Part 91 of CASR General operating and flight rules

Flight operation regulations have changed

The flight operations rules changed on 2 December 2021. See all information about transitioning.

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Flight operation regulations have changed

Rule status

Current

New basic operating rules for all pilots commenced on 2 December 2021. 

Part 91 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) – General operating and flight rules, sets out the general operating rules for all pilots and operators. It consolidates all of the general operating and flight rules for Australian aircraft.

The rules cover:

  • documentation
  • flight crew and operator obligations
  • training
  • crew member obligations
  • safety of persons and cargo
  • classifications of operation
  • rules to prevent collision
  • communication
  • fuel
  • pre-flight planning and preparation
  • ground operations
  • aircraft performance and weight and balance
  • take-off and landing
  • low visibility operations
  • cruising levels and minimum heights
  • navigation
  • non-controlled aerodromes
  • icing
  • special flight operations
  • aircraft equipment
  • special certificates and permits
  • foreign aircraft
  • minimum equipment list
  • equipment.

Transition to new regulations

We have compiled information and resources about transitioning to the new regulations. Visit our Flight operations transition section to find out more. 

Who it affects

Part 91 applies to all aviation operations except drones. 

There are additional rules for pilots operating under an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) or other certificate, or those conducting defined activities such as aerial work, aerial application and some recreational aviation activities. These rules are in other CASR Parts and may add to or turn off some Part 91 requirements – either completely or partially. 

Legislation

Legislative instruments

Legislative instruments apply to a broad range of people. These instruments include Manuals of Standards and exemptions to regulatory requirements.

Instruments related to this part will display in this space or you can view our list of legislative instruments.

18 legislative instruments available

There are no legislative instruments available for this rule.

Non-legislative instruments

Non-legislative instruments apply to a particular person. Some exemptions to regulatory requirements in aviation regulations or a Manual of Standards may be listed here.

Non-legislative instruments related to this part will display in this space or you can view our list of non-legislative instruments.

14 non-legislative instruments available

There are no non-legislative instruments available for this rule.

Guidance material

Advisory material provides advice and guidance to explain particular regulatory requirements of a CASR Part. Guidance material relating to this part will appear in this space or you can view all our guidance material.

30 guidance material available

AC 91-02 - Guidelines for aeroplanes with MTOW not exceeding 5 700 kg - suitable places to take off and land

Updated:

Advisory Circular 91-02 provides guidance to assist pilots when determining the suitability for an aeroplane to safely take off and land. It details an overview of the pilot’s responsibilities.

DOWNLOAD AC 91-02 Guidelines for aeroplanes with MTOW not exceeding 5 700 kg - suitable places to take off and land (PDF, 850.58 KB)
Advisory Circular, Flight ops - General resource Version: 1.2

AC 91-11 - Aeroplane low visibility operations - conduct and approvals

Updated:

AC 91-11 provides information about the conduct of low-visibility operations (LVO) and the processes and requirements for obtaining an approval to conduct LVO.

DOWNLOAD AC 91-11 Aeroplane low visibility operations - conduct and approvals (PDF, 927.21 KB)
Advisory Circular Version: 1.0

AC 91-05 - Performance-based navigation

Updated:

Advisory Circular AC 91-05 v1.0 - Performance-based navigation provides information on the concept of performance-based navigation and guidance on navigation specifications used in Australia.

DOWNLOAD AC 91-05 Performance-based navigation (PDF, 1 MB)
Advisory Circular Version: 1.0

AC 91-18 - Restraints of infants and children

Updated:

The purpose of Advisory Circular AC 91-18 is to provide information on the use of child restraint systems by infants, children, and special categories of passengers.

DOWNLOAD AC 91-18 - Restraint of infants and children (PDF, 736.71 KB)
Advisory Circular, Flight ops - General resource Version: 1.1

Performance-based navigation National Aviation Authority advice

Updated:

If you have an Australian registered aircraft and intend to operate overseas, the Performance-based navigation advice for National Aviation Authorities is available. It demonstrates you meet the Australian regulatory requirements in case of a ramp check by a foreign National Aviation Authority.

DOWNLOAD Performance-based navigation National Aviation Authority advice (PDF, 189.19 KB)
General Version:

AC 91-06 - Performance-based communications and surveillance

Updated:

Advisory Circular AC 91-06 explains the basic principles of PBCS and the way it relates to the flight planning and operations.

DOWNLOAD AC 91-06 Performance-based communication and surveillance (PBCS) (PDF, 464.6 KB)
Advisory Circular, Flight ops - General resource Version: 1.1

Supporting resources

Supporting resources related to this part will appear in this space. These are used in conjunction to support the formal guidance material listed above.

9 supporting resources available

Related content

Related rules and publications

Last updated date
Updated:
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//rules/regulatory-framework/casr/part-91-casr-general-operating-and-flight-rules
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