We are seeking feedback on our policy proposal to allow Part 138 aerial work certificate holders to carry firefighting personnel to and from a location in the vicinity of a fireground in rotorcraft for hire or reward.
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This proposal is to permit the carriage of firefighting personnel as aerial work passengers within the vicinity of a fireground under the aerial work rules as an alternative to the air transport rules.
Key aspects of the proposal include:
- Using the Part 138 aerial work rules instead of the Part 119 and Part 133 rotorcraft air transport rules including the classification of aircraft and maximum of 9 aerial work passenger limits.
- Eliminating the need for an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), provided personnel are fully prepared, informed of, and accept the higher risks involved in such operations.
- Applies to operational assignments managed by State or Territory emergency services organisations where personnel are being located to carry out ground-based firefighting.
Fighting fires is an essential and critical public interest and benefit activity across Australia and involves many operators and people including volunteers working with State and Territory emergency service organisations. This requires effective rules to ensure the safety of the operation, the people involved and property on the ground.
Aircraft operators and fire control agencies have told us the operational environment of the fireground for rotorcraft operations may be more closely aligned with the aerial work rules. They involve operations with a higher level of pre-flight uncertainty about the conditions of the landing site when compared to typical rotorcraft air transport passenger carrying flights.
Joe Rule, Branch Manager Flight Standards, says 'we have been working closely with the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authorities Council (AFAC) and the AFAC Aviation Safety Group to develop this draft proposal.
'We have listened to the emergency services agencies and aircraft operators who provide these vital community services and together established a more efficient and effective approach to managing aviation firefighting operations.'
The proposed changes provide relief and flexibility to some of the rules to match the dynamic nature of firefighting operations and the need to ensure safety for all is maintained.
'I strongly encourage operators and personnel who may be affected by this proposal to provide their feedback.'
Have your say via our Consultation hub by 10 October 2024.