Safety management systems for aerodrome rescue and firefighting and air traffic and air navigation service providers - (PP 2618SS)

Overview

We are seeking feedback on a proposal to create a single set of safety management system (SMS) requirements under a new Part 5 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) and an associated Manual of Standards (MOS).

This proposal applies only to organisations currently required to have an SMS under Parts 139.H, 171, 172, 173 and 175 of CASR including:

• aerodrome rescue and firefighting service providers
• air traffic service providers
• aeronautical communication and navigation service providers
• aeronautical information service providers
• instrument flight procedure design organisations.

Important: The proposal does not apply to, or change SMS requirements for aerodrome operators, air transport operators, aerial work operators, flight training organisations or maintenance organisations.

Why are changes being proposed?

The proposal would align Australia's SMS requirements with Annex 19 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention), Safety Management (ICAO Annex 19) and create a more consistent framework for affected organisations. It would also simplify administration for aviation organisations that manage several parts of their operation under one SMS.

In 2025 we reviewed Australia’s SMS regulations against the requirements of ICAO Annex 19. The review found that the SMS requirements in Parts 139.H, 171, 172, 173 and 175 differ significantly from the ICAO SMS framework.

To address these differences, we propose moving those SMS requirements into a new Part 5 of CASR and an associated MOS, with amendments to better align with ICAO Annex 19.

Initially, Part 5 would apply only to authorisation holders that are currently required to have an SMS under Parts 139.H, 171, 172, 173 and 175.

Over time, SMS requirements for additional aviation sectors could be incorporated into Part 5 to create a single source of SMS requirements for industry.

What would change?

The SMS requirements currently contained in Parts 139.H, 171, 172, 173 and 175 would be replaced with Part 5 and its associated MOS.

Part 5 would also introduce requirements for the protection of safety data, safety information and related sources, in accordance with ICAO Annex 19 Appendix 3. These protections are not included in the current SMS regulations.

To support implementation, a 2-year transition period is proposed for affected authorisation holders to update their SMS documentation, systems and procedures.

Previous consultations

CASA previously consulted industry through a Part 5 industry consultation group (ICG).

Feedback from the ICG helped shape this proposal and informed changes to the proposed regulatory framework.

Why your views matter

Your feedback will help us make sure the proposed requirements are suitable, the final legislation is clear, and it will work as intended.

How to submit feedback

Please submit your comments on the proposed amendments through the consultation hub using the survey link provided on this page.

If you are unable to provide feedback via the survey link, please email us at regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au.

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.

We will consider all feedback on the proposed safety management system policy. Where appropriate, we will incorporate suggestions that improve the proposed policy while maintaining alignment with ICAO Annex 19.

We will consult on the proposed new Part 5 regulation and MOS at a later stage, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to give feedback.

Related documents

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

• Policy proposal PP 2618SS, which provides background on the proposed safety management system policy
• MS Word copy of online consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.