Last month, CASA amended the Civil Aviation Orders to permit Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) holders to access controlled airspace.
Changes to CAOs 95.55, 95.32 and 95.10 will allow Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) to administer operations in CTA/R via a specific endorsement with the RAAus Flight Operations Manual. The revised manual is currently with CASA, and RAAus expects approval within Q3 2026.
RPC holders will, however, be required to hold a CASA Class 5 medical certificate, which means RAAus holders will need a CASA aviation reference number (ARN) to exercise the privilege of the endorsement.
CASA will also require pilots to pass an ICAO Level 4 English Language Proficiency test, and aircraft will have to be properly equipped with transponders.
In a communique to members, RAAus said that the new permissions were the result of years of advocacy, but warned that pilots would need to display a high level of airmanship.
"Whilst these changes are exciting for the future of recreational aviation activities in Australia, the success of the implementation of these changes relies on the ongoing competency and professionalism of RAAus members to ensure safe and compliant controlled airspace operations," the communique said.
CASA announced that it would grant Class C and D controlled airspace access to RPC holders in December 2024, after consultation revealed that only 7% of respondents opposed the initiative.
Access to CTA/R will enable endorsed RPC holders flying properly-equipped aircraft to use airports like Ballina, Albury, Tamworth and Launceston, and transit military airspace rather than having to track around airspace boundaries.
- Steve Hitchen