Background
Proposed new rules for Australian air transport (large aeroplane operations) - to be contained in Part 121 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) - are now available for public comment, along with the technical draft Part 121 Manual of Standards (MOS) and the draft acceptable means of compliance and guidance material (AMC/GM).
CASA wants your feedback on the proposals, which will apply to all operators, flight crew and cabin crew involved in passenger or cargo operations in large aeroplanes. Under Part 121, large aeroplanes are defined as being fitted with more than nine passenger seats, or having a maximum take-off weight of more than 8,618 kg.
Part 121 is being developed in accordance with CASA's regulatory philosophy, which sets out our approach to rules development and our commitment to engaging productively and respectfully with members of the aviation community.
Part 121 has been developed to consolidate all operational rules for large aeroplane air transport operations into one spot and comply with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
The proposed rules introduce a single safety standard for charter and regular public transport operations, and stipulate a range of requirements relating to matters like cabin crew ratios, flight data recorders, cockpit voice recorders and underwater locating devices on long overwater flights.
The rules also allow air transport operators to structure training and checking programs that are relevant to their fleets and flight crew.
Please note the application of Part 42 (continuing airworthiness) and Part 145 (maintenance organisations) of CASR is currently limited to existing regular public transport operators. Any changes to the application of these Parts to cover other operations will be subject to a future consultation process. This means Part 121 can work in conjunction with both Part 42 and Part 145 airworthiness requirements for existing regular public transport operators, as well as Civil Aviation Regulation maintenance requirements for other operators (such as charter).
Detailed implementation and transition arrangements will be the subject of future work once the rules are finalised.
How to respond
Please forward your comments to Part121@casa.gov.au by 27 November 2015.
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