CASA Says The New Regulations Will Minimize The Regulatory Burden On General Aviation

The first step is being taken to develop a set of streamlined new maintenance regulations for Australia’s general aviation sector.

New maintenance regulations will minimize the regulatory burden on general aviation, keep compliance costs as low as possible and be based on the best practices of other leading aviation nations.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia (CASA) is commencing development of the new general aviation maintenance regulations by asking the aviation community for views on current challenges and opportunities. Feedback is also sought on existing regulations in the United States, New Zealand, Europe and Canada.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael McCormack, who announced these reforms recently at a summit in Wagga Wagga, said the approach CASA is taking to the new general aviation maintenance regulations is good news for the aviation community.

“CASA is committed to achieving the minimum regulatory compliance burden consistent with ensuring a level of safety appropriate for the general aviation sector,” Mr McCormack said. “I look forward to CASA and the aviation community working together to achieve this goal.”

CASA’s Director of Aviation Safety, Shane Carmody, said CASA was not seeking to re-invent the wheel with the new general aviation maintenance regulations. “We know there are tried and tested sets of maintenance regulations used by other leading aviation nations and we want to base our new rules on these as far as is possible,” Mr Carmody said. “These nations have a strong safety record underpinned by well-regarded safety regulation.

“I encourage the general aviation community to provide feedback on maintenance issues and the overseas models so we can move forward as quickly as possible in developing the new rules.”

The proposed new regulations will cover maintenance for aircraft used in private and aerial work operations. The air transport sector, including charter and regular public transport, is not included.

(Source: CASA news release)

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