Proposed Part 101 (Unmanned aircraft and rockets) Manual of Standards 2018 - (CD 1807US)

Overview

CASA is seeking feedback on new rules for remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) operations (popularly known as drones).

The proposed new rules aim to:

• prescribe requirements for RePL training course administration including requirements for RePL training instructors
• prescribe aeronautical knowledge and practical competency standards, for RePL practical training courses
• impose examination requirements for RePL training course theory components
• prescribe requirements relating to the operation of an RPA or model aircraft below 400 ft in controlled airspace or near controlled aerodromes
• prescribe requirements for extended visual line of sight (EVLOS) operations
• impose recordkeeping and notification requirements for the operator of an RPA including excluded RPA.

The proposed new rules and standards are described in the draft manual of standards (MOS) of Part 101 of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR).

MOS standards are legal rules that are authorised by regulation. When implemented, the MOS will harmonise and standardise some of the current conditions on RPAS operator certificates. This will provide a benchmark for operators and for CASA surveillance and auditing purposes.

Note: If you ‘fly for fun’, all the essential/fundamental drone rules remain the same. A small section of the proposed new rules - clarifying the requirements to operate in controlled and non-controlled airspace - may  affect some recreational users.

Why your views matter

We are consulting to ensure that the proposed new rules are clearly articulated and will work in practice and as they are intended.

Comments are sought from every sector of the community. This includes the general public, government agencies and in particular, all sectors of the aviation industry, whether as an aviator, aviation consumer and/or provider of related products and services.

We understand regulations can be difficult to read. We have made it easier for you to have your say. On the contents page there is a list of different audiences with the questions that may be of particular interest to them. You can decide how many or how few of the questions you want to answer. Each question will include a link to the relevant section of the MOS so you don't have to read the entire document.

All documents related to this consultation are attached at the bottom of the page. They are:

• Summary of proposed change document, which provides background on the proposed standards
• Exposure Draft Part 101 Manual of Standards (MOS)
• a downloadable Word copy and PDF of this consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation. 

Previous consultations

Prior to the release of this Summary of proposal, CASA has consulted internally and externally via a new Technical Working Group (TWG), consisting of representatives from CASA and the RPAS industry. Alterations and additions were made to the draft MOS as a result of these consultations.

Drafts of the training syllabus were previously distributed by CASA to certified RPAS training organisations. In terms of the development of training standards, these organisations were very supportive of CASA's intended direction.

What happens next

All comments on the draft MOS of Part 101 of CASR consultation will be considered. Relevant feedback that improves upon the proposed standards and is consistent with the regulations and other CASA policy, will be incorporated into the final ruling.

CASA has set a tentative date of the fourth quarter of 2018 to make the proposed rules, some of which will come into effect by the second quarter of 2019. The feedback we receive from this consultation will also assist CASA in developing adequate implementation and transition timeframes.

CASA proposes a transition period of six months for the training aspects of the MOS to ensure that industry has sufficient time to adapt to the new requirements. To facilitate RPAS operations by industry. it is likely that other aspects of the MOS may commence sooner. Timeframes may change depending on the date the draft rules are signed, registered and implemented by CASA.

Post-implementation review

CASA will monitor and review the new rules during the transition phase and on an ongoing basis. As the industry develops, CASA will also continue work on proposed further changes to the Part 101 regulations to better support RPAS operations.

Please read the Summary of proposed change (CD 1807US) consultation document before providing your feedback in the online survey.

What happens next

All comments on the draft MOS of Part 101 of CASR consultation will be considered. Relevant feedback that improves upon the proposed standards and is consistent with the regulations and other CASA policy, will be incorporated into the final ruling.

CASA has set a tentative date of the fourth quarter of 2018 to make the proposed rules, some of which will come into effect by the second quarter of 2019. The feedback we receive from this consultation will also assist CASA in developing adequate implementation and transition timeframes.

CASA proposes a transition period of six months for the training aspects of the MOS to ensure that industry has sufficient time to transition to the new requirements. To facilitate RPAS operations by industry, it is likely that other aspects of the MOS may commence sooner. Timeframes MAY change depending on the date the draft rules are signed, registered and implemented by CASA.