To use an imported ex-military aircraft for aerial firefighting operations, you must:
- register your aircraft to meet Australia
- apply for a Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA) in a restricted category.
Some ex-military aircraft will not meet Australian civil aviation requirements and may need to undergo lengthy civil certification and modification programs. This is likely where the aircraft does not have an existing type certificate.
Considerations for ex-military firefighting aircraft
Ex-military aircraft often present unique certification challenges because military airworthiness systems differ from civil aviation standards.
You may need to provide evidence that demonstrates:
- the aircraft's design integrity
- the condition of critical structures and systems
- the continuing airworthiness of firefighting modifications and equipment
- the suitability of maintenance programs and supporting documentation.
We may apply operational limitations or require additional technical data before approving the aircraft for aerial work operations.
Register an imported aircraft
You must register imported aircraft on the Australian Aircraft Register before you can operate them in Australia.
Find out more about registering your imported aircraft:
Apply for a restricted airworthiness certificate for firefighting operations
Registration does not authorise aerial firefighting operations.
Before you can operate an imported ex-military aircraft for firefighting activities, you must establish that the aircraft meets an acceptable airworthiness standard and holds the correct certification for its intended operation.
Missing design, maintenance or modification records can delay certification or prevent approval.
You can meet this requirement by applying for a restricted airworthiness certificate to use ex-military aircraft for firefighting.
Meeting these certification and registration requirements helps ensure your ex-military aircraft can operate safely in aerial firefighting activities.
Read more about importing aircraft into Australia.