Proposed new operational classifications – Business and owner transport (PP 2610OS)

Closes 14 Sep 2026

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Policy topic 1 - Scaled regulatory approach (sector model)

Proposed approach

The proposal would introduce a three-sector framework for business transport and owner transport operations.

The framework is intended to align safety requirements with operational risk. It is based on the principle that safety requirements should increase as aircraft become larger or more complex, passenger carrying capacity increases, and organisational arrangements become more sophisticated.

Under the proposal:

  • Sector 1 would apply to smaller and less complex aircraft and operations
  • Sector 2 would apply to more complex aircraft and operations
  • Sector 3 would apply to aircraft with a maximum certified passenger seating capacity greater than 19
  • each sector builds on the requirements of the previous sector
  • larger and more complex operations would be subject to safety requirements that are progressively closer to those applying to air transport operations.

The framework has been informed by CASA's risk profiling activities, industry feedback and a review of overseas regulatory approaches.

Reference: Policy proposal 2610OS Section 4 – Additional safety requirements and Subsection 5.5 - Risk profiling

Q6. What are your views on the proposed three-sector framework for business transport and owner transport operations? In your response, consider whether the framework appropriately reflects operational risk, whether it is practical to implement and whether there are any risks, benefits or unintended consequences.

Note: Later questions ask for your feedback on the specific thresholds, requirements and safety additives for each individual sector. This question is seeking your general views.

Q7. Would you suggest any of the proposed sector thresholds be amended, and if so, why?

Note: Later questions ask for your feedback on the specific requirements and safety additives for each individual sector. This question is just about the sector thresholds.

Reference: Policy proposal 2610OS Section 4 – Additional safety requirements and Appendix A

Sector 1

Sector 1 would apply to smaller and less complex aircraft and operations. The proposal includes a range of additional safety controls intended to be proportionate to the risks associated with these operations.

Q8. What are your views on the proposed requirements and safety additives for Sector 1 operations? In your response, please comment on whether the proposed requirements are proportionate to risk, any requirements that may be unnecessary, any additional controls that should be considered. Please explain your reasons.

Reference: Policy proposal 2610OS Subsection 4.1 – Sector 1

Sector 2

Sector 2 would apply to larger or more complex operations than Sector 1, but not to operations in aircraft with a maximum certificated passenger seating capacity greater than 19. Additional requirements would apply to reflect the increased complexity and risk profile of these operations.

Q9. What are your views on the proposed requirements and safety additives for Sector 2 operations? In your response, please comment on whether the proposed requirements are proportionate to risk, any requirements that may be unnecessary, any additional controls that should be considered. Please explain your reasons.

Reference: Policy proposal 2610OS Subsection 4.2 – Sector 2

Sector 3

Sector 3 would apply to aircraft with a maximum certificated passenger seating capacity greater than 19. The proposed requirements are intended to provide safety outcomes broadly comparable to those applicable to air transport operations, noting that there would not be the same level of safety assurance which arises from CASA surveillance of air transport operations.

Q10. What are your views on the proposed requirements and safety additives for Sector 3 operations? In your response, please comment on whether the proposed requirements are proportionate to risk, any requirements that may be unnecessary, any additional controls that should be considered. Please explain your reasons.

Reference: Policy proposal 2610OS Subsection 4.3 – Sector 3

Flight and duty time limits

The proposal does not introduce prescriptive flight and duty time limits for Sector 1 and Sector 2 business transport and owner transport operations. Instead, fatigue would continue to be managed through existing requirements, including:

  • the fitness for duty requirements in Part 91 of CASR, and
  • the requirements that apply to private flying under CAO 48.1, combined with
  • the pilot in command's responsibility for the safety of the flight, and
  • workplace health and safety obligations that may apply to aircraft owners and operators.

Specific flight and duty time limits would apply only to Sector 3 operations.

Reference: Policy proposal 2610OS Subsection 4.5 – Flight crew fatigue

Q11. How effectively would the proposed approach manage fatigue-related safety risks in Sector 1 and Sector 2 operations?

Q12. Please explain your response, including any benefits of the proposed approach, any fatigue-related risks or concerns, whether additional fatigue controls should be considered and any operational or implementation impacts.