Aviation tourism flights can only be offered by a commercial pilot flying under an Air Operators Certificate (AOC) from CASA.
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Commercial aviation operations are strictly monitored by CASA including through ongoing oversight, surveillance and audits.
This week the Australian Transport Safety Bureau released its final investigation report on a Broome R44 helicopter accident that occurred in 2020.
The accident flight was not a commercial tourist operation, but a private flight organised for family and friends.
The pilot never held a commercial pilot licence and had never been licensed to fly passengers as part of a tourist operation.
Private pilots, such as the pilot involved in this tragedy, are not authorised to provide aviation tourism experiences.
Private pilots conducting private operations for family or friends must still follow the aviation safety rules, including the requirement to hold a valid and current licence.
We extend our condolences to the families and friends of those involved.