The RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap timeline

Aircraft and aircraft systems

image of a generated spanner

October 2024

AA5: Progress the development of a fit for purpose continuing airworthiness policy for higher-risk RPAS

In progress

Review and update maintenance and continuing airworthiness policies for RPAS so they are appropriate as platforms increase in size and complexity. This includes consideration of maintenance personnel authorisations and continuing airworthiness management policies.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

image of a drone flying in the sky

December 2024

AA2a: Publish policy position for certifying piloted AAM

In progress

Work with international regulatory authorities to harmonise guidance on the certification of piloted AAM, airworthiness criteria and means of compliance.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of a generated lock

December 2024

AA1: Publish guidance on cybersecurity for RPAS

In progress

Create guidance material for assessing cybersecurity in low and medium-risk RPAS operations.

Principle: Balanced and socially responsible.

image of a drone landed

January 2025

AA2b: Publish airworthiness criteria and certification guidelines for piloted AAM

Not started

Work with international regulatory authorities to harmonise guidance on the certification of piloted AAM, airworthiness criteria and means of compliance.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of a generated aircraft

February 2025

AA4a: Publish a policy position for the airworthiness certification of RPAS

Not started

Review and develop airworthiness regulatory pathways for higher-risk RPAS, to support expected platforms and their safe and efficient operations. 

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

image of an engineer's working on an aircraft

October 2025

AA3: Progress the development of a fit for purpose continuing airworthiness policy for AAM

Not started

Progress the development of a fit-for-purpose continuing airworthiness policy and regulatory pathways. Adopt a proportional approach to AAM maintenance, maintenance personnel licensing, and continuing airworthiness management policies.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

image of a group of people discussing drone

October 2025

AA6: Publish guidance on the evidence required for RPAS airworthiness and operational safety goals

In progress

Work with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and operators to develop procedures and guidance for medium risk RPAS airworthiness. Improve existing regulatory pathways to allow a risk-based approach to RPAS operations.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

image of 2 people standing in front of an aircraft

February 2026

AA2c: Publish acceptable means of compliance for certification of piloted AAM

Not started

Identify published standards from standards organisations that applicants may use to show compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements. This will need us to work with international regulatory authorities to harmonise as piloted AAM needs mature.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of a drone is landed on grass

March 2026

AA4b: Publish airworthiness criteria and certification guidance for RPAS

Not started

Work with international regulatory authorities to harmonise guidance on airworthiness criteria for certified RPAS.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of a drone flying above farmland

July 2026

AA8: Develop a policy position for automation and autonomy in AAM and RPAS

Not started

Work with international regulatory authorities to develop a policy for highly automated and autonomous systems in AAM and RPAS.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of a drone landed on the ground

July 2026

AA7a: Develop a policy position for the airworthiness certification of remotely piloted AAM

Not started

Work with international regulatory authorities to develop a harmonised policy for the remote piloted operation of AAM aircraft.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of a drone landed on the ground

December 2027

AA7b: Publish airworthiness criteria and certification guidance for remotely piloted AAM

Not started

Work with international regulatory authorities to harmonise guidance on airworthiness criteria.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of a person using a laptop

February 2028

AA4c: Publish acceptable means of compliance for certified RPAS

Not started

Identify published standards from standards organisations that applicants may use to show compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements. This will need us to work with international regulatory authorities to harmonise as certified RPAS needs mature.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of a generated human brain

July 2028

AA10a: Publish airworthiness requirements and guidance for highly automated and autonomous RPAS

Not started

Work with international regulators to harmonise guidance on airworthiness criteria for highly automated and autonomous systems in RPAS.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

deco image

February 2029

AA7c: Publish acceptable means of compliance for remotely piloted AAM

Not started

Identify published standards from standards organisations that applicants may use to show compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements. This will need us to work with international regulatory authorities to harmonise as remotely piloted AAM needs mature.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of an aircraft flying

July 2029

AA10b: Publish acceptable means of compliance for highly automated and autonomous RPAS

Not started

Identify published standards from standards organisations that applicants may use to show compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements. This will need us to work with international regulatory authorities to harmonise as the needs for highly automated and autonomous systems in RPAS mature.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of a desk with a scale and a globe on top

January 2030

AA9: Review and update airworthiness guidance for AAM aligned with international harmonisation

Not started

Monitor and review airworthiness guidance after AAM operations begin to ensure they are fit-for-purpose and maintain international harmonisation.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of a generated SIM card

January 2032

AA11a: Publish airworthiness criteria and certification guidance for highly automated and autonomous AAM

Not started

Work with international regulatory authorities to harmonise guidance on airworthiness criteria for highly automated and autonomous systems in AAM.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

image of manufacture making parts

January 2033

AA11b: Publish acceptable means of compliance for highly automated and autonomous AAM

Not started

Identify published standards from standards organisations that applicants may use to show compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements. This will need us to work with international regulatory authorities to harmonise as the needs for highly automated and autonomous systems in AAM mature.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//search-centre/publication-timeline-display
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