The TWG also identified 2 key themes across the regulatory activities.
Demystification of current regulations
Many of the use cases discussed with the TWG are possible under the current regulations. Yet, the requirements and pathways to carry out these activities can be unclear and confusing for some operators.
Industry have asked for more guidance to help understand how to carry out complex RPAS and AAM operations under current regulations.
Regulatory change
We are committed to fit for purpose regulatory policy. As technologies, operational practices, and safety considerations evolve, the focus is to ensure that we maintain an acceptable level of safety. At the same time, it aims to enable industry operations that often seek to employ novel technologies or concepts of operation.
We will consider what impacts this may have across all Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR). The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and leading aviation safety regulators will continue to guide us on necessary changes.
A regulatory maturity model approach that progresses cases from 'novel to normal' is often needed. Industry-led innovation and early adopters will drive first-of-type applications. CASA initiatives like post implementation reviews, data analysis, and safety risk profiling may also prompt regulatory change.
The conceptual model in Figure 2 below demonstrates how we form regulatory pathways. This approach allows data from first-of-type applications to inform policy development and processes leading to:
- more efficient regulatory services
- informed regulatory change.
We use the term 'rules' instead of 'regulations' because it covers a broader range of regulatory options. Roadmap structure outlines the types of documents we use to develop and implement policy. Policy shapes regulatory pathways, which may include transitional arrangements to support safe operations.
First of type applications will begin the regulatory innovation cycle. We will work with industry on emerging priorities, from new entrants to established operators introducing new operational concepts. Early applicants in the cycle must be open to co-development, iteration, and adaptation as policy takes shape.