During the August 2025 SSRP workshop, participants had concerns of pilot display flying competency and recency. Participants also raised that there are no minimum training standards or requirements for event organisers and co-ordinators.
What can operators do?
While training and checking requirements set out the minimum regulatory requirements, you should consider other options when supporting aircrew and operational supporting roles.
You can:
- have open discussions about safe practices if your crew and event participants have limited experience in air displays.
- start a mentoring program for new display pilots who receive mentoring by more experienced pilots within the organisation. A mentoring program extends beyond basic training and checking. Mentoring allows more opportunities for new display pilots to gain a better understanding of operational knowledge from experienced pilots. This can also extend to Event participants, having them gain the necessary skills and attributes from more experienced personnel.
- promote safety through mentoring or other safety briefings. You should ensure there is a focus on information to improve safety and prevent accidents and incidents. The messages should not only identify what has gone wrong but how to prevent future occurrences.
- standardise operations as much as possible. This means using standard operating procedures (SOPs) (like Defence) to make things more consistent and reduce workload. This can also allow for a greater focus on the safe operation of the air display aircraft.
- promote a positive safety culture to support participants in raising concerns. This empowers participants to make appropriate risk-based decisions knowing they have your support.
- include human factors and non-technical skills training into your program to complement existing training, competency, and currency requirements.
What is CASA doing or has already delivered?
We encourage and support ongoing communication between operators, air display organisers and aerodromes to:
- improve operating procedures
- increase the safety benefits to air display events.
We have and will continue discussions with industry to promote the outcomes of:
- effective safety management systems
- best practice
- regulatory requirements.
We also continue to:
- produce further guidance material to help operators understand and comply with the rules
- develop our internal procedures and processes for air displays
- consult with industry to establish best practice.