Forward regulatory program timeline

We will look to enhance the global aeronautical aircraft in distress framework to incorporate appropriate international standards.

Deliverables

• Draft and consultation on changes to MOS through 2025.
• Timing of changes with industry to be discussed.

We will consider amendments to Part 101 to reduce regulatory burden and reflect contemporary safety risks for the RPAS industry.

Deliverables

• MOS amendments through 2025 to bring benefits to industry.
• Regulation changes late 2025-26.

We will amend dangerous goods regulations (Part 92) to address identified deficiencies and simplify the existing legislation.

Deliverables

• Regulation drafting and industry consultation 2026.
• Implementation 2026.

We will review Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 48.1 to identify continuous improvement opportunities for flight crew. We will then consider policy options for cabin crew fatigue rules.

Deliverables

• Post implementation review on pilot fatigue 2025.
• Industry consultation and improvements to CAO 48.1 in 2025-26.

Identify key GA elements of Part 61 for review against original policy intentions.

Deliverables

• Undertake a scoping activity to determine deliverable phases and to plan likely timeframes for a phased approach to the review.

Develop guidance and pathways for operational approval for pilot on board AAM operations with a focus on aviation safety through efficient processes.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

Develop safety management system (SMS) and human factors policies relative to the risks and complexity of RPAS operations.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

Review and, if needed, develop and streamline SMS assessment and approval processes to improve efficiency and make sure requirements are relative to risk.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

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

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

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.

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

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

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

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

We will continue to work with Defence on pathways for recognition of military qualifications for pilots and Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAME).

Deliverables

• We will consider a recognition approach for Defence technical staff responsible for maintenance of communications, navigation and surveillance infrastructure
• We will review pilot and pilot instructor recognition
• We will consider recognition of Defence maintenance authorisations for LAME licensing

We will undertake a scoping activity to rationalise current exemptions related to general aviation.

Deliverables

• A review of exemptions will be undertaken to further reduce regulatory burden while maintaining safety standards, especially for smaller or non-commercial operators.

Identify key GA elements of Part 61 for review against original policy intentions.

Deliverables

• We will undertake a scoping activity to determine deliverable phases and to plan likely timeframes for a phased approach to the review.

We will continue to work with Defence on pathways for recognition of military qualifications for pilots and Licenced Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAME).

Deliverables

• We will consider a recognition approach for Defence technical staff responsible for maintenance of communications, navigation and surveillance infrastructure
• We will review pilot and pilot instructor recognition
• We will consider recognition of Defence maintenance authorisations for LAME licensing

Progress development of a Class 4 medical certificate assessed and certified by specialist general practitioners.

Deliverables

• A comprehensive post-implementation review (PIR) of the Class 5 self-declared policy will be an opportunity to review and consider the effectiveness of the policy. The PIR will also inform the development of the proposed Class 4 medical certificate

Review arrangements for community service flights, charitable flights and other forms of public benefit flying.

Deliverables

• Codify arrangements for existing community service flights to be conducted as private flights.
• Codify arrangements for certain flights conducted for charitable purposes to be conducted as private flights.
• Scope whether further public benefit flights should be conducted as private flights.

Determine if certain aerial work operations should be subject to reduced regulatory oversight.

Deliverables

• Initial policy proposal.

We will investigate MOSAIC for the Australian environment in collaboration with industry.

Deliverables

• Review the FAA implementation of MOSAIC and identify possible opportunities for future Australian regulatory changes.

Monitor international developments towards implementing harmonised requirements for AAM. This work needs to consider how aviation professionals transition their current licensing to new vehicles and technologies.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

This activity and activation of work within ICAO will contribute to the development of medical standards for RPAS and AAM operators.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

Develop standards and capabilities to support the implementation of low flight-level traffic management systems for RPAS. This includes exploring existing standards, international developments and Australian airspace needs while aligning with government safety initiatives.

Principle: Safety first.

Consider airspace requirements to address demand and capacity needs for air traffic into and out of vertiports.

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

Commence implementation to mitigate identified risks and facilitate AAM airspace integration to assist broader acceptance by all airspace users.

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

Develop guidance in relation to the infrastructure needed to support automated flight and airspace flow between vertiports. The activity is also dependent on OEM requirements and operator concepts of operation.

Principle: Balanced and socially responsible.