Guidance on airworthiness related operational safety objectives (OSO) for Australian specific operational risk assessment (AusSORA)

Overview

We are seeking feedback on the draft Annex A to draft advisory circular (AC) 101-06. AC 101-06 was consulted in March 2026. This annex provides guidance on airworthiness-related safety objectives for drone operations.

The Australian Specific Operational Risk Assessment (AusSORA) addresses technical integrity, reliability, and the continued safe operation of drones through airworthiness-related Operational Safety Objectives (OSO). Compliance relies on evidence and activities undertaken by drone designers, manufacturers, and maintainers.

Draft AC 101-06 provides information on AusSORA. The proposed annex supplements the AC and focuses on airworthiness-related criteria and means of compliance.

The draft annex provides guidance on:

• OSO #04 - design to an Airworthiness Design Standard (ADS)
• OSO #05 - system safety and reliability
• OSO #24 - adverse environmental conditions.

CASA may expand the annex in future versions to cover additional airworthiness-related subjects.

Intended audience

The draft annex is primarily for drone designers and manufacturers in understanding what to expect when seeking approval from CASA. It will also help drone operators understand the requirements, and what to expect from the designers and manufacturers when seeking approval from CASA. Designers and manufacturers are expected to provide evidence to support operator applications.

The draft annex will be of interest to:

• drone designers, manufacturers, and system integrators
• safety and reliability engineers
• drone operators preparing AusSORA submissions
• consultants supporting AusSORA applications and compliance activities.

Annex A is a deliverable of the RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap, item AA6 - Publish guidance on the evidence required for RPAS airworthiness and operational safety goals.

Why your views matter

We are seeking feedback on whether:

• the content and structure are clear and sufficient
• the guidance is fit for the purpose of supporting operational applications under the AusSORA approval process
• the guidance is fit for the purpose of supporting compliance with airworthiness-related OSO as part of AusSORA.

We recognise how valuable your contribution is to the regulatory development process. Your feedback will increase our understanding of your needs and whether the draft annex to AC provides adequate guidance on requirements and compliance with airworthiness OSO for AusSORA.

How to submit feedback

Please submit your comments on the draft Annex A through the Consultation Hub using the survey provided. If you are unable to provide feedback this way, please email us at regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au.

Please read the annex 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.

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

Related Documents

All relevant documents are attached in the ‘Related’ section at the bottom of the overview page. They are:

• Draft Annex A to AC 101-06 v1.0
• MS Word copy of online consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.