Participants discussed the risks RPA presents to their operations. These RPA pose a risk to aerobatics primarily through the potential for mid-air collisions with air display aircraft. Inconspicuous RPAS, inconsistent notification of obstacle locations, and a lack of standardised operational requirements between different areas increase this risk. The consequences of such collisions are serious, ranging from minor damage to potential catastrophic failure. These consequences highlight the need for strict risk assessment and regulation to ensure safety in mixed airspace operations.
What can operators do?
Organisations should apply their Safety Management System (SMS) to ensure that they apply formal risk management processes. This helps identify hazards and reduce risks to an acceptable level.
Operators can consult with local authorities and media, of the risks involved in air display operations. Discussing:
- areas of operations
- basic communication practices
- air display signage.
What is CASA doing or has already delivered?
We have published a resource kit to develop your Safety Management System.
The resource supports organisations develop and implement an SMS including the formal risk management process.
We also have industry engagement programs and publications to help increase pilots’ awareness of the risks they may encounter when operating. Some of those programs include:
- Be heard, be seen, be safe
- Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B)
- Radio procedures in non-controlled airspace
- Pilot safety hub
- AC 91-10 Operations in the vicinity of non-controlled aerodromes
- AC 91-14 Pilots' responsibility for collision avoidance
- CASR 91.625 (also includes section 21.01 of the Part 91 MOS)
- CASR 91.630 (includes sections 21.03, 21.04, 21.06, 21.07 and 21.09 of the Part 91 MOS) and 91.640
- Part 91 MOS section 11.10
- CASR 91.400 and Part 91 MOS sections 26.18 and 26.19.
Further to the resources made for pilots, we have education initiative programs designed for RPA operators, from online safety information to signage around events. They can find online resources at: