Proposed withdrawl of Aviation Ruling 01/2003

Classification and authorisation of operations involving the aerial baiting of feral animals

Aviation Ruling 1/2003 was titled "Classification and authorisation of operations involving the aerial baiting of feral animals". CASA made the Ruling effective from 1 March 2003. The Ruling stated that, in CASA’s view at that time:

“...aerial baiting operations are neither ‘agricultural operations’ within the meaning of the term in CAR 2(1); nor.... substantially similar to agricultural operations for the purpose of CAR 206(1) (a) (ix)”.

This conclusion applied whether or not the relevant aerial baiting operations were conducted for hire or reward.

Aviation Ruling 1/2003 proposed that CASA regulate aerial baiting operations in aeroplanes through low flying permissions and associated directions issued under CAR 150(2)(a) Dropping of articles.

With the recent introduction of CASR Part 137 Aerial application operations — other than rotorcraft, there has been a request from industry for clarification of an apparent conflict between CASR 137.010 definitions, where aerial application includes baits and pesticides, and Aviation Ruling 1/2003.

CASA proposes to withdraw Aviation Ruling 1/2003 and seeks industry feedback as to whether this will lead to any unintended outcomes.

Interested persons wishing to provide feedback on this proposal may contact the CASR Part 137 Implementation Project Leader – Rob Glenn – by emailing rob.glenn@casa.gov.au or by telephoning 131 757.

Outcome

No objections were recorded and subsequently the decision was made to withdraw the Ruling.

Aviation Ruling 1/2003 was withdrawn on approval of CASA's Director of Aviation Safety on Thursday 15 November 2007.