The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) proposing a complete re-write of CASR Part 139 and the Manual of Standards (MOS) relating to aerodromes.
According to CASA, the regulations need to be updated to simplify and streamline the requirements and bring them more into line with ICAO standards.
The major changes proposed in the NPRM are:
- Aerodromes will be either "regulated" (certified) or "unregulated" based on the presence of IFR procedures
- Administrative and system requirements will be scalable, dependent on the size and complexity of the aerodrome operations and associated risk
- Physical standards will be more flexible, with minimum, maximum and new "preferred" limits to suit a variety of practical situations.
- New options and standards to use enhanced visual aids to improve safety will be introduced
- Existing aerodrome facilities will continue to be grandfathered until they are upgraded or replaced
- Aerodromes currently issued exemptions under Part 11 of CASR may now be granted a wider range of enduring approvals subject to a suitable safety case being provided to CASA.
According to CASA, the amendments "reflect changes in the industry, technology, international standards and best practice. They aim to be more flexible and practical."
The NPRM is open for public feedback until 8 December 2017 and is available on the CASA website.