CASA seeks feedback on proposed operating rules

CASA is seeking comment from GA pilots on a new draft set of general operating and flight rules.

CASA intends to adopt the proposed set of rules, which will form Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, as a complete set of new operating safety requirements for all private flights. CASR Part 91 will also establish baseline requirements for aircraft used in aerial work.

CASA says Part 91 consolidates and retains most existing operating rules, albeit with some proposed new requirements and differences in the way the rules are presented. 

“The requirements of Part 91 form the basis for safe aviation operations in a similar manner to the ‘rules of the road’,” CASA says. “These rules are not repeated in other operational Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, so all pilots must become familiar with the Part 91 regulations, regardless of the operations in which they are involved.”

Following an initial round of industry consultation, CASA is making the draft version of CASR Part 91 available for comment one final time before finalising and introducing the new regulations.

“I would like to urge everyone in aviation to look at the draft and provide comments to CASA as the proposed rules do not just affect private and professional pilots,” CASA boss John McCormick explains. “Aircraft owners, maintainers, cabin crew, loading personnel, refuelers, air display organisers and air traffic controllers all need to understand what the new rules will look like and how they might impact on their area of operations.”

While McCormick insists that on the whole the proposed general operating and flight rules are not a radical departure from the existing regulations, a number of the changes appear particularly concerning. These include introducing a new minimum height rule similar to the US requirement and a requirement for a risk briefing for passengers on non-transport flights.

As resident Australian Flying blogger Steve Hitchen discusses in his recent blog ‘The Dopeler Effect’, the above changes are not in the interest of General Aviation and private pilots, so be sure to voice your concerns with CASA by the closing date.

To read the CASR Part 91 draft operating rules and submit your feedback click here. Closing date for submissions is Friday May 13.