Aircraft and aircraft systems

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.

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.
We held a hydrogen and fuel cell airworthiness meeting on February 26, 2025. Industry shared key challenges and gaps in the regulations. This supports regulations for AAM aircraft in Australia.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
We have identified this as a priority task, and we have started working on it. We plan to deliver guidance progressively between now and Q2 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.