General Aviation Workplan timeline

Update guidance materials for obtaining an RVSM approval.

Deliverables

• Updated guidance materials.

Update guidance materials to streamline a flight training organisation obtaining an AOC for scenic flights.

Deliverables

• Updated guidance materials.

Develop standards for international RPAS operations that align to ICAO standards and recommended practices. This will ensure harmonisation internationally for RPAS operations.

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

Review appropriateness of regulatory oversight as operational activity profiles develop and mature over time. This could include third-party authorisations or the establishment of self-administering organisations.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

Implement the necessary changes required to support the introduction of AAM operations to ensure that evolving standards and practices effectively enhance aviation safety.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

Review AAM processes, procedures and supporting documentation using quality assurance and continuous improvement practices to streamline applications whilst ensuring assessments of applications deliver safe operations.

Principle: Risk and outcome-based.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

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

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

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

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

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.

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

Principle: Progressive and internationally aligned.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.