The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Australia is seeking feedback on two proposals to make it easier to operate and maintain large remotely piloted aircraft (RPA).
CASA is looking to add flexibility to how airworthiness certifications can be used and streamline the approval pathway for maintenance permissions.
CASA proposes amending regulations to allow any type of certificate of airworthiness for large RPA, when the operation meets the related rules in the Part 101 Manuals of Standards (MOS) and allow the Part 101 MOS to set circumstances where a certificate of airworthiness is not required for a large RPA operation, supported by risk and outcome-based provisions.
Under the MOS, a large RPA operating with a certificate of airworthiness must comply with its conditions and limitations.
Operating without a certificate would only be allowed where the RPA does not carry occupants and the operation has no adverse effect on safety, as proven by completing a risk assessment by an acceptable method. CASA would still approve the operation through an existing operator approval arrangement.
CASA is also proposing minor amendments to the rules to make approvals for maintenance permissions for large RPA more efficient, keep existing competency standards for applicants, modernise language, remove obsolete forms and references, and update submission methods.
CASA says feedback will help make sure the proposals are fit for purpose, clear and workable. The changes form part of the RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap.
Responses on the proposals can be made via CASA’s consultation hub:
- Large RPA airworthiness certification closes on Friday 21 November
- Large RPA maintenance permissions closes on Tuesday 18 November.
For more information
