find ways to ease the regulatory burden on the aviation community without creating unacceptable risks to safety. This can be a challenging path to tread, but I believe we have taken a range of decisions that offer meaningful relief to as many sectors of aviation as possible while making sure we maintain a firm focus on safety. As the COVID situation continues to unfold I can assure everyone we will keep reviewing our support for the aviation community and will view the decisions and actions we take through the prism of the crisis. CASA understands aviation is one of the worst hit sectors of the community and must be sustained to be ready for the recovery we are all working towards

Nothing will make the aviation recovery from the COVID crisis harder than lapses in safety performance or, worse still, a tragic accident. So even though operations are disrupted or curtailed, we must not lose sight of safety. CASA’s staff are still working every day with the same commitment and energy to maintain and improve Australia’s proud aviation safety record. We have staff working remotely and in our offices on all of our core functions, including safety oversight, standards and education. Regulatory service delivery continues to support the needs of pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and aviation organisations. Importantly, we are using the current situation to look for innovation in the way we work to better support the nation’s aviation safety system in the future.

The package of measures we have put in place to ease the burden on the aviation community is comprehensive. There is support for air operators, flight training organisations, maintenance organisations, aerodrome operators, pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, sports aviation and the remotely piloted aircraft sector. We have extended all air operator and Part 141 and 142 certificates by six months, transition to the new fatigue rules has been extended by 12 months and a range of three-month exemptions are now in place. Operators have relief from Part 61 proficiency checking and flight reviews, as well as training and checking requirements, up to 30 June 2020. Maintenance organisation certificates have been extended by six months and there is a 12-month extension to aircraft maintenance engineer exams. If you are a pilot or an air traffic controller, you can exercise the privileges of your licence for six months after the expiry of any medical certificate you hold. You do not need to do anything, although any conditions on your medical certificate will continue to apply. If your current flight review or proficiency check expired after 1 March 2020, you can continue to use all the privileges of your licence for a further three months from the expiry. You will need to apply to extend these arrangements beyond three months.

Please find all the details on CASA’s support for the aviation community during the COVID 19 event on our website.

Best wishes
Shane Carmody

Updates

Don’t forget about basic class 2 medical

Pilots are being reminded to consider if a basic class 2 medical certificate suits their flying. A basic class 2 medical certificate is a streamlined alternative to a full class 2 certificate for private operations. Examinations may be conducted by any medical practitioner who can conduct a motor vehicle driver examination. The medical standard is the same as the Austroads commercial driver standard. If applicants unconditionally meet the standard -except for glasses and hearing aids - they will be issued with a basic class 2 medical certificate. The process for getting a basic class 2 is simple and qualified applicants will not need a medical assessment by CASA. A pilot needs to download, print and complete a medical questionnaire from the CASA medical records system, take this questionnaire to their medical appointment, successfully complete the required tests and medical examinations and log back into the CASA medical records system to finalise the application. A fee of $10 is payable to CASA and the medical certificate is issued online within minutes. If a pilot does not pass the basic class 2 medical assessment, or has a pre-existing medical condition, they can still apply for a class 2 medical certificate which requires an assessment in further detail by a designated aviation medical examiner.

Get more information on the basic class 2 medical.

New visual flight rules guide

The popular visual flight rules guide will soon be available as a free PDF download from the CASA web site. A printed version of the visual flight rules guide will continue to be sold through CASA’s online store and a free web version is also online. The guide is designed primarily for visual flight rules pilots. It is a comprehensive booklet containing detailed safety information, diagrams, charts and maps. The guide is divided into sections covering the rules, licensing, pilot responsibilities, radio procedures, pre-flight planning, operations and emergency procedures. The latest edition of the guide features amendments to various rules and regulations, as well as incorporating feedback received from the aviation community. The print version of the guide costs $34.95.

Order a print copy of the Visual Flight Rules Guide.

Keep up to date with the online versions of the guide.

Training for new aerodrome rules

The first training package to help aerodromes transition to the new Part 139 regulations has been released. Part 139 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations and the associated manual of standards comes into effect in August 2020. The training package will assist aerodrome operators to understand and navigate through the new requirements. Over the coming months another three training packages will be released, covering a range of topics such as aerodrome facilities and the obstacle limitation surface, operating and maintaining aerodromes and visual aids. The training can be done online through CASA’s AviationWorx portal. Anyone who wants to get a quick overview of the new aerodrome rules can find clear information on CASA’s web site, including frequently asked questions and answers. To make it easier for aerodrome operators to take advantage of the new Part 139 Aerodrome rules, CASA is now also providing the option to apply some of the rules ahead of their originally scheduled commencement. Aerodrome operators considering updating an existing facility or anyone applying to register or certify a new aerodrome can benefit from the opt in early option.

Go to AviationWorx to find the aerodrome training.

Get a quick overview of Part 139.

Find out about Part 139 opt in early.

Don’t miss out on Flight Safety Australia

The Winter 2020 edition of Flight Safety Australia magazine is coming soon. Anyone who doesn’t already subscribe for a print copy of the magazine should place their order before 5 May 2020 to avoid missing out. As usual the magazine will be packed with great safety reading and information valuable to everyone in aviation. There will be a look at the impacts of the COVID 19 event on aviation safety and a story that asks how old is too old to fly. A subscription to Flight Safety Australia costs $39.92 a year. The magazine can also be read for free on CASA’s web site.

Order your print copy of Flight Safety Australia magazine now.

More time for transition to new ops regs

The start date for the flight operations suite of new regulations is now 2 December 2021. Previously these new regulations were to commence on 25 March 2021. The change is to give CASA and everyone in the aviation community more time to prepare for the new rules. In December 2021 nine sets of new Civil Aviation Safety Regulations will come into effect. Another new operational suite of regulations - Part 149 covering approved self-administering aviation organisations – has already commenced and has a final transition date of 13 July 2022. The new operations suite replaces hundreds of requirements currently in regulations, orders, exemptions, approvals, permissions, instructions and directions. The new rules are based on what activities an organisation or person does. The suite includes Part 91, which contains the general operating and flight rules for all aviation in Australia. The suite also covers air operators, large and small air transport, rotorcraft air transport, aerial work, sport aviation, manned free balloons and parachuting. Some of the more complex requirements in the new regulations will have a delayed commencement date. These include introducing a safety management system or a training and checking system for operators. Critical guidance material and assistance to support the transition to the new regulations will be available well ahead of the commencement. CASA has listened to feedback about how much time is needed for the transition and is committed to ongoing information and education for the aviation community.

Find out more about the new flight operations regulations.

National drone safety campaign

A new national drone safety campaign has already reached millions of Australians. The ‘Know Your Drone’ campaign was launched in March 2020 and features a range of digital advertising targeted at recreational drone flyers. The campaign challenges recreational drone flyers on their knowledge of the safety rules and asks them to take a quiz to test their knowledge. Information is aimed to support a wide range of drone flyers - including different age groups, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds such as Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean, Mandarin and Cantonese. The ‘Know Your Drone’ campaign will run until mid-June 2020. It appears online and across social media channels, as well as catch up TV, podcasts and streaming services. CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety, Shane Carmody, says the aim of the new drone safety campaign is to motivate and educate drone flyers to stay safe. “We know most people who fly drones want to do the right thing and we need to make sure they are aware of the safety rules and know what is required to stay safe when flying,” Mr Carmody says.

See the know your drone ad.

New drone safety apps

Three new CASA-verified drone safety apps are now available for commercial and recreational drone operators to download and use. The apps provide customised location-based information about where drone operators can and can't fly their drones according to aviation safety regulations. Drone operators should also check for any relevant local and state government rules or regulations relating to their location before they fly. Luke Gumley, manager of CASA’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems branch, says there are now a total of four verified safety apps available to drone flyers. “Australian drone operators now have greater choice in the apps they can use, with the added benefit of knowing the safety information comes from a trusted and reliable source,” Luke says. “The drone digital platform is a fresh and innovative approach by CASA that facilitates third party app developers to deliver services to drone users as we work toward our shared goal to safely integrate drones into Australian airspace.” The new apps on CASA’s drone digital platform are AirMap, AiRXOS and AvSoft. They join OpenSky, which replaced CASA’s Can I fly there? drone safety app last year.

Find the drone safety apps.

Revised date for drone registration

The Federal Government has deferred the first stage of mandatory drone registration and accreditation until 30 September 2020. Remotely piloted aircraft registration for commercial and excluded category operators was scheduled to commence on 1 April 2020. Recreational drone registration and accreditation is still expected to commence in 2022. All drone flyers that don’t hold a remote licence will need to gain accreditation by watching an online video and successfully answering a short quiz to demonstrate they understand the drone safety rules. The registration and accreditation requirements will apply, with certain exceptions, to all drones operated commercially regardless of weight and drones and model aircraft weighing more than 250 grams operated recreationally.

Find out more about drone registration and accreditation.

Catch up on an AvSafety seminar

CASA’s popular AvSafety seminars are currently on hold due to the COVID 19 restrictions. But there is an easy way to catch up on previous AvSafety seminars for pilots by watching a new video on enhancing pilot skills. The video explains how pilots can improve their radio communications skills around aerodromes and investigates how they can maintain situational awareness in a dynamic and changing environment. Featuring CASA aviation safety advisor Tim Penney, the video is an opportunity for pilots to take time out and stop to think of three key human factors that go a long way to making safer pilots. Tim says: “Especially in the dynamic environments surrounding non-towered aerodromes we take a look at communication, situational awareness and finally a brief look at threat and error management. Barriers to effective communication in the air include such things as high workload, fatigue, the mixing of language and culture and of course the ever-present challenge of managing distraction. We also provide pilots with a series hints and tips to be more effective communicators when we do go flying. We examine what situational awareness is and some of the tell-tale signs that may indicate a loss of situational awareness such as fixation, ambiguity and quite simply a failure to fly the aircraft first. Finally, we have a very brief look at threat and error management, or as we often say, ‘enhanced airmanship’.”

Watch the pilot safety video.

CEO and Director of Aviation Safety Shane Carmody comments:

Getting ready for the new general operating and flight rules which start in early 2021 is now a whole lot easier. In an important milestone for aviation safety regulation, CASA has released an advanced draft of the plain English guide to Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. In effect Part 91 sets out the rules of the sky, which means it is essential knowledge for all pilots. What we have done is to carefully translate the necessary legal language contained in Part 91 and the associated manual of standards, as well as including helpful tips, to create an easy to read and use publication. There will be little need for most people in aviation to refer directly to the Part 91 regulations and manual of standards as the guide covers all the content succinctly and accurately in plain language.

I have been firmly behind the development of the plain English guide because it will make the transition to the new suite of operational regulations far easier for everyone. In March 2021, new regulatory parts commence covering air transport in small aeroplanes, large aeroplanes and helicopters, as well as aerial work operations and sport aviation. Between now and commencement, CASA will develop other legal documents to support the regulations, as well as detailed explanatory and guidance material. This will include sample manuals and a gap analysis tool - showing where a rule is in the current legislation compared to where you can find it in the new rules.

The advanced draft of the Part 91 plain English guide is being released now so everyone can familiarise themselves with the resource and provide us with feedback. We are working to issue the final version of the guide in the first half of 2020, when the Part 91 manual of standards is complete. Our goal is to give everyone plenty of time to be across the introduction of the new operational rules before they start. Of course, right now the new rules haven’t commenced, so it is important to keep following the current regulations and requirements.

Please go to the interactive PDF version of the guide and give us your feedback via feedback@casa.gov.au.

I was very pleased to recently present the 2019 Stephen Guerin scholarship to pilot Ashley Pullman. The scholarship was set up to honour the late CASA flying operations inspector Stephen Guerin, who was killed in a 2017 accident in South Australia. CASA contributes $15,000 towards the costs of further professional qualifications for a pilot in South Australia who has already achieved or is well advanced towards a commercial pilot licence. Ashley was chosen from ten applicants due to his commitment to advancing in aviation and already being a safety conscious and respected member of the South Australian flying community. His ambitions are to complete a multi engine class rating and then proceed to multi engine training approval and instrument training approval. I’m sure Ashley has a bright future in aviation and I’m pleased CASA can support his training.

Best wishes
Shane Carmody

Updates

Comment now on recreational aircraft weight limit

Consultation closes soon on a discussion paper setting out a proposal to increase the weight limit for aeroplanes administered by approved self-administering aviation organisations. CASA is seeking feedback from the aviation community on the impact of increasing the maximum take-off weight limit from 600 kg up to a maximum of 760 kg. This would only apply to aircraft used for recreational activities or flying training and the approved self-administering organisation must demonstrate to CASA a capability of maintaining an acceptable level of aviation safety. Other aircraft limitations such as maximum stall speed would not be changed under this proposal. The proposal would see the establishment of a new operating classification within an approved self-administering organisation safety system to manage the operations of aircraft with the proposed higher maximum take-off weight. CASA is seeking submissions that highlight any perceived pros, cons and effects on aviation safety, as well as potential financial impacts. The provision of relevant data or practical examples is welcomed. Feedback from consultation on the discussion paper will help CASA to decide the next steps, including whether to develop a more detailed policy proposal.

Have your say on the maximum take-off weight increase for aeroplanes managed by an approved self-administering aviation organisation discussion paper before 28 September 2019.

Aerodrome manual of standards released

An updated manual of standards for the aerodrome regulations has been released. The manual of standards for Part 139 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations sets out safety standards for a wide range of technical matters relating to the physical construction and maintenance of certified aerodromes. The manual has been updated to reflect changes in the aerodromes sector, technology and best practice. Changes mean Australia enhances its level of compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards. This will benefit pilots, as all aerodromes will have more consistent visual aids and operational procedures. The Part 139 manual of standards can be used as a practical manual for aerodrome operators and people involved in constructing, maintaining and operating aerodromes. CASA will also publish a suite of guidance materials to provide practical support on many aerodrome regulatory issues. This guidance will further explain the technical requirements of the manual of standards and will use plain language, models, diagrams and case studies to clarify acceptable means of compliance. It will include sample manuals. There was extensive consultation on the updated Part 139 manual of standards during its drafting. It takes effect immediately on 22 August 2020, with a two-year transition period.

Go to the Part 139 Manual of Standards.

Attention all top end pilots

Pilots flying across the top end should mark Wednesday 9 October 2019 in their calendars now. That’s when CASA will be holding a special seminar about flying in the wet season. This seminar will focus on a fatal 2017 wet season accident near Darwin involving a Cessna 210. It offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from a senior Australian Transport Safety Bureau investigator who will analyse the causal factors behind the crash. Presenters at the seminar will apply a number of planning and decision-making models to the facts surrounding the accident. The wet season seminar is an important opportunity to help pilots flying across northern Australia make better and more rational decisions when managing many of the hazards associated with wet season flying. The seminar is free and being held in Darwin at the Mercure Darwin Airport Resort Hotel from 19:30 on 9 October 2019.

Book your place at the wet season seminar now.

Stay alive – don’t push it!

A new campaign has been launched to reduce the number of weather-related general aviation accidents. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau says 21 people were killed in the last 10 years in accidents where visual flight rules pilots flew into cloud, fog or darkness. The ATSB’s Chief Commissioner Greg Hood says the figures are concerning. He said they show one in ten visual flight rules operations into instrument meteorological conditions resulted in fatal; accidents. “Weather-related general aviation accidents remain one of the ATSB’s most significant causes for concern in aviation safety; the often fatal outcomes of these accidents are all the more tragic because they are avoidable,” Mr Hood says. To remind pilots of the dangers and to highlight how to avoid a weather-related accident the ATSB has launched a new safety promotion campaign titled ‘Don’t push it, don’t go. Know your limits before flight’. The campaign highlights three key messages: the importance of thorough pre-flight planning and having alternate plans; that pressing on where there is the possibility of entering instrument meteorological conditions carries a significant risk of spatial disorientation; and the value of using a ‘personal minimums’ checklist to help manage flight risks. Flying into poor weather without the training and experience to do so can rapidly lead to spatial disorientation when a pilot cannot see the horizon. This then leads to incorrect control inputs and a resultant loss of control of an aircraft.

Learn more about the don’t push it, don’t go campaign.

All the info on wildlife hazards

Everyone with an interest in aviation wildlife hazards should check out the new web site of the Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group. Fresh features include a graphical overview of bird strikes over the past 25 years, statistics on the parts of an aircraft most commonly struck and the altitudes and locations strikes occur. The resources section of the website has been reorganised, with new resources to be added regularly to make it a one-stop-shop for wildlife hazard management information. Bird strikes happen every day and occur most commonly at airports when aircraft are landing or taking off. The majority of strikes happen at low altitudes: 50–60 per cent of bird strikes occur at zero to 50 feet, and 30 per cent between 50–500 feet. Bird strikes worldwide have accounted for 262 human fatalities since 1988 and destroyed 250 aircraft. The Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group is the primary aviation wildlife hazard management reference body in Australia. The group’s membership includes multiple aviation industry stakeholders and organisations, such as airlines, airports, Defence, air traffic control, government agencies, wildlife researchers and service providers.

Go to the wildlife hazard website.

In brief

• Have your say before 30 September 2019 on proposed new balloon regulations. CASA has issued a draft of Civil Aviation Safety Regulation Part 131 for comment. Part 131 covers hot air balloons, hot air airships, gas balloons and mixed gas/hot air balloons. The proposed rules aim to improve the focus of balloon transport operators on the potential for human and organisational factors to cause accidents.
• New rules came into effect on 1 September 2019 setting out a clear path for a pilot holding a commercial pilot balloon licence to progress from smaller to bigger balloon envelope sizes. The new rules also amend the qualifications for the chief pilot of a balloon air operator certificate holder.
• Comment by 27 September on proposals for a new self-study training pathway for aircraft maintenance engineers. The proposed new pathway would be similar to the CASA Basics Examinations/Schedule of Experience scheme that existed under the previous CAR 31 licensing system.
• Have your say on proposed regulatory changes about managing safety data and information. Proposed changes reflect the latest International Civil Aviation Organization standards. Comment by 22 October 2019.
• Comment by 30 September 2019 on proposed new rules covering flight operations, training and maintenance for sport and recreational aircraft administered by sports aviation bodies. Part 103 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations will replace and consolidate the various exemptions from regulations that currently apply to private sport and recreation flying. It will mean sport and recreational flying can continue largely unchanged. There are some new requirements relating to defects, data plates and aircraft towing.
• The new version of CASA’s online learning management system – AviationWorx - has been launched. Users can now log in through myCASA, find and manage courses more easily and view courses on a range of mobile devices.
• Don’t miss out on the new quarterly print edition of CASA’s Flight Safety Australia magazine. An annual subscription costs $39.95 and is full of valuable safety information and insights. Subscribe by 28 October to get the Summer edition in December. If you missed out on the Spring edition - featuring world champion Red Bull Air Race pilot Matt Hall - it’s now available as a back issue in the online store for $14.95, while stocks last.

Expecting the unexpected

The latest series of AvSafety seminars for pilots has the theme of ‘expect the unexpected’. Topics being covered include preflight planning, aeronautical decision making and checklists. Several case studies are examined covering weather, fuel, weight and balance and airspace infringements. The importance of in-flight decision making is also covered, including some of the traps in decision making. Participants discuss a case study involving fuel management from the point of view of in-flight decision making. Checklists are covered, including their history, importance and how to use them. Several safety occurrences are reviewed where the correct use of a checklist may have stopped the incident or accident occurring.

In October 2019 AvSafety seminars will be held at:

• Albany
• Armidale
• Canberra
• Clare Valley
• Coffs Harbour
• Horn Island
• Karratha
• Lilydale
• Moorabbin
• Mount Isa
• Murwillumbah
• Port Macquarie
• Port Lincoln
• Port Hedland
• Tamworth
• Tyabb.

Book a place at a pilot safety seminar now.

The human component of engineering

A new series of engineering AvSafety seminars is now underway. The theme of the seminars for engineers is ‘the human component’. Three key topics are being covered - engineering errors and the lessons learnt, the human component of engineering and proposed new general aviation maintenance and continued airworthiness regulations. CASA’s experts use a number of case studies to delve into engineering errors, lessons from mistakes and techniques for avoiding pitfalls. The focus is on exploring the human component of engineering and the cost factors involved in maintenance errors. Importantly there is also discussion about the proposed Part 43 general aviation maintenance regulations for private and air work operations. CASA’s aviation safety advisors welcome discussions and questions, both during and after the presentations. These seminars are a great opportunity to add to professional development, improve safety knowledge and build better teamwork.

In October 2019 engineering seminars are being held at:

• Archerfield
• Caloundra
• Darwin
• Horn Island
• Karratha
• Moorabbin
• Sunshine Coast.

Book a place now at an engineering seminar.