Better safety for air charter
Australia's aviation charter industry is not under threat from proposed improvements to air safety rules.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority totally rejects claims that light aircraft charter operations will disappear under planned reforms to safety regulations.
CASA has proposed a major overhaul of the rules covering commercial aircraft which will abolish the distinction between small regular public transport operations and charter flights.
The proposals have been published in a Discussion Paper to give the aviation industry the opportunity to suggest further improvements or modifications. CASA is calling for comment until June 30.
Under the reforms safety will be improved by requiring charter operators to meet higher standards in a range of areas including pilot training and checking, aircraft maintenance and fuel requirements.
Passengers will have greater confidence when travelling in light commercial aircraft with a standard level of safety.
But the better safety and greater passenger confidence will not stop air charter operators offering flexible services to all parts of Australia.
Charter operators will still be able to fly in both the populated and remote areas and use aerodromes ranging from capital city hubs to dirt bush strips.
In each case the operator and pilot must satisfy basic safety requirements - no change from the current situation.
CASA also rejects claims that charter pilots will need to be specially qualified on each route they fly, restricting their effective operations.
There are no "route qualification" requirements for day-time flights in visual meteorological conditions and common sense requirements are proposed for instrument flights.
This means people who charter aircraft will still be able to decide where they fly and where they land, as long as the operation is safe and within the aviation regulations.
CASA is proposing the safety reforms to simplify the regulations and bring Australia into line with world's best practice in air safety.
The Discussion Paper on the proposed Civil Aviation Safety Regulation Part 121B is now available. CASA is encouraging everyone involved in the aviation industry to provide comment.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419
296 446
Ref: MR0215