Part 138 of CASR Aerial work operations

Rule status

Current

Part 138 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) sets out the rules for operators conducting aerial work operations. Aerial work operations include external load, dispensing and task specialist operations.

It incorporates the relevant requirements directly in a nationally consistent manner. Operators in this category hold an aerial work certificate. 

If you conduct other operations, such as air transport, you will need to comply with other CASR flight operations Parts.

Visit our flight operations transition section to find out more. 

Who it affects

This rule affects all operators and pilots who conduct aerial work operations.

All operators and pilots also need to comply with Part 91 of CASR General operating and flight rules. Keep in mind Part 138 may add to or turn off some Part 91 requirements either completely or partially.

Aeroplane operators may choose whether to conduct dispensing operations under Part 138 or Part 137 of CASR Aerial application operations.

Requirements for the dropping or releasing of any substance overlap for Part 138 and Part 137. Note: Part 137 only applies to aeroplanes.

Legislative instruments

Legislative instruments apply to a broad range of people. These instruments include Manuals of Standards and exemptions to regulatory requirements.

Instruments related to this part will display in this space or you can view our list of legislative instruments.

9 legislative instruments available

Part 138 Manual of Standards
Commences:
Fatigue management
Commences:
CAO 48.1
Training and checking (CASR Part 138)
Commences:
CASA 94/21
Crew Life Jackets (SMA-2160 Series)
Commences:
CASA EX89/23

Guidance material

Advisory material provides advice and guidance to explain particular regulatory requirements of a CASR Part. Guidance material relating to this part will appear in this space or you can view all our guidance material.

14 guidance material available

Updated:

Acceptable means of compliance and guidance material (AMC-GMs) for Part 138 Aerial work operations.

Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material, Flight ops - General resource Version: 2.5
Updated:

This AC provides guidance for operators relating to their management of the continuing airworthiness, and maintenance, of aircraft being used for their operations.

Advisory Circular Version: 1.0
Updated:

Multi-Part Advisory Circular 91-13, AC 133-09 and AC 138-06 provides guidance on the conduct of helicopter operations using NVIS. This publication supports and expands upon the content of Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 91, Part 133 and Part 138 and relevant Manual of Standards (MOS).

Advisory Circular Version: 1.3
Updated:

The scope of the 2 sample training and checking manuals (sample manuals) and their guide extends to detailing sample training and checking system content applicable to flight crew members, air crew members, cabin crew members, and medical transport specialists.

Industry compliance template, Sample operations manual Version: 1.1
Updated:

The scope of the 2 sample training and checking manuals (sample manuals) and their guide extends to detailing sample training and checking system content applicable to flight crew members, air crew members, cabin crew members, and medical transport specialists.

Industry compliance template, Sample operations manual Version: 1.1

Supporting resources

Supporting resources related to this part will appear in this space. These are used in conjunction to support the formal guidance material listed above.

10 supporting resources available

Updated:

Use this form to apply for an initial issue Part 138 certificate. Individuals or organisations can apply.

Updated:

This document is intended to assist persons who will conduct aerial work operations under Part 138 of CASR to prioritise their actions to transition to the new flight operations regulations.

Updated:

The purpose of this document is to present and summarise the key elements of these determinations in plainer English, as the legal instruments themselves are relatively lengthy, repetitive and complex.

Updated:

Impact of new flight operations regulations on flight crew licencing exams. The introduction of the new flight operations regulations on 2 December 2021 will mean changes to the various flight crew licensing (FCL) theory exams.

Updated:

This Guide assists operators using the associated CASR Flight Operations Sample Exposition / Operations Manual template in Word format. The contents in this Guide, the associated Word, and MAAT templates has been structured in a logical order and provides clear references to the legislative requirements.

Updated:

Use this non-significant changes form to notify CASA of non-significant changes under Parts 119, 131 and 138 of CASR.

Updated:

Use this form to submit, and apply for an approval of, the Training and Checking System section of an exposition or operations manual as part of the transition to Parts 119, 121, 133, 135, and 138 of the CASR.

Updated:

Use this worksheet to confirm your training and checking system complies with the regulations for training and checking systems in accordance with Part 138 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR).

Updated:

Use this self-assessment worksheet to confirm your safety management system complies with the regulations for safety management systems in accordance with Subpart 119.F and Division 138.B.6 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR).

Last updated date
Updated:
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//index.php/rules/regulatory-framework/casr/part-138-casr-aerial-work-operations
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