Current projects

CS 04/03 – Review/Amend CASR Parts 22-35 Airworthiness Standards

History

13 Apr 2004

Project CS 04/03 - Review/amend CASR Parts 21-35 airworthiness standards.

New consultation project has been registered

Current rule
CASR Part 26 – Airworthiness standards for aircraft in the primary or intermediate category

CASR Part 26 was developed to specify the airworthiness standards for small aircraft of simple design and low weight:

• A primary category aircraft is an aircraft that:
  • is unpowered; or is an aeroplane powered by a single naturally-aspirated engine, with a stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed in the landing configuration (V_so) of 61 knots or less; or is a rotorcraft powered by a single naturally-aspirated engine, with a 29.3 kg/m² main rotor disc loading limitation under sea level standard day conditions; and
  • has a maximum takeoff weight up to 1225 kg, or 1530 kg if a seaplane; and
  • has a maximum seating capacity of not more than 4 persons, including the pilot; and
  • has an unpressurised cabin.
• An intermediate category aircraft is an aircraft that:
  • is an aeroplane with a stalling speed or minimum steady flight speed in the landing configuration (V_so) of 61 knots or less; or is a rotorcraft with a 29.3 kg/m² main rotor disc loading limitation under sea level standard day conditions; and
  • has a maximum takeoff weight of not more than 1750 kg; and
  • has a maximum seating capacity of 4 persons, including the pilot; and
  • has an unpressurised cabin.

CASR Part 26 has been based on foreign legislation for primary category (specifically the USA's Federal Aviation Regulations), whereas intermediate is a unique Australian aircraft category.

Who Part 26 affects

CASR Part 26 affects people who:

• design small aircraft of simple design and low weight to be used in the Australian aviation community, or
• design modifications and repairs for small aircraft of simple design and low weight.

Key proposals

Affected activity	Before CASR Part 26 started	After CASR Part 26 started
Airworthiness standards for PRIMARY category aircraft	Not specifically covered in Australian legislation.	Covered by CASR Part 26 and as set out in the relevant requirements of CASR Parts 22, 23, 27, 32, 33 and 35, or as CASA considers appropriate
Airworthiness standards for INTERMEDIATE category aircraft	Not specifically covered in Australian legislation.	Covered by CASR Part 26 and as set out in the relevant requirements of CASR Parts 22, 23, 27, 32, 33 and 35, or as CASA considers appropriate

PICA26 – Design criteria for primary and intermediate category aeroplanes with positive displacement engines (14 October 1999)