From 2 December 2026, the exemptions that allowed existing operators to defer implementation of certain flight operations requirements will end. Air transport and aerial work operators must ensure they meet all the safety requirements this year.
Date
No later than 1 September 2026
Depending on your operation, you must provide us with your:
- safety management systems (SMS) procedures
- human factor and non-technical skills (HFNTS) procedures
- safety manager nomination.
By 1 December 2026
Your systems must be in place and safety manager accepted by us.
Why this matters
For many operators, these requirements formalise practices you already do. An effective SMS helps you identify hazards early, manage risk and learn from incidents. We also know that most accidents involve human error, so effective HFNTS training reduces human error and strengthens safety culture.
How are we supporting operators
Following industry feedback, we have adjusted our approach, particularly for micro-operators (10 or less operational safety critical personnel).
We have:
- allowed micro-operators to nominate an existing key person (such as the CEO, Head of Flying Operations or Head of Operations) as the Safety Manager, without additional CASA approval. The Head of Training and Checking may continue to be nominated as Safety Manager
- provided 2 sample SMS manuals:
- and user guides that operators can adapt for their SMS
- developed an online safety manager assessment course via AviationWorx, to support a streamlined Safety Manager assessment process
- updated guidance on who must be covered by an operator’s HFNTS program
- removed the up-front formal assessment and approval process for transition, shifting the focus from paperwork to effective, operational safety systems.
Our commitment
We recognise that operators vary significantly in size and complexity. The aim is not additional burden – it is embedding practical, effective safety systems that strengthen decision-making, support personnel and improve safety outcomes across Australia’s aviation industry.
Further information and support
We’ve published detailed information on the transition requirements and deadlines. This includes a range of new and long-standing resources.
Operators are encouraged to:
- understand your transition requirements and submission process
- visit our SMS webpage for tools, templates and resources
- download our Human factors for pilots resource kit
- contact an Aviation Safety Advisor for support.
You may already be well progressed in your preparation. If you have been working from our previously published resources, such as:
- the SMS gap analysis and implementation tool
- SMS resource kit
- Safety behaviours: human factors for pilots resource kit
all the work you’ve done is still valid.
Visit the flight operations regulations transition for further information.