High altitude operations broadly refers to operations above FL600 or altitudes greater than 60,000 feet above mean sea level.
Most aviation in Australia occurs below FL450 or 45,000 feet above mean sea level. In recent years, new entrants to the aviation sector have operated, or plan to operate, above FL600.
The type of operations includes:
- high-altitude pseudo-satellites (HAPS)
- high altitude long endurance (HALE) RPAS
- balloons
- supersonic and hypersonic aircraft.
These operations can either be:
- piloted
- highly automated
- autonomous.
New operations above FL600 may not be compatible with existing airspace users. This means they may need updated air traffic service arrangements to ensure safe operations. The Australian Future Airspace Framework (AFAF) is the mechanism by which CASA will observe, assess and review the suitability of airspace over time. This will allow us to make informed decisions about proposed airspace changes. As part of AFAF, we will consider future options for airspace above FL600.
Research and development is underway for the design and production of supersonic airliners. This work is at an early stage. We do not expect deployment of supersonic aircraft in Australian airspace before the end of 2029 based on statements of intent by current proponents.
Activity status in the immediate to near term
Airspace management workforce capability commenced preparations from 2024 to support the start of policy work in early 2025. Operating rules and airworthiness preparations will depend upon proponents’ timelines.
Activity status in the medium term
We expect policy work on high altitude operations to continue into the medium term.
We expect rulemaking and implementation activities to begin by 2029.
Activity status in the longer term
We expect to absorb safety regulatory activities for high altitude operations into business-as-usual activities in the longer term.