Changing the rules

Under development
CASR Part 135 – Air transport operations - small aeroplanes

CASR Parts 121 and 135 both deal with air transport operations — 121 for large aeroplanes, 135 for small aeroplanes, the split based on 5700kg maximum take-off weight.

Part 135 will specify the requirements for the operation of small aeroplanes engaged in air transport operations that apply in addition to, or substitution for, the general rules prescribed in Part 91. Part 135 will not apply to domestic operations involving cargo only, nor will it legislate for those passenger-carrying operations for hire or reward which fall under the new proposed Part 132.

Part 135 sets in place a common level of safety for both charter and regular public transport (RPT) operators. The safety level applies irrespective of whether an operation is scheduled or non-scheduled as described by the International Civil Aviation Organization in Part I of Annex 6.

This common level of safety will particularly affect charter operators in areas such as:

  • flight crew training;
  • proficiency checks and supervision;
  • over-water operations for approved single engine aeroplanes; and
  • more flexible take-off and landing performance.

Air transport operations combine the flexibility of charter operations with the safety benefits of RPT's structured training and checking.

Who Part 135 affects

  • Charter operators;
  • RPT operators;
  • Flight crew; and
  • Ground support personnel.

Key proposals

  • Single standard to be introduced for passenger operations regardless of whether charter or RPT operations are involved;
  • Flight crew members to be subject to more comprehensive training and checking requirements, including Crew Resource Management (CRM) training, but which will be less onerous than under 121;
  • More comprehensive and standardised aeroplane performance requirements in case of charter operations;
  • Support for the systems approach by making it clear who is responsible for compliance with a particular rule;
  • Re-introduction of the requirement for first aid kits, and a new requirement for emergency medical kits on specified flights;
  • More comprehensive provisions for:
    • fuel to be carried (based on Civil Aviation Publication CAAP 234-1 / InternationaI Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 6 Part 1 — same as proposed for 121;
    • flight planning and alternate aerodrome requirements — mainly the same as under 121;
    • standard passenger and baggage weights in aeroplanes with a maximum passenger seating configuration greater than 6 (checked baggage to be weighed, baggage placement limits);
    • operators provided with the means to establish standard weights, or different standard weights, to those legislated).

Contact details

Email: Stuart Jones
General Aviation Operations Group

 
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