Parts 91, 133 and 138 Manuals of Standards (MOS) include requirements for equipment used in human external cargo (HEC) operations.
Applicable standards
Part 21 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) and the Part 21 Manual of Standards (MOS) set the airworthiness standards for equipment used in HEC operations.
Equipment typically used in HEC operations includes:
- safety harnesses
- rescue harnesses/loops
- restraint straps
- rescue baskets
- fittings
- lines.
Approval pathways
You can demonstrate compliance through several approval pathways including:
- Australian Parts Manufacturer Approval (APMA)
- Australian Technical Standard Order Authorisation (ATSOA)
- Imported item compliance under Subpart 21.N
- Meeting requirements in the Part 21 MOS if listed
- CASA-approved methods.
Australian Parts Manufacturer Approval (APMA)
An APMA approves the design and production for items manufactured within Australia.
Australian Technical Standard Order Authorisation (ATSOA)
An ATSOA authorises the manufacture of items that meet minimum performance standards for materials, parts, processes or appliances.
We have listed Australian Technical Standard Orders in the Part 21 MOS.
Imported item compliance (Subpart 21.N)
Imported items may comply under Subpart 21.N if they meet specific conditions stated in the regulations.
Part 21 MOS
Equipment listed in the Part 21 MOS complies if it meets the specified requirements. This includes full-body harnesses, rescue loops and other rescue devices that meet recognised international standards.
CASA-approved methods
We may approve other methods.
Further guidance
For guidance on approving equipment used to carry people external to a rotorcraft read Advisory Circular 21-32.
Compliance deadlines
The Part 133 and Part 138 rules require external load equipment to have an appropriate airworthiness approval.
You may apply to us for a permission letter if you:
- conduct medical transport or search and rescue operations
- use equipment that does not yet have the required approval.
We may issue a permission letter allowing you to continue using equipment that does not meet the requirements of Part 133 and 138. This use would be subject to the conditions of the instrument. We can only grant permissions until 31 May 2029.
View the instrument (CASA EX51/26) on the Federal Register of Legislation website, which includes details on how to apply for permission.
Contact us if you need more information about approving equipment used for human external cargo.