CASA last week started a project to develop a suite of licensing regulations to cover advanced air mobility (AAM) flights that carry passengers.
The project is part of the regulator's preparations for AAM operations, which are predicted to start in Australia before 2030, utilising eVTOLs on short-haul flights.
"If flying a certified AAM with passengers or a certified drone for complex or higher-risk operations, you’ll likely need formal licensing," CASA states.
"These requirements may be similar to those in Part 61, which outlines the rules for pilot licences, training and experience. This reflects the higher safety standards needed for these types of operations."
CASA has said it will establish a Technical Working Group (TWG) to work through licensing requirements.
The regulator has already set up a TWG for the design and operation of vertiports, which brings together expertise from the AAM and eVTOL industries.
"We're also developing a regulatory framework to support the safe design and operation of vertiports in Australia," CASA says. "To help shape this work, we've formed a [TWG] with representatives from across the sector.
"These projects lay the foundation for safely enabling new technologies and operations, ensuring we're ready for the next phase of aviation."
Currently there are no eVTOLs certified for AAM under any of the five nations, although US company Joby Aviation completed the first crewed transitional flights in April this year, and Australian company AMSL Aero is expecting civil certification of their long-range Vertiia by 2030.