Pilot Safety Hub

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CASA new pilot safety campaign

Article supplied by CASA. 

Welcome to the November edition of the pilot safety hub newsletter, where we continue to focus on weather and forecasting.

Explore this month’s new events and resources, including: 

  • a crash comic highlighting the importance of staying alert and planning for all weather conditions
  • details for our next AvSafety webinar
  • an AvSafety article on understanding local weather
  • a new explaining the rules animation on staying safe around thunderstorms and more!

AvSafety webinar – Environmental factors affecting aircraft performance

Join an ASA and a CASA test pilot as they explore pilot requirements for using performance charts and key safety factors to consider. 

12:00-12:45 pm AEDT, Tue 18 Nov

REGISTER NOW

Phone a friend

When local weather looks uncertain, a quick call to a BoM forecaster can give you clearer insight.

Learn how speaking directly with a forecaster adds detail beyond the GAF, helping you make safer flight decisions.

 

READ MORE

Explaining the rules – Understanding thunderstorms

Watch our latest animation to learn how thunderstorms form, why they’re dangerous at every stage, and how to stay safe by keeping well clear and planning ahead.

WATCH NOW

Blundering through the authority gap

‘Every emotion in my body was screaming, ‘Don’t let this man take over the aircraft…this is crazy!’

Hear this young pilots chilling account of a flight when passenger pressure sidelined his authority.

READ MORE

2025 Wet season operations seminar

Hear from experienced pilots, air traffic control and the Bureau of Meteorology on managing fast-changing weather, planning for diversions and making safe decisions during the wet season.

WATCH NOW

ADS-B rebate

Weather you fly under VFR or IFR, you may be eligible for a rebate to help cover the cost of installing ADS-B OUT, ADS-B IN, or both.

If you own an Australian-registered aircraft, you could receive up to 50% of the purchase and installation costs.

LEARN MORE

Bushfire safety reminder

If you see smoke, fires or emergency aircraft, stay well clear and do not take off.

Keeping clear of fire activity ensures firefighting aircraft can operate safely and protects people and property on the ground.

LEARN MORE

The CASA Briefing – May 2025

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the casa briefing update may 2025. May-tenance month

Article supplied by CASA

Aviation safety pledge embraces maintenance

Aircraft maintainers play a vital role in keeping aviation safe – and this ‘May-tenance Month’, we’re recognising that by inviting them to take the new Aviation safety pledge for aircraft maintainers.

The voluntary pledge is a way for licensed aircraft maintenance engineers (LAMEs), aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs) and other key maintenance personnel to showcase their commitment and pride in the critical role they play in aviation safety.

Read more
 
 

May-tenance Month takes off again

This May marks the return of ‘May-tenance Month’ – an initiative dedicated to recognising the vital contributions of aircraft maintenance engineers.

As the aviation industry continues to evolve, filling the demand for skilled maintenance professionals remains more important than ever.

Read more
 
     
 

Asia-Pacific cooperation on drones and air taxis

Australia was one of 24 Asia-Pacific States and administrations involved in jointly developing reference materials aimed at fostering the development of advanced air mobility (AAM).

The materials, for use by Asia-Pacific civil aviation authorities, aim to address forecast risks by establishing minimum safety standards that will provide an enduring construct for all stakeholders.

Read more
 
 

Pilots taking carbon monoxide risks seriously, survey shows

A recent survey into the use of carbon monoxide (CO) detectors has found most pilots are now using the life-saving technology when flying piston engine aircraft.  

CASA strongly encourages all pilots who fly an aircraft with a piston engine to carry a portable electronic carbon monoxide detector with them every time.

Read more
 
 

Mandatory reporting a must for safety

Sharing information is a key to improving aviation safety and mandatory reporting is an important part of that process.

Whether due to time pressures or forgetfulness, our surveillance teams have noticed that sometimes people don’t fulfil this important obligation.

Read more
 
 
 

Subscribe to Flight Safety Australia for a chance to win

We’re giving away 2 SkyEcho2s valued at $1,070 each.

Improve your situational awareness while in the sky with the SkyEcho2 ADS-B EC unit which helps you to see and be seen.

Read more
 
 

RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap webinar

Do you want to know how we see emerging aviation technologies developing in Australia over coming years?

Interested in how we plan to safely and efficiently integrate remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft into Australia’s airspace and regulatory framework?

Read more
 
 

What you need to know about cost-sharing flights

People who do not have an air operator’s certificate but want to conduct cost-sharing passenger flights must meet strict conditions, including a ban on advertising.

Their aircraft must have no more than 6 seats, including the pilot’s seats, and no fares can be levied for the flight.

Read more
 
 

Have your close call featured on our website 

Have you experienced a close call that made you rethink your approach or change your procedures?

Your story could provide a lifesaving lesson for others. 

Read more
 
 

Airspace restrictions to aid space exploration

Australia’s deep space tracking station is getting ready for expanding space exploration and we’ve been hard at work to make sure aviation isn’t put at risk.

NASA’s widening exploration of the final frontier means the Tidbinbilla tracking station near Canberra will transmit at higher bandwidths with new equipment.

Read more
 
 
 

Supporting your safety promotion activities

If you’re an individual or part of an organisation actively promoting safety covering controlled aerodromes and operations, then we want to hear from you.

We’re interested in supporting safety initiatives and educational programs that raise awareness about controlled aerodromes and operations through our Safety Promotion Sponsorship program.

Read more
 
 

NEW SORA guidance for drone operators

We’ve released guidelines to help drone operators and authorities work in conducting specific risk-based operations.

The specific operations risk assessment (SORA)vides a consistent way to keep things safe for all drone flights and is for operators who need approval for operations not yet fully covered by their risk management process. 

Read more

 

Apply for an ASIC card today!

October 2024 Regulatory wrap-up

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CASA ensures safety with new airlines

Article supplied by CASA

Consultations
Provide feedback on guidance for protecting pilots from accidental laser emissions
We are seeking feedback on a draft advisory circular (AC) that provides guidance on effectively managing risks to aircraft from laser emissions. The draft AC is intended for use by aerodrome operators and event operators when planning light displays. Have your say by 10 November.
Summary of consultation
Ballina airspace design – introduction of controlled airspace
We have published a summary of feedback and responses received to our consultation on the design for controlled airspace around Ballina. We are working with Airservices Australia to consider all feedback received from both industry and the community and what additional changes should be incorporated into the preferred design. A consultation on the preferred design is expected to open in November.
Recreational ballooning administration
We have published a summary of feedback and responses received to our consultation about continuing CASA’s administration of recreational ballooning activities with proposed changes to CAO 95.54 and the CASA Recreational Ballooning Procedures Manual.
Rules and regulations
Changes to MCC training authorisations
Pilot instructors can now apply to have their multi-crew cooperation (MCC) training approval converted to a multi-crew pilot training endorsement (MCP-TE) and have it endorsed on their Part 61 licence. Conditions will apply. Visit our website for more information.
Clearer guidance for RPAS BVLOS operations applications
We have introduced a new ground risk class calculation method which includes new population density bands and an update to the ground risk mitigations when applying for RPAS beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.

This update incorporates elements from the latest specific operations risk assessment (SORA) 2.5 version. It provides clearer guidance for BVLOS operators and will result in a more accurate ground risk classification. For more information visit our website.

Automated authorisations update for ReOC holders
CASA and Airservices Australia are working to extend the automated airspace authorisations trial for ReOC holders, which is set to expire on 15 November 2024. Until the extension is finalised, ReOC holders should apply for flight approvals using the 101-09 RPA Flight Authorisation form. Some applications may take up to 70 days to process from the date of payment. Continue to monitor your email and our website for more updates.
Commencing soon – Part 131 Manual of Standards for balloons and hot air airships
A reminder that the Part 131 Manual of Standards (MOS) commences on 12 November. Operators must submit an exposition/operations manual compliant with Parts 91 and 131 and the Part 131 MOS by 11 November 2024. More information on the submission process is available on our website.
Renewal of multiple expiring exemptions
Key exemption instruments applicable to CASR Parts 91, 119, 121, 133, 135 and 138 expire on 1 December 2024. Multiple CAOs applicable to sport aviation operations also expire on 1 December 2024.

We will be renewing these instruments for a further 3 years from 2 December 2024. The exemption instruments will have new instrument numbers, but the CAOs will retain their existing number (for example 95.4).

Unless an instrument is affected by a recent public consultation, we will only be making minor editorial changes and removal of expired provisions.

Focus on Flight Ops

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Article supplied by CASA. 

Focus on flight ops
Welcome to July’s edition of Focus on flight ops.

In this issue we cover:

  • – training and checking systems (TCS) due date reminder
  • – TCS industry webinar recap
  • – benefits of using a Part 61 qualified person to conduct non-normal TCS activities
  • – knowing what’s in your operations manuals
  • – exemptions that may benefit your operations
  • – RotorTech wrap-up
  • – rotorcraft transition timeline update.
6 weeks left to submit your TCS documentation
Hopefully everyone is on track to submit their training and checking systems documentation to us by 31 August 2024. 
Catch up on recent TCS information sessions
If you missed out on attending our training and checking systems online info session, you can now watch the recording.

Join Greg and Andrea as they explain the ins-and-outs of what is required when submitting your training and checking documentation.
Conduct non-normal TCS activities with a Part 61 instructor
As you prepare to transition to TCS, did you know that you can use qualified Part 61 instructors and examiners to conduct airborne non-normal training and checking exercises without the need for our approval?
Knowing your manuals
Operators are accountable for understanding the details of their organisation’s operational manuals.
Exemptions that could streamline your operations
Did you know there are a range of exemptions that could help streamline your operations?

Exemptions provide you greater flexibility for implementing standard operating procedures at your organisation, such as avoiding the need to change your processes when you operate between multiple Parts.

Maintenance Month takes flight

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CASA maintenance month May

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.

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:

  1. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
  2. Subscribe to our aircraft maintenance engineer mailing list.
  3. 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.

Need an ASIC card – apply now

Plan to improve colour vision deficiency policy for pilots

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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.

Plan to improve colour vision article

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

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CASA class 5 medical

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.

Apply or renew your ASIC Card now

Safety during school holidays

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CASA - no more carry on

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

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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:

media@casa.gov.au

Reference number:

MR4623

Safety Promotion Sponsorship Program now open

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Article supplied by CASA

We’re doing something a little different with our Safety Promotion sponsorship program.

Person working on plane engine

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.