Aircraft and aircraft systems

We classify RPAS and AAM aircraft and systems based on whether they are certified by type. We determine these categories according to the level of assurance required for the aircraft and their intended operations. Aircraft and aircraft systems include:

  • airworthiness and certification of aircraft
  • qualification and integration of systems and equipment
  • design, production, and maintenance organisation approvals
  • automation and autonomy
  • Command, control, and communications.

What we want to achieve

We intend to develop clear pathways and regulations to certify RPAS and AAM aircraft and systems. There should be a harmonised framework consistent with major international bodies. This includes ICAO and regulators like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). This framework will use performance-based standards, including those published by standards development organisations.

One framework is the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA). This is the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS) method to safely create, evaluate and conduct uncrewed aircraft system operation.

In developing these pathways, we propose the following principles:

  • We will seek to align with like-minded countries for this work and will accept international standards where appropriate in preference to developing unique Australian standards.
  • Certification of AAM aircraft would be in line with international regulatory frameworks using appropriate airworthiness standards and acceptable means of compliance.
  • Higher risk RPAS that need to be certified by type will have policy set in line with international regulatory frameworks. We will use appropriate airworthiness standards and means of compliance in the certification process. These will ensure a safety level comparable to traditional aircraft when operating in any airspace.
  • Lower risk RPAS that we do not need to certify will be operationally approved in line with recognised methods and processes.

How we will do this

Aircraft and aircraft systems - Regulatory area activities

View timeline display

Title Status End date
AA1: Publish guidance on cybersecurity for RPAS In progress Q2
AA2a: Publish policy position for certifying piloted AAM In progress Q3
AA2b: Publish airworthiness criteria and certification guidelines for piloted AAM Not started Q3
AA5: Progress the development of a fit for purpose continuing airworthiness policy for higher-risk RPAS In progress Q3
AA4a: Publish a policy position for the airworthiness certification of RPAS Not started Q4
AA6: Publish guidance on the evidence required for RPAS airworthiness and operational safety goals Not started Q2
AA3: Progress the development of a fit for purpose continuing airworthiness policy for AAM Not started Q3
AA2c: Publish acceptable means of compliance for certification of piloted AAM Not started Q4
AA7a: Develop a policy position for the airworthiness certification of remotely piloted AAM Not started Q1
AA8: Develop a policy position for automation and autonomy in AAM and RPAS Not started Q1
AA4b: Publish airworthiness criteria and certification guidance for RPAS Not started Q2
AA7b: Publish airworthiness criteria and certification guidance for remotely piloted AAM Not started Q4
AA4c: Publish acceptable means of compliance for certified RPAS Not started Q3
AA10a: Publish airworthiness requirements and guidance for highly automated and autonomous RPAS Not started Q4
AA7c: Publish acceptable means of compliance for remotely piloted AAM Not started Q2
Updated: 30 January 2025
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//resources-and-education/publications-and-resources/corporate-publications/rpas-and-aam-strategic-regulatory-roadmap/aircraft-and-aircraft-systems
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