Operators must meet important safety standards to continue to operate.
By 2 December 2026, all exemptions that allowed existing operators to defer implementation of certain flight operations requirements will end.
Operators will need to ensure they have lodged their documentation by the deadlines to continue operating.
Part 119 Air transport operators
Air transport operators must have in place:
- a safety management system (SMS)
- human factors and non-technical skills (HFNTS) training program for their staff.
Some air transport operators will also need a flight data analysis program (FDAP). This only applies to air transport operators who fly:
- aeroplanes larger than 27,000 kg
- rotorcraft larger than 7,000 kg
- rotorcraft with more than 9 passenger seats and required to have a flight data recorder.
Find out more about what you must do.
Part 138 Aerial work operators
Certain aerial work operators may need a safety management system (SMS) in place if you are:
- transporting marine pilots
- carrying fireground personnel
- operating multi-engine transport category rotorcraft with a MTOW of more than 3,175 kg
- operating multi-engine aeroplanes with a MTOW of more than 5,700 kg
- operating an aeroplane powered by a turbofan or turbojet engines.
You do not need to have a human factors non-technical skills (HFNTS) training system.
Find out more about what you must do.
Key deadlines
Follow the timeline to make sure your documentation is complete before the deadline.
1 September 2026
Air transport and aerial work operators must nominate their safety manager by 1 September 2026. We encourage you to submit information to us before this deadline.
Air transport operators must also provide us with their:
- SMS procedures
- HFNTS procedures
- FDAP procedures if applicable.
Aerial work operators must provide us with their SMS procedures.
All procedures should be incorporated into your exposition.
This deadline enables us to review and accept your safety manager application and update our records. There are no fees if you submit you documentation on or before the deadline.
If you submit your documentation to us after this time, you will be charged a fee for review of your documentation and safety manager assessment.
1 December 2026
By this date you must have:
- implemented your SMS, including FDAP for relevant operators
- a HFNTS training program (where required)
- your safety manager accepted by CASA.
You cannot legally continue to operate from 2 December 2026 if you have not met these requirements unless you have sought and been granted an extension.