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Flight crew licensing instruments

Legislative, non-legislative and other instruments are an important component of the legislative structure for flight crew licensing.

Instruments are updated from time to time, so it is important to keep up to date with the current versions.

A link to each instrument is provided below.

Exemptions

Conditions on authorisations

Part 61 Manual of Standards

Part 61 legislative instruments

Regulation 61.040 approvals

Part 141 and 142 instruments

CASA 86/17 instrument extends Part 141 and Part 142 instruments of approval (under regulations 141.035 and 142.040) that have an expiry date of 31 August 2017.

The extension will not apply to any other Parts 141 or Part 142 approvals that have a different expiry date and that were not issued as part of the transition process.

Exemptions

Exemption – Solo Flight Time Exceeding 3 Hours Between Dual Flight Checks (student pilots)

This exemption was made on 4 October 2019.

It exempts a student pilot from compliance with paragraph 61.115 (1) (b) of CASR in relation to them conducting a solo training flights in excess of three hours between dual flight checks when receiving training conducted by a Part 141 operator.

It also exempts a flight instructor from compliance with sub regulation 61.1225 (1) to the extent the flight instructor approves the solo training flight.

In addition, it exempts a Part 141 operator from compliance with regulation 141.290 of CASR to the extent a student pilot flies an aircraft used in the operator’s authorised flight training.

The exemption expires on 22 September 2020 or until it is repealed when incorporated into Part 61 regulations.

View the exemption (CASA EX107/19) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption – Differences Training, Class Rating Flight Training and Flight Review (Equivalent Oversea Training)

This exemption was made on 8 August 2019.

It exempts the holder of a type rating from the differences training requirement for a variant, if they have completed an equivalent course of training – conducted by an overseas training provider - that covers the variant.

It also exempts the holder of a class rating from the training and flight review required by CASR 61.747 for prescribed aircraft.

To be eligible, the holder of the type or class rating must provide CASA with a course completion certificate – including an assessment of competency conducted by the overseas training provider. An email - using the CASA EX79/19 evidence training email template (docx 14.16 KB) - including the evidence of the training, should be sent to applications@casa.gov.au.

The holder of a class rating is reminded that the recognition of the foreign flight training and flight review for a prescribed aircraft provided by this exemption, does not satisfy the flight review requirement for the relevant class rating under regulation 61.745.

The exemption expires on 31 July 2022 unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX79/19) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption – flight training and test (low-fidelity simulators)

This exemption was made on 19 May 2019.

The exemption allows applicants for pilot type ratings for the Swearingen SA226/227 and Embraer EMB120 types of aircraft to complete part of the flight training and take a flight test in an aircraft, rather than a flight simulator.

The exemption also addresses the lack of fidelity of the relevant Australian flight simulators to satisfy training and testing requirements for the issue of the type ratings.

The exemption expires on 30 April 2022 unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX41/19) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption – Authorised Flight Examiners

This exemption was first made on 28 September 2016 as CASA EX146/16.

A new exemption (CASA EX159/18) came into effect on 28 November 2018.

The exemption allows certain flight examiner to conduct a flight test for the grant of a commercial pilot licence (CPL) despite the flight examiner making the certification that is required by paragraph 61.235 (2) (aa).

Under the exemption the flight examiner must have prior written approval from CASA to conduct the flight test for the grant of a CPL despite the person providing the certification under 61.235 (2) (a).

The exemption expires on 31 October 2020, unless repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX159/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption – Flight instructors (training in principles and methods of instruction): CASA 114/18

This exemption was made 29 August 2018 and comes in effect on 1 September 2018 as CASA EX114/18.

The legislative instrument exempts certain holders of an instructor rating from requirements—under Part 61—to have completed an approved course of training in the principles and methods of instruction, in order to exercise the privileges of the rating.

The exemption applies to holders of a flight instructor rating or simulator instructor rating who transitioned to the current instructor rating when Part 61 commenced on 1 September 2014.

It also exempts Part 141 and 142 operators from the requirement to ensure their transitioned instructors are authorised to conduct relevant training without the need for them to have completed the PMI training.

The exemption expires on 31 August 2021, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX114/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption – limitation on conduct of certain flight instruction and examination activities (occupation of flight control seat): CASA 83/18

This exemption was made on 3 August 2018 – CASA EX 83/18

The exemption (CASA EX 83/18) authorises flight examiners, approval holders, approved testing officers and instructors to conduct flight tests, proficiency checks and flight training from a non-control seat to a limited extent.

The exemption allows the continued practice of conducting a flight test from a seat other than a flight control seat under certain limited conditions—removing any doubt of its legal validity.

Flight examiners, approval holders, approved testing officers and instructors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the exemption prior to conducting any flight tests from a non-control seat, in particular the obligation to comply with Schedule 1 and EX83/18 subsections 4(2) and section 5.

The following conditions apply:

  • if the flight examiner is the pilot in command, then they must occupy a control seat
  • for a proficiency check, the pilot occupying the control seat must be authorised under Part 61 to conduct the operation
  • the exemption only applies to instructors when conducting activities in a flight simulation training device
  • flight examiner must be able to observe the conduct of the test or check by the pilot in the control seat, be able to communicate effectively and monitor radio calls
  • the flight examiner must not manipulate any of the aircraft controls or systems that affects the operation of the aircraft.

The exemption expires on 30 June 2021, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX 83/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption – naming of alternate key personnel (Parts 141 and 142 operators)

This exemption was made on 25 July 2018 — CASA EX89/18.

The exemption applies to Parts 141 and 142 flight training operators.

The exemption removes the requirement for a flight training operator, and persons who apply for a Part 141 certificate or a Part 142 authorisation, to name in their operations manual or exposition an alternative person to carry out the duties of key personnel when they are absent or unable to do so. The operator is still required to include details of how they will manage the responsibilities of the position under the above mentioned circumstances.

The exemption recognises circumstances where it is unnecessary to have alternative personnel — for example, an operator conducting training operations on a seasonal basis.

The exemption is repealed at the end of 30 June 2021.

View the exemption (CASA EX89/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption – EPC requirements for ATOs transitioning to the FER (CASA EX70/18)

This exemption (CASA 70/18) comes into effect on 1 September 2018. It is specifically for an approved testing officer (ATO) transitioned to a flight examiner rating (FER).

If you have already completed an EPC within the past two years, the exemption does not apply – you should continue to follow the current two-year cycle.

This exemption is consistent with previous arrangements (CASA EX133/16) which has set the EPC due date for already transitioned ATOs according to their month and year of birth. The intention behind both instruments is to avoid all transitioning ATOs having to complete an EPC at the same time.

The exemption enables ATOs to exercise the privileges of their FER from 1 September 2018 without meeting the requirement to have completed an EPC before the transition deadline of 31 August 2018.

The table below shows the breakdown of the applicable dates:

For a birthday that occurs in the month of: An EPC must be completed by no later than:
Applicable date if birth year is odd (eg 1969, 1971) Applicable date if birth year is even (eg 1970, 1972)
January 31 January 2019 31 January 2020
February 28 February 2019 28 February 2020
March 31 March 2019 31 March 2020
April 30 April 2019 30 April 2020
May 31 May 2019 31 May 2020
June 30 June 2019 30 June 2020
July 31 July 2019 31 July 2020
August 31 August 2019 31 August 2020
September 30 September 2019 30 September 2018
October 31 October 2019 31 October 2018
November 30 November 2019 30 November 2018
December 31 December 2019 31 December 2018

The exemption is repealed at the end of 31 August 2020.

View the exemption (CASA EX70/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - dual flight checks before solo flights by student pilots

This exemption was first made on 15 May 2015 as CASA EX78/15.

A new exemption (CASA EX 46/18) comes into effect on 1 May 2018.

This exemption continues to allow student pilots to conduct a solo flight if they have successfully completed a dual flight check within 30 days prior to the solo flight, instead of within the 14 days as required by regulation 61.115. The exemption also applies to flight instructors when authorising solo flights.

The new exemption expires at the end of 30 April 2021, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX 46/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Exemption - from certain flight examiner course requirements for FER and FEE applicants: CASA EX113/18

This exemption was made on 28 November 2017 – CASA EX 141/17

A new exemption (CASA EX113/18) comes into effect on 1 September 2018.

The exemption removes some of the approved course requirements for the grant of a flight examiner rating (FER) or a flight examiner endorsement (FEE) if an applicant completes alternative training provided by a training and checking organisation.

As a result of the exemption the following conditions apply:

  • The applicant for a FER or a FEE must be employed by a training and checking organisation to whom subregulation 217 (1) of CAR applies
  • The applicant’s 61-FER application form must be certified by the head of training and
  • The applicant must have successfully completed Modules 1, 2 and 3 of the Flight Examiner Rating Course
  • The applicant can only exercise the privileges of a FER or FEE on pilots who are employed by the training and checking organisation
  • The applicant must hold the licences and endorsements outlined in column 3 of the Table for the FEE.

The exemption expires on 31 March 2019, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX113/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption – for applicants of a helicopter aerial application endorsement: CASA EX120/17

An exemption was made on 4 October 2017 – CASA EX120/17.

The exemption applies to applicants for a helicopter aerial application endorsement. The exemption reduces the dual flight training in aerial application operations from 15 hours to 10 hours. As well, the exemption requires pilots gaining the endorsement under the reduced hours to complete an additional 10 hours of direct supervision.

The exemption is repealed on 31 August 2018.

View the exemption, CASA EX120/17, on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - of approval holders from certain flight examiner rating and endorsement requirements: CASA EX121/17

An exemption was made on 30 August 2017 - CASA EX121/17.

The exemption applies to individuals currently performing flight examiner privileges under Regulation 61.040 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 who wish to continue to conduct flight testing at the expiry of their 61.040 holder approval.

The exemption reduces the requirements for the grant of the rating and endorsements, but a 61.040 approval holder must still meet any requirement specified in column 3 of table 61.1310 for the endorsement.  The exemption removes the requirement to complete the flight examiner training course, the flight test and the interview as long as you have completed a CASA conducted professional development program (PDP) and an examiner proficiency check (EPC).

The exemption is repealed on 30 June 2020.

View the exemption, (CASA EX121/17) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - gap training for basic instrument flight training: CASA EX103/18

This exemption was first made on 16 September 2016  as CASA EX143/16

A new exemption (CASA EX103/18) comes into effect on 1 September 2018.

The exemption authorises the holders of grade 1, 2 and 3 training endorsements to conduct basic instrument flight training as long as they have undertaken the relevant gap training conducted by the holder of a grade 1 training endorsement—already authorised to conduct BIFT—at a Part 141 or Part 142 flight training operator. The flight instructor providing the gap training and the operator don't need to be authorised to conduct instructor rating training.

The exemption expires on 31 August 2021, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX103/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - flight examiner rating proficiency check (EPC) and professional development requirements (PDP): CASA EX133/16 and CASA EX134/16

Two exemptions have been made on 26 August 2016 - one each for EPC (CASA EX133/16) and PDP (CASA EX134/16). The exemptions introduce a schedule that will spread the demand for EPC's and PDP's over the two year cycle, commencing 1 July 2017.

The schedule is only relevant to the implementation period and thereafter, the usual two year period applies, based on previous events as they are prescribed in regulations 61.1285 for EPCs and 61.1270 for PDPs.

The exemptions will defer the requirements for completing an EPC and a PDP until an applicable date - a person's month and year of their birthdate - between 1 July 2017 and 2019. They do not apply to examiners who have completed an EPC since 1 September 2014 or to holders of regulation 61.040 approvals.

Scenario:

If your birthdate is in January of an odd year, then you would need to complete your EPC and PDP by the end of January in 2019. And if your birthdate was January of an even year, your applicable date would be end of January 2018.

For example:

  • Sally was born in October 1976. Her EPC and PDP due date is 30 October 2018.
  • Philip was born in January 1981. His EPC and PDP due date is 31 January 2019.
  • Jill was born on 29 February of a leap year. Her EPC and PDP due date is 31 March 2018.

The table below shows the breakdown of the applicable dates:

Birth month Applicable date if birth year is odd (eg 1975) Applicable date if birth year is even (eg 1968)
January 31 January 2019 31 January 2018
February 28 February 2019 28 February 2018
March 31 March 2019 31 March 2018
April 30 April 2019 30 April 2018
May 31 May 2019 31 May 2018
June 30 June 2019 30 June 2018
July 31 July 2017 31 July 2018
August 31 August 2017 31 August 2018
September 30 September 2017 30 September 2018
October 31 October 2017 31 October 2018
November 30 November 2017 30 November 2018
December 31 December 2017 31 December 2018
Note: people with a birthday of 29 February the due date would be 31 March 2018.

The exemption is repealed at the end of 30 June 2019.

View the exemptions (CASA EX133/16 and CASA EX134/16) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - flight examiner rating for holders of CAO 82.0 check pilot approvals: CASA EX100/18

This exemption was first made on 29 October 2014 as CASA EX140/14. It was remade as (CASA EX106/16) on 29 June 2016.

A new exemption (CASA EX100/18) comes into effect on 1 September 2018.

This exemption authorises the holder of a CAO 82.0 check pilot approval to conduct an operator proficiency check (OPC) without having to hold a flight examiner rating. It means these check pilots can continue to conduct the proficiency checks they were authorised to conduct prior to 1 September 2014. Under the new regulations, only holders of Part 61 flight examiner ratings are authorised to conduct OPCs.

However, the check pilot is not authorised to conduct an OPC that satisfies the requirement for an instrument proficiency check and they are not deemed to be Part 61 flight examiners. Also, their authorisation is limited to the scope of their CAO 82.0 check pilot approval. The requirement for this exemption arises from the CAO check pilot approval not being included as an old authorisation in the transition regulations in CASR Part 202 (regulation 202.261).

The exemption expires on 31 August 2021, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX100/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - aerial application proficiency check and operator proficiency check (head of flight operations) - aeroplanes: CASA EX104/18

This exemption was first made on 5 November 2014 as CASA EX148/14, remade on 4 December 2014 as CASA EX162/14 and again as CASA EX105/16 on 29 June 2016.

A new exemption (CASA EX104/18) comes into effect on 1 September 2018.

The exemption authorises the head of flight operations of a Part 137 operator, under certain conditions, to conduct the proficiency check of the head of flight operations of another Part 137 operator.

The exemption expires on 31 August 2021, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX104/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - instrument proficiency checks for aircraft pilot type ratings (CASA EX93/18)

This exemption was first made on 17 June 2016 as CASA EX93/16.

A new exemption (CASA EX 93/18) comes into effect on 1 September 2018.

Under the exemption, instead of having a valid instrument proficiency check (IPC) for a pilot type rating, pilots only need to have completed an IPC in the previous 24 months that is relevant to the aircraft being flown. There are three safety criteria: whether the aircraft is type-rated, whether it is multi-crew certificated, and whether it is a turbojet aeroplane to be flown as a single-pilot operation.

The exemption does not change the annual instrument rating IPC requirement. Pilots still have to complete an annual IPC that was conducted in an aircraft of the same category, and to fly a multi-engine aircraft under the IFR, the IPC must have been done in a multi-engine aircraft of the same category.

The exemption expires on 31 August 2021, unless repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX93/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - CASR Part 61 aircraft flight reviews: CASA EX99/18

This exemption was first made on 17 June 2016 as CASA EX97/16.

A new exemption (CASA EX99/18) comes into effect on 1 September 2018.

The exemption simplifies the flight review requirements, and for some pilots reduces the number of flight reviews they need to complete. Under the exemption, pilots only need to complete a flight review that was conducted in an aircraft of the same category within the previous two years. If it is a multi-engine aircraft, the flight review must have been done in a multi-engine aircraft of the same category.

The flight review rules already recognise other activities that pilots complete such as flight tests, proficiency checks and certain training, all of which satisfy the flight review requirement. The same rules apply under this exemption.

A flight review that includes training – and CASA strongly encourages pilots to include training in their flight review – must be conducted under a Part 141 or Part 142 operator as applicable. The exemption expires on 31 August 2018, unless repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX99/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - CASR Part 61 aeronautical knowledge examinations and two year completion period

This exemption was first made on 31 May 2016 as CASA EX86/16

The exemption (CASA EX86/16) applies a three year rule to the pass standard for the CPL and ATPL examination for a person who passed at least one subject examination for the CPL or ATPL prior to 1 September 2014

As a result, licence applicants must have passed at least one of the subject examinations for the licence, which are outlined in Schedule 4 of the Part 61 Manual of Standards, before 1 September 2014, and passed all of the seven subject examinations within a period of three years.

Under CASA EX86/16 a person would be exempt from the following, only to the extent of satisfying the two year pass standard rule:

  • the need to have passed the aeronautical knowledge examination requirements outlined in subparagraph 61.160 (b) (i) for the grant of a CPL or ATPL, whichever is applicable
  • the requirement to pass the aeronautical knowledge examination identified in paragraph 61.580 (2) (a) or 61.700 (3) (a) for the CPL or ATPL as applicable.

The exemption will expire on 31 August 2017 when all examinations that were passed before Part 61 commenced (1 September 2014) would be older than three years and therefore no longer be available for the purposes of an examination credit.

View the exemption (CASA EX86/16) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - aeronautical experience for an NVIS rating or endorsement: CASA EX105/18

This exemption was first made on 27 May 2016 as CASA EX77/16.

A new exemption (CASA EX105/18) comes into effect on 1 September 2018.

The exemption relaxes the aeronautical experience requirements for helicopter pilots seeking night vision imaging system (NVIS) authorisations.

Since 1 September 2014, applicants for an NVIS rating or endorsement have needed at least 20 hours of flight time at night as pilot in command of a helicopter. This Part 61 requirement differed from previous rules, where the whole 20 hours did not need to be acquired as pilot in command.

Under the exemption, pilots who are applying for an NVIS rating or endorsement need to have 20 hours of aeronautical experience at night in a helicopter, which can be logged as pilot in command, pilot in command under supervision, co-pilot or dual flight. Up to 11 of these hours can be acquired in an approved flight simulator.

The exemption expires on 31 August 2021, unless repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX105/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - single-pilot turbojet aeroplane specific instrument proficiency check exemption

This exemption was first made on 7 March 2016 as CASA EX41/16.

Civil Aviation Safety Regulation Part 61 commenced on 1 September 2014 and introduced changes to the instrument proficiency checks (IPCs) for pilots operating under the IFR. Limitations were applied to type-rated aircraft (61.805).

  • Biennial IPC for all type-rated aircraft. The pilot must have completed an IPC in an aircraft covered by the type rating within the previous 24 months - 61.805 (2)
  • Annual IPC for single-pilot turbojet aeroplanes. To fly one of these aeroplanes, the pilot must have completed an IPC in an aeroplane covered by the type rating - 61.805 (3).

Please note these requirements are in addition to the annual IPC requirement for the instrument rating (61.880).

This exemption changes the IPC for type-rated single-pilot turbojet aeroplanes from annual to every two years - as applies to other type rated aircraft. However, there is a condition that a pilot has completed an IPC in any type rated single-pilot turbojet aeroplane in the previous 12 months.

This exemption expires on 28 February 2018, unless repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX41/16) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - against ATPL flight test requirements

This exemption was first made on 24 December 2015 as CASA EX222/15. A new exemption (CASA EX168/17) was made on 1 December 2017.

This exemption continues to remove the requirement for pilots who want to complete an ATPL flight test to satisfy the flight examiner that they have sufficient knowledge in the topics (if any) that are included on the ATPL examination knowledge deficiency reports. The examiner will still be required to cover the topics listed in the flight test standards on underpinning knowledge, which are prescribed for the ATPL flight test in Schedule 5 of the Part 61 Manual of Standards.

Also, from 7 January 2016, pilots who are converting their overseas ATPL equivalent licence won't need to have an authorised person certify that the pilot is competent in all of the competency standards for the licence and category rating which are prescribed in the Part 61 Manual of Standards.

The new exemption expires on xx November 2018, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX168/17) on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Exemption - from completion of an approved course of training in multi-crew cooperation: CASA EX102/18

This exemption was first made on 17 December 2015 as CASA EX192 /15. It was remade as CASA EX 225/15 on 24 December 2015 to resolve a number of issues identified in the original exemption.

A new exemption (CASA EX102/18) comes into effect on 1 September 2018.

Pilots who want to conduct multi-crew operations for the first time must have completed a course of training in multi-crew cooperation and have a multi-crew type rating. CASA has listened to feedback and recognises that these requirements are not necessary for pilots who have already completed acceptable training elsewhere.

The exemption continues to support the introduction of the multi-crew cooperation training policy into Australia.  It outlines the range of qualifications and experience CASA will recognise as meeting the multi-crew cooperation training requirements contained in Part 61 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.

The exemption does the following.

  • Clarifies the exemption for former Australian Defence Force pilots who are applying for an air transport pilot licence (clause 5).
  • Removes the separate MCC training course requirement for the holders of multi-crew pilot licences, as MCC training is already included in the multi-crew pilot licence training course (clause 7).
  • Removes the reference to holding a multi-pilot type rating in clause 11 as it is not required.
  • Clarifies the provision to have successfully completed operator proficiency checks (clause 4) to be checks in multi-crew operations.
  • Allows more people to endorse the logbook and other document evidence which is required in Schedule 2 of the exemption. In addition to the head of flying operations of the relevant air operator's certificate (AOC) holder, the head of training and checking of the AOC holder and a flight examiner can endorse the records.

This exemption expires on 31 August 2021, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX102/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption – from requirement to hold IREX examination credit

The exemption was made on 30 November 2018 – CASA EX160/18

The exemption applies to pilots holding an instrument rating—granted in accordance with the Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (TTMRA)—applying for an ATPL(A).

The exemption also applies to flight examiners authorised to conduct air transport pilot licence with the aeroplane category rating ATPL(A) flight tests, permitting them to conduct the flight test for these applicants.

The exemption also applies to flight examiners authorised to conduct air transport pilot licence with the aeroplane category rating ATPL(A) flight tests.

The exemption expires on 31 October 2021, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX160/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - English language proficiency assessments: CASA EX111/18

This exemption was first made on 29 October 2015 as CASA EX146/15.

A new exemption (CASA EX111/18) comes into effect on 1 October 2018.

The exemption makes the English language proficiency assessment process less complex, and expands the range of people who can assess English language proficiency. The exemption affects student pilots, applicants for recreational pilot licence flight tests, applicants for recreational pilot licences and applicants for aircraft radio operator certificates (AROCs).

To find out more, read CASA's information sheet about English language proficiency requirements.

This exemption expires on 30 September 2021, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX111/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - logging of time in flight for co-pilots on single-pilot certificated aircraft

This exemption was first made on 23 July 2015 as CASA EX116/15.

A new exemption (CASA EX79/18) comes into effect on 1 July 2018.

New flight crew licensing rules (Civil Aviation Safety Regulation Part 61) commenced on 1 September 2014 and introduced changes to the requirements for logging flight time as co-pilot. The changes prevent a co-pilot from logging flight time as a co-pilot unless the flight is one that the regulations state must be conducted by a co-pilot (for example regular public transport operations in a single-pilot certificated aeroplane with more than nine passengers).

As part of the flight crew licensing regulations post implementation review, CASA recognises some operators conduct flights using a co-pilot for a number of reasons, even when the regulations permit the flight to be conducted as a single-pilot operation.

The new exemption continues to allow pilots to log co-pilot flight time for flights that are not required under the regulations to be conducted as a multi-crew operation, provided the conditions specified in the exemption are satisfied. The aircraft must be equipped for multi-crew operations and the flight must be conducted as a multi-crew operation using appropriate multi-crew procedures.

The new exemption expires on 30 June 2021, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX79/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - Parts 141 and 142 - CASA approval of kinds of aircraft

This exemption was first made on 13 July 2015 as CASA EX126/15 and expired on 30 June 2017.

A new exemption (CASA EX77/17) has been made with the same terms.

The exemption applies to Parts 141 and 142 operators and relates to the definition of significant change in the context of adding aircraft to the operator's fleet of training aircraft. While the operator's Exposition or Operations Manual must be updated with details about the new aircraft in every case, the significant change process, which includes CASA's approval, is only triggered when the operator plans to add a type aircraft that it doesn't already operate for Part 141 or Part 142 purposes but it is one of the following:

  • a type rated aircraft
  • a variant model of a type that is used by the operator which requires differences training
  • an aircraft covered by a class rating, being the first aircraft of that class to be used by the operator for Part 141 or Part 142 training
  • a type of aircraft that is covered by a class rating but requires initial type specific training and flight review
  • a pressurised aircraft
  • a first turbine-powered aircraft

This exemption expires on 31 August 2018, unless repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX77/17) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - from certain low-level rating requirements

This exemption was first made on 25 May 2015 as CASA EX92/15.

A new exemption (CASA EX48/17) comes into effect on 1 May 2017.

The exemption continues to: 

  • allow the holder of a pilot licence with a low-level rating to be exempt from compliance with the requirements of regulations 61.1040; 61.1055 and 61.1060
  • retain the recurrence period for flight review or a flight review equivalent at 24 months instead of 12 months
  • set out conditions for a 12-month recurrence period for recency for holders of a low-level rating with an aerial mustering endorsement.

This exemption is repealed at the end of 30 April 2020.

View the exemption (CASA EX48/17) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - aeronautical experience requirements for grant of commercial pilot licences - aeroplane category

This exemption was first made on 6 February 2015 as CASA EX22/15.

A new exemption (CASA EX172/17) comes into effect on 1 January 2018.

This exemption continues to allows the holder of a CPL(H) or ATPL(H) to apply for a CPL(A) with 60 hours of pilot-in -command experience instead of 100 hours of that experience, as required by 61.610 (91) (b) of CASR.

This The new exemption expires on 31 December 201731 January 2020, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX172/17) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - foreign cadet pilots taking flight test for a commercial pilot licence - class 1 medical certificate: CASA EX101/18

This exemption was first made on 12 September 2014 as CASA EX117/14 with a subsequent exemption made on 4 September 2015 as CASA EX156/15.

A new exemption (CASA EX101/18) comes into effect on 1 September 2018.
The exemption continues to exempt certain cadet pilots from having to hold a current class 1 medical certificate when taking their commercial pilot licence flight test.

This exemption expires on 31 August 2021, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX101/18) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Exemption - aerial application rating and firefighting endorsement (update August 2015)

This exemption was first made on 26 August 2015 as CASA EX148/15.

It replaces CASA EX114/14 which expired on 31 August 2015.

CASA EX148/15 exempts certain pilots from having to hold Part 61 authorisations for conducting firefighting operations as long as certain conditions apply. The purpose is to carry forward the old requirements for conducting firefighting operations during the initial transition period of the new regulations. The exemption also addresses the Part 61 transition provisions for firefighting authorisations.

CASA 148/15 expires on 31 August 2016, unless it is repealed sooner.

View the exemption (CASA EX148/15) on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Conditions on authorisations - regulation 11.068

This instrument was first made on 29 August 2014 as CASA 244/14. The instrument has been repealed and a new instrument - Conditions on authorisations - flight crew licences and aircraft endorsements (Edition 1) - commenced on 5 January 2015.

The instrument prescribes conditions on flight crew licences and aircraft endorsements that apply to all flight crew.

Note - the instrument has a new title which includes an edition number. The next instrument will have the same title except the edition number will be Edition 2.

The subjects covered by the instrument include the following.

Practising instrument flying

  • This condition ensures instrument flying practice is conducted safely and effectively.

Active participation in land and hold short (LAHSO) operations

  • This condition maintains the same requirements that were contained in Civil Aviation Order 40.0

Conditions on an MU-2 aircraft type rating

  • This condition addresses the peculiar safety issues related to operating the MU-2 aircraft.

Condition on an instructor rating

  • The purpose of this condition is to ensure that instructors giving training for a flight activity endorsement are themselves competent in that activity. This is particularly relevant to aerobatics where one training endorsement covers the range of aerobatics flight activities.

Condition on a single-engine helicopter class rating (new condition effective 5 January 2015)

  • This condition prescribes flight review requirements that must be met in order for the holder of a single-engine helicopter class rating to conduct operations in an R22 or R44 helicopter. The flight review must be conducted in an R22 or R44 helicopter.

View the instrument on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

The Part 61 Manual of Standards

Part 61 Manual of Standards Amendment Instrument 2016 (No 1)

This amendment instrument was made on 24 May 2016.

It amends the Part 61 Manual of Standards to remove references to the use of azimuth guidance from certain flight test requirements. The requirements are removed because of the reduced availability of ground-based navigation systems, of which approximately 50 per cent are being progressively decommissioned from 26 May 2016. The decommissioning of these ground-based navigation systems is part of Airservices Australia's Navigation Rationalisation Project.

View the amendment on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

View the compiled Part 61 Manual of Standards on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Part 61 legislative instruments

Prescription of aircraft and ratings - Part 61 (Edition 6)

This instrument was first made on 25 August 2014 as CASA 186/14. The name of the instrument was changed with the making of the Prescription of aircraft and ratings – Part 61 (Edition 1) on 5 January 2015. Edition 3 of the instrument was made on 4 July 2017. Edition 4 of the instrument was made on 23 November 2017. Edition 5 of the instrument was made on 25 May 2018.

This instrument was made on 30 August 2019 as Edition 6.

It prescribes aircraft ratings for the purposes of regulations 61.050, 61.055, 61.060, 61.061, 61.062 and 61.063.

As new aircraft are introduced into Australia, they are considered for the purposes of prescribing them as being type rated aircraft, whether aircraft type differences training is required, whether type specific training and a flight review is required and other similar requirements for Part 61. This instrument is critical as it impacts who is authorised to conduct training, if it is required.

This instrument works with the instrument that is made under regulation 142.045, which identifies type-rated aircraft where training for the grant of that rating is done by a Part 141 operator rather than a Part 142 operator, which is normally the case for type rating training.

A marked up version of the new instrument is available for guidance purposes only. It shows what changes have been made to Edition 5 of the instrument, with new text underlined and deleted text with strikethrough formatting.

View the amended Prescription of aircraft and ratings – Part 61 (Edition 6) instrument on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Prescribed qualification standards for flight simulation training devices (MCC training - aeroplane) (Edition1)

This instrument was first made on 8 September 2015.

It specifies the acceptable standards for CASA-approved aeroplane flight simulator devices used by Part 142 operators to conduct multi-crew cooperation training.

View the instrument on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Please note an additional instrument is currently being developed which will specify the standards for helicopter devices.

Regulation 61.040 approvals

Part 61 provides for approvals to be granted, in certain circumstances, to authorise individuals to conduct certain functions such as training, checking, flight tests and aeronautical examinations.

There are many approvals that are made under regulation 61.040 and many are granted to specific individuals. The list below doesn't include approvals that are granted to individuals or operators.

Approvals to conduct flight tests for issue of aircraft class and pilot type ratings

Instruments of approval have been issued that authorise certain individuals to conduct flight tests that are required for the grant of aircraft class and pilot type ratings.

CASA 69/16 is for pilots conducting flight tests for the grant of multi-engine aeroplane class ratings. It commenced on 1 July 2016 and expires on 31 August 2018, unless it is revoked sooner. It replaces CASA 241/14, which expired on 30 June 2016.

The updated approval allows the same approved pilots to conduct these flight tests and also grant the multi-engine aeroplane class rating.

CASA 71/16 is for pilots conducting flight tests for the grant of aeroplane pilot type ratings. It commenced on 1 July 2016 and expires on 31 August 2018, unless it is revoked sooner. It replaces CASA 242/14, which expired on 30 June 2016.

The updated approval allows the same approved pilots to conduct these flight tests and also grant the aeroplane pilot type rating.

CASA 70/16 is for pilots conducting flight tests for the grant of helicopter pilot type ratings. It commenced on 1 July 2016 and expires on 31 August 2018, unless it is revoked sooner. It replaces CASA 243/14, which expired on 30 June 2016.

The updated approval allows the same approved pilots to conduct these flight tests and also grant the helicopter pilot type rating.

Approvals to conduct flight tests for training endorsements

CASA 72/16 is for pilots conducting flight tests for the grant of an instructor rating training endorsement. It commenced on 1 July 2016 and expires on 31 August 2018, unless it is revoked sooner. It replaces CASA 255/14, which expired on 30 June 2016.

The updated approval allows the same approved pilots to conduct these flight tests and also grant the training endorsement.

Approval to conduct flight tests for, and grant, low-level ratings and endorsements to aeroplane pilots

This instrument was registered on 15 March 2017 as CASA 27/17.

It replaces CASA 289/14 for aeroplane pilots.

The instrument authorises pilots, who were approved aeroplane training pilots under Civil Aviation Order 29.10, to conduct flight tests for, and grant, a low-level rating, aeroplane low-level endorsement and an aerial mustering – aeroplane endorsement. Certain conditions apply to the approval.

The instrument expires on 15 March 2019 unless it is repealed earlier.

CASA is currently working with the aerial mustering sector on improvements to the arrangements for training and testing of new aerial mustering pilots. The outcome of this work is expected to affect this instrument in the future.

Approval to conduct flight tests for, and grant, low-level endorsements to helicopter pilots

This instrument was made on 1 September 2018 as CASA 59/18.

It replaces  CASA 29/17, CASA 47/15 and aspects of CASA 289/14 for helicopter pilots.

The instrument authorises a pilot, who was:

  • an approved helicopter training pilot under Civil Aviation Order 29.10, to conduct a flight test for, and an aerial mustering – helicopter endorsement.
  • an approved under CAO 29.6, to conduct a flight test for, and grant, a sling operations endorsement.
  • an approved person under section 9 of CAO 29.11, to conduct a flight test for, and grant, a winching and rappelling operations endorsement.

The instrument expires on 31 August 2021.

CASA is currently working with the aerial mustering sector on improvements to the arrangements for training and testing of new aerial mustering pilots. The outcome of this work is expected to affect this instrument in the future.

View  CASA 59/18 — Flight tests and grant of certain endorsements (approved persons under civil aviation orders 29.6, 29.10 and 29.11) approval 2018 (repealed at the end of 31 August 2021) (pdf 60.95 KB).

Approval to conduct flight tests for low-level ratings, low-level endorsements and mustering endorsements - revoked

This approval was registered on 23 December 2014 as CASA 289/14 and revoked on 16 March 2017 by CASA 26/17.

The approval has been replaced by CASA 27/17 and CASA 29/17 – see above.

It allowed someone who was an approved training pilot for 'mustering operations' (as previously described in CAO 29.10) to conduct a flight test for low-level ratings, low-level endorsements and aerial mustering endorsements, subject to a few simple conditions such as registering for the CASA Flight Test Notification System.

Approval to conduct flight tests and grant low-level rating endorsements - sling operations, winch and rappelling operations - revoked

This instrument was registered on 15 May 2015 as CASA 47/15 and revoked on 16 March 2017 by CASA 26/17.

The approval has been replaced by CASA 29/17 – see above.

It authorised certain people to conduct flight tests and grant sling operations endorsements as well as winch and rappelling operations endorsements, as long as certain qualification and experience requirements are satisfied.

Part 141 and 142 legislative instruments

Regulation 141.035 Approval to conduct type rating training

This instrument was made on 4 June 2018 as CASA 40/18.

The instrument will enable operators currently authorised under Part 142 to continue to conduct the flight training for single-pilot type rated aircraft. The approval will continue until the Part 142 operator is issued with a new Part 141 certificate including approval to conduct the training unless the operator ceases to be approved.

The instrument will be repealed on 31 August 2019.

View the instrument on the Federal Register of Legislation website.

Regulation 141.035 Approval - flight training for aeroplane firefighting endorsement

This instrument was made on 1 September 2018 as CASA 56/18. It replaces CASA 119/16.

The instrument authorises certain operators to conduct training for the grant of an aeroplane firefighting endorsement. Key features of the approval include:

  • Operators that have been conducting firebombing operations during each of the preceding three years can conduct the training.
  • A course of training has been prepared by CASA for operators to use.
  • Training includes aeronautical knowledge and practical flight training.
  • CASA has prepared a syllabus for the practical flight training including training matrix, lesson plans and training records.
  • Head of flight operations and nominated senior pilots can conduct the training as long as they have acceptable aeronautical experience conducting firebombing operations.
  • The trainees need to meet course entry criteria such as aerial application rating
  • The operator is required to keep records.
  • Trainees should receive a course completion certificate at the end of the training.
  • The approval does not remove the requirement for the applicant to complete a flight test for the grant of the endorsement
  • The flight test for the endorsement covers the same knowledge and practical items as a pre-season proficiency check.

The instrument expires on 31 August 2021.

View CASA 56/18 — Flight training (aeroplane firefighting endorsement) approval 2018 (repealed at the end of 31 August 2021) (pdf 75.13 KB).

Regulation 141.035 Approval - flight training for helicopter firefighting endorsement

This instrument was made on 1 September 2018 as CASA 57/18. It replaces CASA 91/16.

The instrument authorises certain operators to conduct training for the grant of an aerial application rating and helicopter firefighting endorsement. Key features of the approval include:

  • Operators that have been conducting firebombing operations during each of the preceding three years can conduct the training.
  • A course of training has been prepared by CASA for operators to use.
  • Training includes aeronautical knowledge and practical flight training.
  • CASA has prepared a syllabus for the practical flight training including training matrix, lesson plans and training records.
  • Chief pilots and nominated senior pilots can conduct the training as long as they have acceptable aeronautical experience conducting firebombing operations.
  • The trainees need to meet course entry criteria such as low-level rating, CPL(H) and if required, a sling operations endorsement.
  • The operator is required to keep records.
  • Trainees should receive a course completion certificate at the end of the training.
  • The approval does not remove the requirement for the applicant to complete a flight test for the grant of the endorsement.
  • The flight test for the endorsement covers the same knowledge and practical items as a pre-season proficiency check.

View CASA 57/18 — Flight training (helicopter firefighting endorsement) approval 2018 (repealed at the end of 31 August 2021) (pdf 73.35 KB).

Regulation 142.045 - Prescription of type ratings excluded from CASR Part 142 Flight Training (Edition 6) Instrument 2018)

This instrument was first made on 17 August 2014 as CASA 211/14, it was amended on 30 October 2014 as CASA 265/14. It was repealed and a new instrument - Prescription - type ratings for CASR Part 142 flight training (Edition 1) - commenced on 13 January 2015.

The instrument was further amended on 14 May 2015 as Prescription - type ratings for CASR Part 142 flight training (Edition 1) amendment instrument 2015 (No.1) - to include the Catalina type to the list. The amended instrument was Edition 2.

It was amended again on 30 September 2015 as Prescription - type ratings for CASR Part 142 flight training (Edition 2) amendment instrument 2015 (No.2) - to insert the following aircraft type ratings to the list. The amended instrument is Edition 3.

  • BE350/1900
  • C525(SP)
  • DO228
  • MU2
  • SA226/227

The instrument was remade on 25 October 2016 as Prescription-type ratings for CASR Part 142 flight training (Edition 4) with the repeal of the Edition 3 instrument and added the following aircraft type ratings to the list and modified the differences training for the Metro and Merlin aeroplanes.

  • Consolidated Vultee (Convair) 340 and 440
  • DH 4 Caribou
  • Douglas DC3 and C47
  • Lockheed Neptune and L1049 series

The instrument was remade on 9 December 2016 as Prescription-type ratings for CASR Part 142 flight training (Edition 5) with the repeal of Edition 4. Edition 5 corrects an error made in Edition 4 - the Beechcraft 1900 was deleted from the instrument. The Beechcraft 1900 has subsequently been reinstated in the BE350/1900 type rating.

The instrument was remade on 4 June 2018 as Prescription of type ratings excluded from CASR Part 142 Flight Training (Edition 6) Instrument 2018 with the repeal of Edition 5. Edition 6 adds the following single-pilot aeroplane and helicopter type ratings to the instrument:

Aeroplane type ratings Helicopter type ratings
  • RA390(SP) – 390 Premier – all models
  • EA500(SP) – EA500 model
  • PHENOM(SP) – EMB 500 (100 series) and EMB 505 (300 series)
  • C525(SP) – C525B-CJ3+ model
  • C500/550/560(SP) – C500, C501, C550, C551, C560 V model, C560 Ultra, C560 Encore and C560 Encore + models
  • PC-24 – PC-24 model
  • A109 – E, K2, S and SP models
  • AS365/EC155 – SA 365, EC155 models
  • BH212/412
  • BH214
  • BH222/430 - Bell 222, Bell 230, Bell 430 models
  • BH427
  • BH429
  • BK117/EC145 – C-2 and D-2 models
  • EC135
  • MD900
  • SK76(SP) – A, B, C and D models

This instrument lists the type-rated aircraft for which type rating training, differences training and flight reviews can be conducted by a Part 141 operator instead of a Part 142 operator.

For type rated aircraft that are not included in Edition 5 of the instrument, training and flight reviews must be conducted by a Part 142 operator.

Operators can apply to CASA for a regulation 141.035 approval to conduct initial - as well as differences - flight training for the grant of these additional type ratings. These approvals can also be used as an interim solution leading to the operators obtaining a CASR Part 141 certificate.

Find out more about the process for applying for a regulation 141.035 approval.

View the amendment instrument on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Regulation 141.035 - approval to conduct flight training for low-level ratings, low-level endorsements and mustering endorsements

This approval was registered on 1 September 2018 as CASA 58/18. It replaces CASA 28/17.

The approval allows a person who was an approved training pilot for mustering operations to conduct CASR Part 141 flying training for low-level ratings, low-level endorsements and aerial mustering endorsements.

The approval expires on 31 August 2021, unless it is repealed sooner.

CASA is working with the aerial mustering sector on improvements to the arrangements for training and testing of new aerial mustering pilots and pilots involved in training and supervising new mustering pilots. The outcome of this work is expected to affect this instrument in the future.

View CASA 58/18 — Flight training (approved pilots under civil aviation order 29.10 — mustering) approval 2018 (repealed at the end of 31 August 2021) (pdf 59.47 KB).

Approval under regulation 141.035 - for regulation 217 training and checking organisations to conduct certain Part 141 flight training.

Approval under regulation 142.040 - for regulation 217 training and checking organisations to conduct certain Part 142 flight training.

This approval was first issued on 20 March 2015 as CASA 25/15.

CASA 87/17 commences 1 September 2017 and replaces CASA 25/15.

It provides a variation of AOCs to authorise regulation 217 training and checking organisations to conduct certain Part 142 flight training in aircraft.

The approval expires on 31 August 2018, or when an AOC holder is issued with an AOC that authorises it to conduct the equivalent Part 142 flight training (whichever occurs first).

Variation of AOCs - authorisation of regulation 217 training and checking organisations to conduct certain Part 142 flight training in aircraft

This approval was first registered on 20 March 2015 as CASA 26/15.

CASA 88/17 commences 1 September 2017 and replaces CASA 26/15.

It provides a variation of AOCs to authorise regulation 217 training and checking organisations to conduct certain Part 142 flight training in aircraft.

The approval expires on 31 August 2018, or when an AOC holder is issued with an AOC that authorises it to conduct the equivalent Part 142 flight training (whichever occurs first).