Article supplied by CASA
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October 2024 Regulatory wrap-up
Focus on Flight Ops
Article supplied by CASA.
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Maintenance Month takes flight
Get ready for the month of May to turn purple as we’re shining a light on all thing’s maintenance engineering, during our inaugural Maintenance Month.
We’re highlighting the pivotal role of aircraft maintenance engineers while also inspiring individuals to explore career opportunities as aircraft mechanics.
Throughout May, our communication channels will be drenched in purple as we host a series of engaging online webinars featuring our very own engineer experts.
Additionally, we are excited to announce an exclusive social media competition for aircraft maintenance engineers and apprentices, with an opportunity to win one of three $500 Snap-on Tools voucher.
Furthermore, Maintenance Month will serve as a showcase of the diverse and rewarding career opportunities available within the field of aircraft maintenance.
From highlighting the technical prowess required to ensuring aircraft safety to emphasising the meticulous attention to detail inherent in every aspect of maintenance work, this initiative aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the crucial work carried out by aircraft maintenance professionals.
Be sure to check out our communication and social media channels and spread the word the word to you friends, colleagues and stakeholders.
Snap-on Tools social media competition
Calling all aircraft apprentices and aircraft maintenance engineers — we’ve got a competition exclusively for you!
Is your toolbox looking a little bare?
This is your opportunity to give it a boost with top-notch equipment, with the chance to win 1 of 3 $500 Snap-on Tools vouchers!
How to enter
To enter:
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
- Subscribe to our aircraft maintenance engineer mailing list.
- Tag a fellow engineer who should also participate!
Entries close 4pm Friday 24 May.Terms and conditions
Winners will be randomly selected.
One entry per person.
You must have completed all 3 items under ‘How to enter’. You must also provide proof of your occupation as either one of the following:
- an aircraft apprentice
- an aircraft trade assistant
- unlicensed aircraft maintenance engineer.
Open to Australian residents only.
This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook or Instagram.
We’ll notify the winners via email and how to claim their voucher.
Plan to improve colour vision deficiency policy for pilots
Article supplied by CASA Work is underway to settle and formalise colour vision testing options for pilots who are not able to pass clinical colour vision tests.
Our aim is to have new testing options available for pilots by the end of April that are formally prescribed through a legislative instrument. The tests will recognise that many pilots with a colour vision deficiency can demonstrate they are able to operate safely and competently without any medical or operational restrictions.
Consultation is currently underway through our Aviation Safety Advisory Panel, and public consultation on the proposed testing options is expected before the end of March.
The options will include an operational test designed to demonstrate a pilot’s ability to fly an aircraft safely through a robust and standardised operational test.
Interim measures
Pilots who are unable to pass the prescribed Ishihara or Farnsworth colour vision clinical tests and are seeking to renew their medical certificate are encouraged to call our Aviation Medicine team on 131 757 to discuss their individual circumstances.
We will work hard to ensure this interim period is as least disruptive as possible, whilst satisfying current safety and regulatory requirements.
New Class 5 medical self declaration scheme now available
Article supplied by CASA
A new Class 5 medical self-declaration scheme is now available to recreational and private pilots.
The new scheme will allow pilots to fly in aircraft up to 2000kg with one passenger if they self-assess and self-declare their health status, meet fitness and eligibility requirements and pass an online test.
Late last year we consulted on the draft policy proposal with feedback indicating that some of the operational limitations and excluded medical conditions were too restrictive.
As this is the first of its kind in Australia, we are taking an iterative and initially conservative approach.
The scheme is based on comprehensive risk analysis and a careful examination of what other safety authorities do overseas. It includes operational limitations on what you can do when flying with a Class 5.
We will also conduct a post implementation review and consider some of the current exclusions and effectiveness of the self-declaration scheme as well as progress a Class 4 certificate that will create more operational flexibility with the involvement of a GP.
To support applicants and healthcare practitioners, we have developed an online training module and comprehensive guidance material.
Pilots can apply through the myCASA portal.
Learn more about the Class 5 medical self-declaration.
Safety during school holidays
Article supplied by CASA
CASA is urging travellers to follow the rules and show consideration to airline and airport staff as well as each other during the upcoming school holidays.
To ensure safety and respect when travelling by air during this term break and beyond, we’re supporting the ‘No More Carry On’ campaign.
It’s a call for patience and preparedness as travellers, airline crew and airport teams once again face a peak in airline travel.
‘We’re really pleased to be involved again in this important safety initiative,’ says CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety Pip Spence.
‘We understand and appreciate people are excited to be travelling again ¬– especially during these school holidays – and that’s evident by just how full flights currently are.
‘But passengers need to be mindful they may sometimes face long waiting queues, flight delays, and missing baggage. And while that can be frustrating, it’s no excuse for bad behaviour towards airport and airline staff or other passengers.
‘It’s also against the law to behave in an offensive or disorderly manner on board an aircraft, or to disregard the safety instructions of airline crew.
‘Harmful and unruly behaviour puts everyone’s safety at risk and can disrupt the important safety duties of airline crew, cause distractions during critical phases of flight and jeopardise the safety of other passengers.
‘As the aviation safety regulator, our role is to help ensure that when passengers and crew board a plane they get to their destination safely. We want everyone flying these school holidays travelling or working in a safe environment.
‘Under our aviation safety rules substantial penalties can be imposed for offensive or disorderly behaviour on board an aircraft and for failing to comply with any safety-related instructions. This can include fines of up to $15,650 (per offence) and in some cases up to 2 years’ imprisonment.
‘So please don’t take your frustrations out on staff or other passengers.
‘While on board we also encourage you to listen to the safety briefings and follow all airline crew directions and requests.
‘Once again, we strongly support this campaign and we really want you to enjoy these school holidays and travel safely, wherever your exiting destination may be.
More information is available on the A4ANZ website.
CASA supports next generation of aircraft engineers
Article supplied by CASA
Three aspiring licensed aircraft maintenance engineers are the latest to receive a scholarship from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
Ella Watson from Western Australia and Queensland’s Spencer Holmes and Joshua Kilgour will all receive up to $5,000 each to help them achieve their Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 66 engineer licence.
CASA Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety Pip Spence says that high quality aircraft maintenance engineers are critical for the future of a safe and vibrant aviation industry.
‘All 3 recipients have demonstrated an obvious commitment to aviation safety and it’s evident that they’re in this career for the long haul,’ Ms Spence says.
‘I’d like to congratulate Ella, Spencer and Joshua for all the work they have done within the industry so far and wish them all the best for their future careers in aircraft maintenance engineering.
‘We received almost 90 applications in this scholarship round and the standard once again exceeded the evaluation panel’s expectations.
‘It was also encouraging to see such a wide range of candidates, from those working for major commercial operations through to others employed in smaller organisations across regional Australia.
‘We know there’s a shortage of licensed aircraft engineers not just here, but across the globe, and this scholarship program is one way we can show support for the aviation industry now and into the future.
‘This is the third year we’ve run the program and we’ll be offering it again in 2024, so I hope all aspiring aircraft maintenance engineers consider submitting an application when that round opens.’
The scholarship program focuses on applicants who have already started their structured training towards a licence outcome, or aircraft maintenance engineers who have not gone through a structured training program but are currently working in the industry gaining experience.
It also assists those who have demonstrated an interest in aviation maintenance, made progress through their own initiative, demonstrated aptitude for the role, and made a positive contribution to the safety culture of their profession or organisation.
More information about the AME scholarship program is available on the aircraft maintenance engineer scholarship page of our website.
Media contact
CASA Media
Mobile:
1300 773 806
Email:
Reference number:
MR4623
Safety Promotion Sponsorship Program now open
Article supplied by CASA
We’re doing something a little different with our Safety Promotion sponsorship program.
From today, we’ve refreshed the program so sponsorship opportunities are now available throughout the year, rather than the previous twice yearly offering.
Applicants can now plan further in advance, and they’re not bound to a deadline.
Applications are then reviewed in November, February and May.
The program provides a great opportunity for us to support organisations, flying clubs or individuals who are raising awareness of aviation safety in line with our safety promotion activities and priorities.
We sponsor activities with a specific focus on improving safety outcomes such as conferences, workshops, seminars, and other educational initiatives.
In most cases, sponsorship takes the form of financial support but could also include goods or services, such as information materials, communication collateral, or we could provide CASA staff to speak at a conference or event.
Find out more about the updated sponsorship program.
CASA Briefing
Article supplied by CASA
Director of Aviation Safety, Pip Spence
Getting young people interested in aviation and developing the expertise of those already in the industry is crucial to the wellbeing of our sector.
Every incentive helps so I was pleased to be able to announce at the recent Safeskies conference in Canberra that we are offering a new scholarship program for safety managers.
These are people who play a crucial role in maintaining our safety record and we will be offering 3 scholarships worth up to $5000 each to help them increase their knowledge and skills through professional development.
We are encouraging safety managers who are committed to the development of a healthy aviation safety culture to apply.
More specifically, we are looking for people with a minimum of 2 years’ industry experience who use their initiative and display a high standard of aptitude and leadership.
They must also be working in a key aviation position, or have worked in one previously, and if you’re in this category I would encourage you to apply.
We believe this this a great opportunity to help successful individuals build their aviation expertise in the same way our engineering scholarships have benefitted promising Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AMEs).
We announced 5 recipients of the engineering scholarship at the Rotortech Conference in May this year. We received more than 100 high-quality applications and the winners from Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia demonstrated a commitment to achieving the highest professional standards in their chosen fields.
| First alphanumeric aircraft registration marks out nowThere’s more than a Spring change in the air with the arrival of Australia’s new alphanumeric aircraft registration marks. The first release of 1500 new marks went live on 23 September 2022 and was necessary because the existing registration system had reached its limit. Read more |
| Aviation medical consultation attracts big responseThe summary of consultation on our proposal to simplify and modernise our approach to medical certification has been published. We received more than 600 responses to the consultation. The feedback received has been grouped into 5 themes. Read more |
| Read our latest RPAS advisory circularAn updated version of the Advisory Circular 101-01: Remotely piloted aircraft systems, licensing and operations is now available. Changes to the document reflect updates that have been made to drone regulations and the supporting manual of standards over the past 12 to 24 months. Read more |
| Update on Mallacoota AirportReintroduced instrument flight procedures at Mallacoota Airport are expected to come into effect on 3 November. We’ve been working closely with Airservices Australia and the East Gippsland Shire Council to re-introduce instrument flight procedures as soon as possible. Read more |
| Readers recommend Flight Safety Australia!Almost 95 per cent of Flight Safety Australia (FSA) readers would recommend the magazine to others. We survey the readers of our flagship aviation safety magazine every 2 years to gain insights that allow us to measure its impact on safety and behaviour. Read more |
| Have your say on control tower visual surveillance systemsWe’re proposing changes to air traffic services standards to enable electro-optical technology such as video cameras to be used for aerodrome control services. This will involve amending the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations Part 172 Manual of Standards to allow visual surveillance systems (VSS) to be used at air traffic control towers, including remotely controlled facilities. Read more |
| FAA expands rotor blade checks on Robinson helicoptersAn Airworthiness Directive (AD) covering tail rotor blade cracks on certain Robinson helicopters has been superseded by a new version that covers R66 models and a wider range of blades. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released FAA AD 2021-19-08 last year requiring operators to check blades for cracking on some R44 and R44 II models. Read more |
| Discover how we ensure safety with a new airlineEver wondered what’s involved in approving an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) for a new domestic airline? We’ve outlined some of the steps we go through to ensure a new operator meets Australia’s stringent aviation safety standards. Read more |
| Deadline approaches for medical records move to myCASADon’t forget to sign up to myCASA or review your login details before we move our online Medical Records System (MRS) later this month. We are moving MRS to sit within the myCASA portal to make more of our online services accessible from the one place. Read more |
| CASA Wings Awards on againWe’re continuing our support of Australian Flying’s CASA Wings Awards through our sponsorship program. The program aims to improve and raise awareness of the importance of aviation safety for the benefit of the wider aviation community. Read more |
| New AvSafety seminar: Mitigating risks at non-controlled aerodromes CASA’s aviation safety advisors will soon be flying into your community to deliver our latest safety seminar for pilots: Non-Controlled Aerodromes: Manage Your Risks. You’ll hear about all the hazards of a non-controlled aerodrome – and listen to a vivid real-world case study of how things went wrong. Read more |
| Experts discuss accident investigationJoin our expert panellists as they analyse a collision on runway at Caloundra Airport in Queensland, involving a light aircraft and a helicopter. See a visual recreation of the accident and the radio calls that led up to the non-fatal accident. Our expert panel will discuss what was going on and their own flying experiences. Read more |
| Upcoming webinars: Loss of situational awareness in the circuitExpand your piloting skills with our next online webinar series: Loss of situational awareness in the circuit. Using real life examples, our industry experts and experienced pilots will help you build your situational awareness and learn how to consider decisions and workload while flying. Register today for seminars on Tuesday 4 and 11 October. If you’ve missed any of our previous webinars, you can catch up via our YouTube channel. |
Multi-engine helicopter rating now available
Article supplied by CASA
Helicopter pilots can now make use of a class-like system for flight crew licences relating to some multi-engine helicopters.
This follows feedback from industry that the current approach of requiring a type rating for each multi-engine helicopter was restrictive.
Changes will be made to the Part 61 licencing rules over time, but in order to make this policy available immediately, an exemption has been put in place through a legislative instrument.
What this means
Pilots that hold a type rating for a specific multi-engine helicopter can become authorised to fly other specified multi-engine helicopters in the same class without obtaining a type rating.
Flight instructors and examiners also won’t need to hold a training or examiner endorsement for each type of helicopter in the class.
Pilots will still be required to undertake type specific training and an assessment (equivalent to a flight review) in a similar way to prescribed fixed-wing aircraft.
Thank you to the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel and in particular the flight crew licensing Technical Working Group that assisted us deliver this general aviation workplan initiative.
Further information
- Read how to take advantage of the exemption on our website
- Read the summary of consultation on the Consultation Hub