In 2019 CASA introduced new requirements that apply to pilots conducting Community Service Flights... More
Closes 15 December 2021
The Office of Airspace Regulation is proposing a broadcast area in the vicinity of the south west... More
Closes 24 December 2021
Closes 15 December 2021
Closes 24 December 2021
Closes 31 January 2022
Closed 6 December 2021
Closed 26 November 2021
Closed 23 November 2021
Closed 18 November 2021
Closed 17 November 2021
Here are some of the issues we have consulted on and their outcomes. See all outcomes
This consultation asked industry to review the proposed transition of the night vision imaging system (NVIS) legislation from Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 82.6 into the relevant Parts of the MOS. The consultation has now closed, and a summary of the feedback is provided below.
About this consultation
Prior to the consultation, two NVIS Technical Working Group (TWG) meetings were held to develop the draft MOS instrument, after which the developed draft instrument was subject to this public consultation. Approximately 14 NVIS operators participated in the TWG and were advised of the consultation document and the opportunity to provide further comment. Also, CASA's Flight Standards Branch held an online meeting for the remaining five NVIS Operators who were not part of the NVIS TWG, and they were briefed on the content of the consultation document.
In total, CASA received feedback from two separate NVIS operators relating to the transition of the NVIS legislation.
The first operator's comment related to minor inconsistencies between the NVIS flight rules in the different MOS parts (Part 91, Part 133 and Part 138 of CASR) and an inconsistency with an element of the VMC criteria that had changed from CAO 82.6.
The second operator's comment related to concern over the commencement date of the new flight operations rules and the short period between the NVIS legislation transition and the commencement date of 2 December 2021 for the new legislation.
Summary of feedback
No feedback was received that did not support the transition of the NVIS legislation from the CAO into the CASR. The first comment related specifically to an error in the transition of the VMC criteria from CAO 82.6 that placed conditions on the use of operating in Class C airspace, clear of cloud and inconsistency with the alternate lighting criteria contained within the Part 138 MOS. The second operator comment related to concern over the implementation timeline.
VMC criteria - Ability to operate clear of cloud Class C airspace.
The comment from the operator related to the transitional legislation that was not consistent with CAO 82.6. The VMC criteria allowing a NVIS operation to be conducted clear of cloud in Class C airspace, had conditions imposed that were not required under CAO 82.6. CASA accepted the conditions had, in effect, changed the current NVIS policy relating to the use of the VMC criteria and has removed the conditions for the final legislation.
NVIS alternate lighting
The NVIS operator also identified the wording relating to NVIS alternate lighting in Part 138 MOS, chapter 12.06, differed from the wording in Part 91 MOS, chapter 3.07 and Part 133 MOS, chapter 8.07.
CASA noted this difference was unintended and has amended the final legislation to maintain consistency of wording.
NVIS MOS transition timeline
The second operator raised a concern relating to the limited time available from the intended publication of the amended MOS's containing the NVIS legislation, and the commencement date of the legislation on 2 December 2021.
As a result of the comment, CASA contacted the operator directly to discuss the concern of the proposed transition timeline. The operator's concern related to the volume of flight rules that are due to commence on 2 December 2021, including the transition of the NVIS legislation.
CASA acknowledges there is a significant volume of flight rules due to commence on 2 December 2021. The preference was to have the NVIS flight rules embedded into the MOS at least 12 months prior to the commencement of the legislation; however, CASA has ensured all NVIS operators have been involved in the development of the transitional legislation since March 2020, including their participation in 3 NVIS TWGs. Further, CASA provided a draft of the transitional legislation in June 2021 and all members of the NVIS TWG have had access to the proposed MOS Parts. CASA has ensured the NVIS flight rules remain mostly unchanged in this transition from the CAO to the new MOS's and should not require a significant change to NVIS operators' operations manual procedures.
CASA remains committed to transitioning the NVIS legislation by 2 December 21 to ensure operators are not required to refer to the legacy NVIS legislation contained within CAO 82.6.
Additional CASA actions
CASA separately identified that the contents of a Note in the draft instrument were seemingly prescribing a safety policy regarding the situation where an NVIS crew might de-goggle during the overflight of significant cultural lighting in order to maintain aviation safety.
At the NVIS TWG meeting in November 2021 following the consultation, CASA discussed with the TWG moving the contents of the Note into the main legal provisions of the legislation. This was accepted by the TWG and these changes have been made.
CASA will proceed with the transition of the NVIS legislation into the relevant MOS's to ensure NVIS operators are not required to revert to CAO 82.6 for NVIS flight rules. This transition will include the making of a separate Part 11 direction to Part 119 and Part 138 certificate holders, in accordance with the public consultation, that requires these kinds of operators to obtain CASA's approval prior to operators first using NVIS in an NVIS operation. This approval will not be required for operators already holding CAO 82.6 approvals.
From 9 June 2021 to 11 July 2021, the Office of Airspace Regulation (OAR) invited public comment on frequency congestion in the vicinity of Ballina and the allocation of a different common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) for Lismore, Casino and Evans Head aerodromes.
The survey asked a number of questions.
Respondents were also asked for other suggestions or concerns with the airspace in the vicinity of Ballina, Lismore and Casino aerodromes.
The OAR would like to thank all of the contributions provided by respondents and acknowledges that their feedback is beneficial for the consultation process. The consultation received responses from 84 individuals or organisations.
Key feedback
Responses validated the issues of frequency congestion and over transmission of radio calls. Responses were largely supportive of the proposal to allocate Lismore and Casino aerodromes a different CTAF to Ballina.
The results of the survey are published on the Consultation Hub.
In response to the consultation, the OAR will develop a formal proposal to change the CTAF of Lismore and Casino and will consult with industry prior to making a final determination.
The results of the survey and comments received will be included in an airspace review of Ballina which is currently underway.
This consultation asked industry and stakeholders to identify any effects from implementing the proposed changes to the Part 60 Manual of Standards (MOS). The consultation has now closed, and a summary of the feedback is provided below.
About this consultation
Prior to the consultation, CASA had informal feedback from industry stakeholders indicating that the changes were appropriate and are welcome. CASA noted this feedback when developing the policy for the changes and, to gain perspective from the widest possible audience, undertook formal consultation.
The consultation asked respondents if the proposed changes provided sufficient time to make upgrades to upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT) capable devices and if it would present any safety issues. Further, the consultation asked if the addition of a CASA qualification system as a standard would lead to inadequate devices becoming qualified.
Respondents were also asked to provide input on any additional issues they would like considered by the post implementation review.
There was 1 response to the discussion paper. The respondent represented a flight crew training and checking organisation and requested their submission be confidential.
Summary of feedback
The respondent indicated they supported the change providing additional time to make the upgrades to UPRT capabilities. Of note, the respondent indicated that without the proposed change, operators would likely bear significant costs and would face other operational impacts. For example, the respondent highlighted that without the proposed changes, UPRT would not be able to be integrated into recurrent training (which is undesirable for both CASA and operators) and mandatory training would be outsourced to other countries.
Regarding the proposed addition of FSD-1 as a qualification standard, the respondent was also supportive. The respondent noted the significant costs required to meet the latest alternative qualification standard, which for an older device would be prohibitive, and would deliver additional training activities for UPRT.
Next steps
Overall, through the formal consultation survey and from informal feedback, industry stakeholders have strongly supported the proposed changes. As a result, CASA will now undertake to implement the changes for the Part 60 MOS to reflect the proposals.