[Peetwo]

CASA seeking OP on RAAus & SAA CTA access?? (who gives a rat's?? -  )

Via Su_Spence media minions oblique news media page...

Type: News
Date: 9 September 2024
We are seeking feedback on our proposal that will allow sport and recreational pilots greater access to controlled airspace and aerodromes.



Your feedback and ideas will assist us to increase sport and recreational opportunities as part of our General Aviation Workplan.

The proposal

We are proposing to allow approved self-administering aviation organisations (ASAOs) to give their pilots permission to operate in controlled airspace and at controlled aerodromes.

The proposal has been developed with input from ASAOs, and they have provided valuable insight into ASAO capability to utilise the policy.

Under the proposal, pilots will need to meet established CASA requirements for:

• English language proficiency
  
• competency in using a radio to communicate with air traffic control
  
• pilot competencies, including in navigation, flight planning, emergency, weather and airspace clearances
  
• minimum medical requirements.
  

Aircraft will be required to carry equipment such as radio communication and surveillance equipment and meet all established serviceability and reliability requirements.

Part 149 of CASR sets out the legislative framework by which ASAOs are approved and administer their activities.

Policy objectives

The objectives of the proposed policy are to:

• increase the accessibility of controlled airspace and controlled aerodromes for ASAO pilots and aircraft while maintaining existing levels of aviation safety
  
• ensure appropriate commonality across the aviation sector regarding the competency standards and other standards applicable to accessing controlled airspace and controlled aerodromes
  
• reduce regulatory burden for ASAO aviation participants.
  

Feedback

Your feedback will help us make sure the proposed requirements are suitable.

Comment now via the Consultation Hub by 27 September 2024.

Plus today:

Type: News
Date: 12 September 2024

We are seeking feedback on our policy proposal to allow Part 138 aerial work certificate holders to carry firefighting personnel to and from a location in the vicinity of a fireground in rotorcraft for hire or reward.


This proposal is to permit the carriage of firefighting personnel as aerial work passengers within the vicinity of a fireground under the aerial work rules as an alternative to the air transport rules.

Key aspects of the proposal include:

• Using the Part 138 aerial work rules instead of the Part 119 and Part 133 rotorcraft air transport rules including the classification of aircraft and maximum of 9 aerial work passenger limits.
  
• Eliminating the need for an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), provided personnel are fully prepared, informed of, and accept the higher risks involved in such operations.
  
• Applies to operational assignments managed by State or Territory emergency services organisations where personnel are being located to carry out ground-based firefighting.
  

Fighting fires is an essential and critical public interest and benefit activity across Australia and involves many operators and people including volunteers working with State and Territory emergency service organisations. This requires effective rules to ensure the safety of the operation, the people involved and property on the ground.

Aircraft operators and fire control agencies have told us the operational environment of the fireground for rotorcraft operations may be more closely aligned with the aerial work rules. They involve operations with a higher level of pre-flight uncertainty about the conditions of the landing site when compared to typical rotorcraft air transport passenger carrying flights.

Joe Rule, Branch Manager Flight Standards, says 'we have been working closely with the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) and the AFAC Aviation Safety Group to develop this draft proposal.

'We have listened to the emergency services agencies and aircraft operators who provide these vital community services and together established a more efficient and effective approach to managing aviation firefighting operations.'

The proposed changes provide relief and flexibility to some of the rules to match the dynamic nature of firefighting operations and the need to ensure safety for all is maintained.

'I strongly encourage operators and personnel who may be affected by this proposal to provide their feedback.'

Have your say via our Consultation hub by 10 October 2024.

MTF...P2