The RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap timeline

Airspace and traffic management

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January 2028

AM10b: Develop new AAM segregation requirements to support and use improving technologies such as high levels of automation

Not started

Develop RPAS and AAM segregation requirements that leverage increasing levels of automation and emerging technologies in airspace management. These new requirements aim to enhance aviation safety and increase efficiency.

Principle: Safety first.

image of air traffic control towers

January 2028

AM8: Consider regulatory requirements for integrating air traffic management systems

Not started

Consider the regulatory needs for integrating air traffic management systems (for instance, ATM and UTM) following the Civil Military Air Traffic Management System implementation and government policy direction on UTM.

Principle: Balanced and socially responsible.

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January 2030

AM11: Continue airspace modernisation to support the integration of RPAS and AAM into all airspace environments

Not started

Progress airspace modernisation towards the integration of RPAS and AAM into all airspace environments, ensuring a safe, efficient and cohesive operational environment.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

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January 2031

AM12: Review and update rulesets for integration, global mechanisms, and requirements for increasing levels of automation

Not started

Review and update rulesets for integration, ensuring they account for the adoption of new technologies worldwide.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

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January 2032

AM13: Develop standards to support cooperative participation between all airspace users

Not started

Develop standards to support cooperative participation among all airspace users. This aims to mature provisions for increasing levels of automation and integrating emerging technologies in airspace management.

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

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January 2033

AM14: Develop and implement airspace concepts to support all airspace users in a seamless airspace environment

Not started

Develop and implement airspace concepts to support all users in a seamless future airspace environment, improving coordination and efficiency. This activity works towards the master plan for Australian airspace.

Principle: Balanced and socially responsible.

Aircraft and aircraft systems

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.

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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.

Operations

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January 2029

OP14b: Monitor and review rule changes required to support AAM operational maturity

Not started

Monitor, review and implement the necessary changes to rules, guidance and procedures needed to support the increasing maturity of AAM operations. This is a follow-on activity from OP15a.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

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February 2029

OP9b: Develop rule changes and guidance on the operational approval requirements for AAM operations (remotely piloted)

Not started

Develop guidance, pathways for operational approval, and subsequent rule adjustments for remotely piloted AAM operations with a focus on aviation safety through efficient processes.

Principle: Safety first.

Infrastructure

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March 2029

IN5: Develop a regulatory framework for the operation of research and development infrastructure

Not started

Develop a regulatory framework for research and development infrastructure. Set standards and guidelines to ensure safety, compliance, and effective management. Support industry innovation while maintaining safety.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

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March 2029

IN6: Review training needs for infrastructure operators

Not started

Where required, regulate operator training and set competency goals for infrastructure operators to ensure they meet safety standards.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

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January 2030

IN7: Regulate equipage requirements for infrastructure operators

Not started

Decide the corresponding requirements for infrastructure equipage as airspace management and technology evolves to ensure the safe operations of RPAS and AAM. 

Principle: Adaptive and scalable.

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January 2034

IN8: Mature rules and approval processes to support RPAS and AAM related infrastructure

Not started

Continue to monitor, review, and update rules for RPAS and AAM infrastructure as operations evolve and complexity increases.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

People

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April 2029

PE9: Implement standard training and licensing requirements for personnel involved in remotely piloted and optionally piloted passenger carrying AAM

Not started

Implement standardised training and licensing for personnel in remotely piloted and optionally piloted AAM aircraft. Ensure personnel have the skills and knowledge for safe and efficient operations.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

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January 2031

PE10: Introduce updated licensing requirements for RPAS and AAM operations factoring in the increasing levels of automation

Not started

Implement licensing requirements for personnel and systems involved in increasingly automated operations. Ensure personnel have the skills and knowledge for safe and efficient operations. 

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

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January 2033

PE11: Implement standard licensing and training requirements for AAM dispatchers

Not started

Implement licensing requirements for personnel who dispatch AAM aircraft to ensure they have the necessary skills and knowledge for safe and efficient operations.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

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