CASA this week published the highly anticipated updated GA Workplan 2025, which outlines a series of initiatives designed to streamline regulator processes and reduce burden on the general aviation community.
The new GA Workplan was heralded in the Federal Government's 2024 Aviation White Paper, and continues on from the original workplan laid down in 2022.
"The 2025 Workplan introduces new initiatives and carries forward four ongoing measures from the previous plan," CASA says.
"It focuses on five key categories: improving pilot licensing rules, streamlining airworthiness and maintenance, simplifying health arrangements, increasing sport and recreational opportunities, and driving continuous improvement across the sector.
"Each initiative is designed to be practical, achievable, and aligned with the real-world needs of operators, pilots, engineers, and aviation organisations."
CASA says it has also introduced a more structured approach to implementation that ensures reforms are well-targeted, deliver meaningful outcomes, and are supported by clear timelines and industry consultation.
Among the initiatives introduced in the 2025 workplan are:
- streamlining flight examiner rating approvals
- reviewing parts of CASR Part 61
- enhancing maintenance licence pathways
- reviewing unique Australian airworthiness directives
- progressing the Class 4 medical standard
- develop a CASR Part 103 Manual of Standards (MOS)
- investigate implementing the MOSAIC light sport aircraft certification
- review guidance material for FTOs conducting scenic flights
- review arrangements for public benefit and charity flying such as Angel Flight.
Outstanding from the 2022 GA Workplan are Part 43 GA maintenance, Class C and D access for sport and recreational aviation, improving LAME numbers, and recognising international LAME qualifications.
"For some initiatives a scoping activity will be completed so proposed actions are both practical and beneficial," CASA says. "This will help determine the feasibility of each initiative by assessing whether it can be realistically implemented within existing regulatory, technical, and resource constraints.
"It also evaluates the complexity of the work involved, including potential interdependencies with other reforms or systems.
"By conducting this thorough analysis upfront, CASA can make informed decisions about prioritisation, allocate resources effectively, and set realistic timeframes for implementation, ultimately ensuring that reforms deliver meaningful improvements without unintended consequences."
The timetable for the workplan contains completion dates spread out over the next three-and-a-half years, envisaging completion some time in 2028.
The complete GA Workplan 2025 is on the CASA website.