Warbird win on regulatory reform on Part 132.
Via the Oz today:
Via the Oz today:
Quote:MTF...P2Quote:Warbirds under regulatory roof
12:00amMITCHELL BINGEMANN
Vintage military aircraft operating on experimental certificates will transition to a limited category certificate.
The federal government has rung in regulatory changes that require operators of historic military aircraft to join approved oversight organisations in a move that will grant new powers to groups such as the Australian Warbirds Association.
The changes means vintage military aircraft, known as warbirds, currently operating on experimental certificates will have to transition to a limited category certificate.
Australia has about 100 warbirds that operate under the experimental category but those aircraft will now have to apply for a new certificate of airworthiness, change to the limited category and seek approval for any modifications that are not part of the original design from approved self-administering aviation organisations such as the AWA.
The changes will bestow approved organisations with the power to have the final say on whether warbird pilots and operators will be given the approvals and permissions they need to fly.
The AWA is so far the only organisation to be designated as a self-administering aviation organisation.
The new regulations will now also include air racing as a purpose for which limited category aircraft may be used.
This will allow operators of unmodified limited category aircraft, which are not eligible for a certificate of airworthiness in the experimental category, to participate in such events.
The government said the changes had been made to improve the safety and administration of vintage military aircraft. Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester said the changes, which will apply to ex-armed forces and restored aircraft, would also streamline and simplify regulatory arrangements.
“The consolidation and clearer set of rules will provide more certainty around operations of these unique types of aircraft,” he said.
The changes have been ushered in under Part 132 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, which will include for the first time personal use, glider towing and air racing as authorised operations under the regulations.
“While the chance of an accident may be low, we should always look to improve our regulatory arrangements. I’m delighted to see this change put in place and look forward to seeing these historic aircraft continue to safely operate in Australian skies,” Mr Chester said.
The Australian Warbirds Association — a non-profit organisation that brings together aircraft owners, operators, restorers, maintainers, historians and enthusiasts — welcomed the changes, which have been under consideration since 2013.
“While this legislation has undergone a lengthy development process, we and all other stakeholders have been thoroughly consulted by CASA at every step of the way,” AWA chief executive Mark Awad said.
“We believe Part 132 will prove to have a positive impact on Australia’s warbird community, noting that its passage is a step in the right direction for CASA and its long-running process of regulatory reform.
“We represent a unique group within the broader general aviation sector, and are proud of our collaborative approach in working with other peak bodies and organisations, CASA, the Department of Infrastructure and all other stakeholders towards a stronger, more vibrant and sustainable industry for all.”
Part 132 will start on January 28, 2017.
Transition to the new regulation is required by July 28, 2017