Project US 14/18 - Post-implementation review - Part 101 of CASR

Issue

Part 101 of CASR was promulgated in 2002; since that time sweeping changes have occurred in the model aircraft domain. Electric powered multi-rotor unmanned aircraft (UA), such as quad-copters have become readily available at hobbyist prices and their numbers in general use as recreational model aircraft are growing accordingly.

These aircraft are regulated as model aircraft however they now possess many of the capabilities of, and can be remotely operated as if they were Remotely Piloted Aircraft. Growing use of these aircraft has given rise to an increase in reports of incidents involving model aircraft being flown near aeroplanes and helicopters, and around airports.

CASA is also concerned about safety aspects of such aircraft being used irresponsibly over (and sometimes in and around) public gatherings, beaches, parks and thoroughfares, potentially endangering third parties on the ground.

Additionally, Subpart 101.E-Unmanned free balloons uses a definition of light balloons that is different to the ICAO definition. This anomaly imposes unnecessary regulatory burdens on persons releasing meteorological and scientific balloons that fall outside the ICAO standards for balloons that require regulation by an aviation authority.

This project will also be the vehicle to take forward objectives from Project OS 11/20, including the publication of the Part 101 Manual of Standards (MOS) and further amendments to the regulations applicable to remotely piloted aircraft.  Integrating these changes to Part 101 will result in a more consistent regulation covering the range of unmanned aircraft operations.

Objective

1. To review the provisions in Part 101 covering both model and other remotely-piloted aircraft, for effectiveness in managing the emerging risks associated with use of unmanned aircraft.
2. To publish the Part 101 MOS, including any requirements emerging from the reviewed regulations.

Rules affected

Part 101 of CASR

Status

This project was approved by Peter Boyd, EM Standards Division 3 July 2014.

Project management

Project Leader: andrew.ward@casa.gov.au

Project Sponsor: Peter Boyd, Executive Manager Standards Division.

Priority

Medium

History