CASA will expand access to controlled airspace for sport and recreation pilots from 2025.
Date
The decision follows consultation with industry on a proposed policy and detailed engagement with approved self-administering aviation organisations (ASAOs).
We will now work through the feedback from this consultation to ensure that we can do so safely for all airspace users.
Under the proposal, pilots would need to meet established CASA requirements for:
- English language proficiency
- competency in using a radio to communicate with air traffic control
- pilot competencies, including in navigation, flight planning, emergency, weather and airspace clearances
- minimum medical requirements.
Aircraft will also be required to carry equipment such as radio communication and surveillance equipment and meet all established serviceability and reliability requirements.
The initiative is an action resulting from our General Aviation Workplan.
It is expected that this will be enabled through amendments to Civil Aviation Orders (CAOs) 95.10, 95.32 and 95.55 to allow sport and recreation pilots operating under Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) to operate in controlled airspace and at controlled aerodromes.
CASA is aiming to establish an enduring controlled airspace and controlled aerodrome access policy for all pilots operating under an ASAO as part of the Part 103 MOS development process.
Further detail on the policy and the amendments to the CAOs will be made in Q1 of 2025.