Within the Parts 91, 133 and 138 Manuals of Standards (MOS) there are requirements for equipment used in human external cargo (HEC) operations.
Meeting the standards
Here's a breakdown of how equipment can meet the standards, ensuring that the following items used in HEC operations meet high safety standards:
- external load equipment
- fittings
- lines
- safety harnesses
- restraint straps
- rescue harnesses.
Australian Parts Manufacturer Approval (APMA)
This is a design and production approval for items manufactured within Australia.
Australian Technical Standard Order Authorisation (ATSOA)
This authorises the manufacturing of items in accordance with a set of minimum performance standards for materials, parts, processes, or appliances.
Type certification procedures
For aircraft, engines, or propellers, compliance can be achieved during their initial type certification process.
Imported item compliance (Subpart 21.N)
This applies to imported items, ensuring they meet specific conditions stated in the regulations.
Part 21 MOS
If listed in the Part 21 MOS, compliance can be achieved if the listed requirements are met.
CASA approved methods
Any other method that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approves.
Further guidance
For more information about the approval of equipment used for carriage of persons external to a rotorcraft read Advisory Circular 21-32.
Compliance deadlines
The Part 133 and Part 138 rules are in effect now and require airworthiness approvals for external load equipment.
If you conduct medical transport or search and rescue operations and currently do not have approval for equipment you use, you can seek a permission letter from CASA under an instrument of general application for some additional time.
Under the conditions of the instrument, operators can seek a permission letter from CASA to continue to use equipment that does not meet the requirements of Part 133 and 138 if certain conditions are complied with. Permissions can only be granted up until 30 June 2026 at the latest.
View the instrument (CASA EX91/24) on the Federal Register of Legislation website, which includes details on how to apply for permission.
Approved equipment
The following equipment has been approved by CASA in accordance with Part 21.
- Yates Air Rescue Vest (ARV) Model 908/908M – Class III victim extrication device – approved for use 19 December 2022.
If you need more information about the approval conditions applied to the equipment, please contact us.