Approval of equipment used for carriage of persons external to a rotorcraft - Draft Advisory Circular 21-32 v1.0

Closed 20 Dec 2024

Opened 26 Nov 2024

Contact

Airworthiness and Engineering Branch

131 757

regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au

Overview

We are seeking feedback on our draft advisory circular (AC) about the approval of equipment used for carriage of persons external to a rotorcraft.

The feedback we received in our initial consultation for this AC has helped us improve the content, with the following highlights:

  • adoption of the EASA terminology of simple and complex Personnel Carrying Device Systems (PCDS)
  • inclusion of a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section
  • improved clarity regarding what standards are acceptable – including a list of standards that have been pre-assessed by CASA
  • the addition of a baseline standard for a litter system.

Part 21 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) sets out the approval requirements for equipment used for external cargo operations in Australia.

Rotorcraft external load operations in Australia may be conducted as:

  • Part 133 of CASR - Australian air transport operations (rotorcraft), or
  • Part 138 of CASR - Aerial work operation.

The AC provides guidance about the various pathways and options for the Part 21 of CASR approval of PCDS used with Human External Cargo (HEC) capable rotorcraft when performing HEC operations.

It outlines the types of approvals available and the associated manufacturing process requirements. 

This AC will be of interest to:

  • operators of Australian registered rotorcraft conducting human external cargo operations
  • maintenance organisations that modify rotorcraft for external load operations
  • designers of rotorcraft modifications 
  • authorisation holders of appliances that are to be used during external load operations.

Why your views matter

We recognise the valuable contribution that community and industry consultation make to the regulatory development process.

We have previously consulted on an early draft of this AC and are now seeking feedback on whether:

  • the content and structure of the guidance provided is clear and sufficient for obtaining an approval under CASR Part 21
  • the guidance helps you comply with the Part 133 and 138 requirements for using Part 21 approved equipment
  • the proposed technical standard provided at Appendix A of the AC is practical and fit for purpose.

Please submit your comments on the draft AC through the consultation hub using the survey provided. If you are unable to provide feedback this please email us at regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au.

A copy of the draft AC is provided below as well as appearing on the feedback page of the survey. An MS Word copy of online consultation has also been provided for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.

Please read the AC document before providing your feedback. 

What happens next

At the end of the response period, we will:

  • review all comments received
  • make responses publicly available on the consultation hub (unless you request your submission remain confidential)
  • publish a Summary of Consultation which summarises the feedback received and outlines any intended changes and next steps.

Upon publication of AC 21-32 v1.0, we intend to issue a general exemption for a transitional period to allow operators time to obtain the necessary Part 21 approvals for their existing equipment.

Feedback that improves the guidance will be incorporated into the final guidance.

Audiences

  • Aerial work operator
  • Air transport operations – rotorcraft (Part 133)
  • Aerial work operator (Part 138)
  • Subpart 21.J of CASR approved design organisation
  • Subpart 21.M of CASR authorised persons
  • Equipment Manufacturers (including CASA Production Authorisation Holders)

Interests

  • Equipment standards
  • Human External Cargo (HEC)