
New basic operating rules for all pilots commenced on 2 December 2021.
Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) – General operating and flight rules, sets out the general operating rules for all pilots and operators. It consolidates all of the general operating and flight rules for Australian aircraft.
The rules cover:
- documentation
- flight crew and operator obligations
- training
- crew member obligations
- safety of persons and cargo
- classifications of operation
- rules to prevent collision
- communication
- fuel
- pre-flight planning and preparation
- ground operations
- aircraft performance and weight and balance
- take-off and landing
- low visibility operations
- cruising levels and minimum heights
- navigation
- non-controlled aerodromes
- icing
- special flight operations
- aircraft equipment
- special certificates and permits
- foreign aircraft
- minimum equipment list
- equipment.
Transition to new regulations
We have compiled information and resources about transitioning to the new regulations. Visit our Flight operations transition section to find out more.
Who it affects
Part 91 applies to all aviation operations except drones.
There are additional rules for pilots operating under an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) or other certificate, or those conducting defined activities such as aerial work, aerial application and some recreational aviation activities. These rules are in other CASR Parts and may add to or turn off some Part 91 requirements – either completely or partially.