The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) last week published the first of a planned series of digital newsletters guiding operators through the new suite of regulations that come into force in December.
Called What Can I Do Now, the newsletters aim to explain operators' and pilots' obligations under CASR Parts 91, 119, 121, 133, 135 and 138; all of which commence on 2 December 2021.
The first edition explains how the six operational regulations work together, which ones apply to which type of operation and step operators through how the Manuals of Standards (MOS) fit into the legislative framework.
"The new rules are like building blocks," the newsletter explains.
"CASR Part 91 is the General operating and flight rules and applies to all pilots.
"If you’re doing aerial work, then you’ll also be operating under Part 138 – which will add to or turn off some Part 91 requirements for aerial work operations. You won’t need an AOC for these operations.
"If you are currently conducting charter or regular public transport (RPT), then under the new rules you’ll become an air transport operator. You’ll need to comply with Part 119 for your AOC certification and management requirements. For your operating rules, that will depend on what you’re doing. And these operating rules also add to or turn off some Part 91 requirements.
"Part 133 applies to air transport operations in rotorcraft, gyroplanes or powered lift aircraft.
"Part 135 applies to air transport operations in aeroplanes with a maximum seating capacity of nine and a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 8618 kg or less.
"Part 121 applies to air transport operations in aeroplanes with a seating capacity of more than nine seats, or an MTOW of more than 8618 kg.
"However, if you are operating single-engine aeroplanes with a seating capacity of more than 9 seats, then Subpart 121.Z applies and will permit you to operate to many Part 135 standards."
CASA also explains that it is about to launch a flight operations guide online, which can be accessed through the AviationWorx system for people who have a CASA account.
The first What Can I Do Now digital newsletter is available on the CASA website.