CASA has called for comments on its proposed new CASR Part 135 regulations covering air transport operations in small aeroplanes, a description that best suits charter operations.
According to the regulator's briefing, Part 135 will apply to "normal, commuter and transport category aeroplanes up to a maximum take-off weight of 8618 kg and a maximum passenger seat configuration of nine (9). Part 135, unlike today’s regulations for passenger charter or low capacity regular public transport, makes no distinction between scheduled and non-scheduled/on-demand services."
Among the changes proposed, there are several that are likely to be of concern to charter operators still running smaller, more economical aircraft such as Beech Barons, Cessna 402s, Navajos and Chieftains. They include:
- All aircraft to have minimum equipment lists
- All passenger IFR ops to have weather radar on board
- Mandatory auto pilots for single-engine ops after June 30, 2015
- Emergency locator beacons (ELBs) for all flights
- TAWS-B (Terrain Awareness and Warning System Class B) for IFR operations with six or more passenger seats
Further changes in Part 135 will also cover the shift toward single engine turbine aircraft for IFR ops, which have been approved for some time under ASETPA rules.
The draft regulations can be downloaded from the CASA website and the comment period finishes on August 24, 2012