Introduction

Introduction | Annual report 2012–13

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority

CASA, Australia's air safety regulator, was established on 6 July 1995 as an independent statutory authority under the Civil Aviation Act 1988.

Key role

CASA's key role is to conduct the safety regulation of civil air operations in Australian territory and the operation of Australian aircraft outside Australian territory.

CASA is also responsible for ensuring that Australian-administered airspace is administered and used safely.

Portfolio outcome

CASA has a single portfolio outcome, which is set by the Australian Government:

Maximise aviation safety through a regulatory regime, detailed technical material on safety standards, comprehensive aviation industry oversight, risk analysis, industry consultation, education and training.

People

At 30 June 2013, CASA employed 850 ongoing and non-ongoing employees in offices around Australia.

Operating environment

CASA has a direct regulatory role with approximately:

• 36,000 pilots
• 15,100 registered aircraft
• 860 Air Operator's Certificate holders
• 7,700 Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
• 1,000 air traffic controllers
• 330 operators of certified and registered aerodromes
• 700 maintenance organisations.

CASA is also indirectly connected with more than 100,000 people who are involved in the Australian aviation industry, and with the many millions of passengers whose safety is CASA's primary concern.

Corporate objectives

This annual report primarily reviews performance against the corporate goals identified in the CASA Corporate Plan 2012–13 to 2014–15.

Vision

Safe skies for all

Mission

To enhance and promote aviation safety through effective regulation and by encouraging the wider aviation community to embrace and deliver higher standards of safety.

Values

• We are committed to CASA's mission
• We value our people
• We perform our functions to maintain Australia's status as a leading aviation nation
• We understand our relevance and
  responsibilities to the wider aviation community
• We encourage effective leadership,
  management and a team approach.

Goals

• Comprehensive, consistent and effective regulation to enhance aviation safety
• Good governance and continuous improvement of organisational efficiency
• Effective and appropriate relationships with the wider aviation community

Results

Against the three corporate goals CASA set for 2012–13, over 87 per cent of targets were met, and a small percentage experienced a delay or external factors affecting timing and completion.

Financial result

CASA recorded an operating surplus of $12 million in 2012–13, compared to a $1.8 million deficit in 2011–12.

Key corporate statistics