Operations

Operations include the requirements, conditions, and approvals needed to safely conduct RPAS and AAM activities. We categorise operations based on different risk levels. This includes:

  • standard operating conditions for RPAS
  • operational approvals and authorisations for RPAS (for example, oversight mechanisms for area approvals)
  • operating conditions for AAM
  • operational approvals and authorisations for AAM
  • regulatory interfaces (for example licensing, maintenance, equipage requirements, certification, registration marks, security).

What we want to achieve

We aim to maintain an effective, outcome-based regulatory framework for safe operational requirements and approvals. This framework aims to be scalable and accessible to all entrants. It will be subject to appropriate regulatory oversight that matches the level of risk an operation may pose.

We will continue to normalise operations previously considered to be novel to sit within standard rules. This includes the development of general exemptions and instruments in line with the regulatory maturity model (see Regulatory change).

How we will do this

Operations - Regulatory area activities

View timeline display

Title Status End date
OP5: Review and develop pathways to support research and development operations In progress Q1
OP6: Guidance material for the carriage of dangerous goods (DG) In progress Q4
OP4a: Develop industry guidance to support large RPAS operations In progress Q4
OP10: Develop standards for international RPAS operations Not started Q2
OP9a: Develop guidance on the operational approval requirements for AAM operations (pilot on board) Not started Q3
OP11: Develop SMS and human factor policies for RPAS that are relative to risk and complexity Not started Q4
OP15: Consider alternative methods of regulatory oversight, including possible use of self-administering organisations Not started Q4
OP7: Implement rule changes from the PIR of CASR Part 101 In progress Q4
OP8: Continue to develop policy and pathways for the assessment of complex RPAS operations In progress Q4
OP12: Streamline processes for the approval of SMS for RPAS and AAM operators Not started Q4
OP4b: Engage internationally to assist the development of regulatory pathways to resolve the 12 nm issue In progress Q4
OP14a: Implement changes required to support operational requirements for AAM Not started Q4
OP13: Complete analysis to integrate RPAS operational requirements into relevant CASR parts for operations outside the scope of Part 101 Not started Q2
OP9b: Develop rule changes and guidance on the operational approval requirements for AAM operations (remotely piloted) Not started Q2
OP16: Mature risk calculation methods used for determining operational categories using data, artificial intelligence and/or quantitative methods Not started Q1
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/operations
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