CASA Briefing newsletter - March 2011

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From the Director of Aviation Safety

 

 

 

John McCormick

 

Consultation with the aviation industry on safety and safety regulation is an important part of CASA's business. Indeed we are required by the Civil Aviation Act to conduct "full and effective consultation and communication with all interested parties on aviation safety issues". Over the years this has been achieved in a number of ways, including through continuous dialogue on issues, meetings, working groups, formal consultative bodies and the dissemination of information. Currently there are a number of groups that meet regularly to consult on specific areas of safety regulation. The Standards Consultative Committee meets a number of times a year to work on the development of new regulations and is made up of people from CASA and across the aviation industry. To bring a focus on aviation in regional Australia I created the Regional Aviation Safety Forum, which meets several times a year, with members drawn from a range of aviation organisations and representative groups. In addition, there is the Sports Aviation Forum, which meets twice a year to bring together people from across this diverse sector.

 

I have now decided to widen the range of our formal consultative groups by creating two new bodies. One will focus on the high capacity passenger carrying sector, while the other will look at general aviation issues. These will be standing consultative groups which will usually meet twice a year. I expect to form the passenger carrying consultative group later this year and the general aviation body next year. While I have not yet determined the membership of the groups, they will fairly represent these sectors and provide an opportunity for all views to be heard by CASA at the highest levels. I believe everyone in aviation will welcome this opportunity for issues of mutual concern to be discussed and hopefully resolved and for emerging safety issues to be identified in a formal setting.

 

Everyone involved in aviation faces challenges put forward by the ever changing nature of our industry. People and organisations in the business sectors of aviation deal with commercial and cost challenges, while all of us must face up to the challenges presented by the absolute requirement to maintain and improve safety. New technologies bring opportunities and progress, yet also throw up challenges. In my address to the 14th Australian International Aerospace Conference this month I looked at a range of current and future challenges in aviation safety. I identified four areas which are important to the development of aviation in Australia – ageing aircraft, future technology in air traffic management, unmanned aircraft systems and the development of new regulations.

 

Please read my speech to the Australian International Aerospace Conference.

 

Best regards

 

John F McCormick

 

LAMEs start their licence conversion

 

Australia's licensed aircraft maintenance engineers (LAMEs) have started the process of converting their licences as part of the implementation of the new maintenance regulations. LAMEs will be issued with new licences under Part 66 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations. All LAMEs are being sent a draft version of their new licence for verification. CASA is asking LAMEs to check the details on the draft licence by comparing it with their current licence issued under Civil Aviation Regulation 31. LAMEs who find discrepancies with their draft licence should complete a form and submit it to CASA before 6 May 2011. The best way to submit the form is to go to the maintenance regulations page on CASA's website and fill it in on-line. The new Part 66 licences will be issued to current licence holders in early June, in time for the 27 June 2011 start of the new regulations. LAMEs will not need additional training to continue to do the work they are approved for under the existing licensing system and there is no charge for the licence conversion.

 

A program of seminars on the new maintenance suite of regulations is underway, with at least another six to be held in April. Seminars are scheduled for Perth, Darwin, Cairns and Brisbane. All LAMEs in these areas should attend a seminar to find out more about the new licences. Seminars are also being held for maintenance organisations and maintenance training organisations affected by the new rules. The seminars held already have been well attended and prompted a wide range of questions from the people taking part. LAMEs have been particularly interested in learning in detail about how the new licence

 

categories operate.

 

Find out more about the new maintenance regulations.

 

Flight planning kit for pilots

 

A new kit is available to help pilots operating to the visual flight rules with the safety critical task of flight planning. The kit covers all eight stages of flights, as well as providing guidance on how to set personal minimums and the use of global positioning systems (GPS). CASA has produced the kit following studies that found problems with flight planning are behind about half of all fatal private flying accidents. The kit includes ground maps for Archerfield, Bankstown, Camden, Moorabbin, Parafield and Jandakot aerodromes. To help pilots assess their personal minimums there is a pre-flight check list covering areas such as flights in the last 30 days, hours on type, familiarity with terrain and airspace, fuel reserves, most recent available weather and alternate plans. The kit also has a pad of fuel calculation sheets and advice on calculating 'time in your tanks'.

 

The eight phases of flight covered in the 28 page flight planning handbook are planning, pre-flight, pre-departure, post departure or climb, en route, pre-approach or descent, approach and landing. The handbook says it is not a nuts and bolts guide to the details of flight planning. "Rather it is a statement of the fundamental importance of planning, and how it integrates with the pilot's ongoing in-flight tasks of judgement and decision making," the handbook says. On the use of GPS the handbook says while the technology is amazing it is not perfect. "Errors can occur from outdated databases in moving map systems or from the inaccurate press of a finger entering data. But the overarching point is that GPS is a supplement to basic navigation techniques."

 

Get your flight planning kit from the [/url]

 

CASA on-line store. The cost is postage only.

 

Have your say on class D airspace study

 

The aviation industry is being called on to comment on a new study of the airspace surrounding Australia's ten class D aerodromes. These are Albury, Alice Springs, Coffs Harbour, Hamilton Island, Hobart, Launceston, Mackay, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast and Tamworth aerodromes. CASA commissioned the study as part of the requirement to look at implementing further characteristics of the North American National Airspace System. Issues studied included changing the dimensions of class D control zones, the provision of class E airspace down to 700 feet outside the hours of control tower operations and the introduction of class E airspace corridors on busy routes to and from class D aerodromes. The study, conducted by the Ambidji Group, looked at incident data, carried out site inspections and surveyed passenger transport operators, professional organisations and aviation representative bodies.

 

There are six recommendations in the study's report, which have not yet been accepted by CASA and may be changed following feedback from the aviation industry. The recommendations include changing the upper limit of class D control zones to 2500 feet above the aerodrome surface and introducing class E airspace down to 700 feet outside air traffic control tower hours. Changes to class E airspace should be made after air traffic surveillance was established to the surface and appropriate air traffic control infrastructure and personnel were available. The other four recommendations relate to the monitoring of passenger transport services, recording air traffic outside tower hours, reviewing the dimension of control area steps and strengthening the regulations covering class D airspace.

 

Read the

 

 

 

class D study and provide feedback by 18 April 2011.

 

 

 

Learn all about ageing aircraft

 

 

 

A series of seminars are being held to provide the aviation industry with feedback on the progress of CASA's ageing aircraft project. Stage one of the Ageing Aircraft Management Plan project has been completed and the seminars explain the outcomes of this work, as well as looking at the science of aircraft ageing. Six ageing aircraft seminars will be held in April and May. Locations are Bankstown, Darwin, Alice Springs, Brisbane, Cairns and Mareeba. Aircraft owners are the people most likely to benefit from the seminars, although maintenance organisations and air operators will find the events valuable. CASA is asking people to register for the ageing aircraft seminars as space at the venues is limited. Seminars have already been held in Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania and South Australia.

 

 

 

Stage one of the ageing aircraft project involved a comprehensive review of literature on ageing aircraft issues and a series of visits to aerodromes to see how ageing aircraft are currently being maintained. The report on stage one says CASA fully supports the continued operation of ageing aircraft in Australia - provided this can continue to be done safely. It cautions aircraft owners may not be able to continue operating the existing fleet of ageing aircraft indefinitely with only a minimal amount of maintenance, particularly those aircraft below 5700 kilograms. If only minimal maintenance is done the associated risks may not remain at an acceptable level.

 

 

 

Find out more about the ageing aircraft project and register for a seminar.

 

 

 

Focus on unmanned aircraft systems

 

 

 

A new one-stop-shop of essential information for people and organisations wanting to operate unmanned aircraft systems is now available on-line. The information on CASA's web site covers key issues relating to the operation of unmanned aircraft in aerial work applications. Aerial work includes commercial operations, demonstrations, training, research and development. The information makes it clear there are important differences between unmanned aircraft systems and model aircraft that are flown for sport and recreation. Model aircraft cannot be flown in commercial operations, while aircraft operated in unmanned systems can be used in activities such as aerial photography, surveying and law enforcement. These unmanned aircraft systems must be approved by CASA and pilots require general aviation knowledge in line with a private pilot licence, as well as specific unmanned aircraft skills. Regulations covering the operation of unmanned aircraft are set out in Part 101 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.

 

 

 

Prospective unmanned aircraft systems operators are given a solid overview of the process that needs to be followed to prepare and apply for an operating certificate from CASA. It is recommended operators undertake a number of steps before submitting an application to CASA for an operating certificate. These include developing a business plan, undertaking relevant pilot exams, obtaining an unmanned aircraft controller certificate, assessing risks, developing a safety management system and creating a drug and alcohol management plan.

 

 

 

Find out more about unmanned aircraft systems.

 

 

 

We want your views on pilot guides

 

 

 

Now is the time to give your views on the popular visual pilot guides. CASA is running a short on-line survey to find out what you think about the guides. The survey takes only minutes to complete and the findings will help drive future improvements to the guides. There are visual pilot guides available for Archerfield, Jandakot and Parafield aerodromes, as well as the Sydney basin and Melbourne. The guides are available both on-line and in printed versions. They do not replace current charts and documents but are an easy-to-use tool to support pilots flying according to the visual flight rules at busy general aviation aerodromes. Importantly, the guides provide clear maps and photographs of inbound and outbound tracks that make avoiding airspace infringements easier. Questions in the survey cover how often pilots use the guides, how useful pilots find the guides and other locations that could be covered.

 

 

 

Complete the survey and find out more about the visual pilot guides.

 

 

 

No earth during aircraft refuelling

 

 

 

The safety rules covering aircraft refuelling are to be simplified and brought up to date. Currently the rules require aircraft and refuelling equipment to be grounded during fuelling operations where a suitable earth point is available. They also require the aircraft and all items of refuelling equipment – including drums, funnels and other loose items – to be connected so they have the same electrical potential. This is to avoid the build up of static electricity which could ignite fuel vapours. International best practice in refuelling operations highlights the importance of correctly bonding aircraft and equipment to prevent static electricity. However, the practice of earthing during refuelling is no longer accepted as necessary. A United States National Fire Protection Bulletin on aircraft fuel servicing sets out the reasons.

 

 

 

Australian aircraft refuellers have accepted the standard that does not require earthing and this has been common practice for some years. To do this air operators have been required to seek an exemption from CASA to the rules contained in Civil Aviation Order 20.9. This is an administrative burden for the aviation industry and CASA, as well as imposing additional costs. CASA has now set up a project to amend the Civil Aviation Order to no longer require earthing during refuelling.

 

 

 

Find out more about the refuelling project.

 

 

 

Fresh advice on dangerous goods

 

 

 

Comprehensive new advisory material on the carriage of dangerous goods on aircraft has been published. The advisory circular provides an overview of the legislative framework and procedures for the carriage of dangerous goods. Individuals, companies and air operators wanting to consign or carry dangerous goods will find the information valuable. The advisory circular – AC92.A-01 (0) – describes the broad picture of how dangerous goods are regulated and applies to both large and small aeroplanes and helicopters. Foreign air operators carrying dangerous goods into Australia can use the information, as well as Australian aircraft operators flying overseas.

 

 

 

The advisory explains how the dangerous goods legislation and regulations minimise risk to people, property and the environment. This done through identifying and classifying dangerous goods, limiting quantities that can be carried on aircraft, specifying packing requirements, setting systems for documenting and preparing for problems, training and regulatory reporting. Dangerous goods are classified into one of nine hazard classes, with some further categorised into packing groups according to the danger they present. Anyone who consigns cargo to an aircraft must describe the contents or declare the cargo does not contain dangerous goods. Any dangerous goods that are consigned must be properly marked and labelled.

 

 

 

Read the dangerous goods advisory circular.

 

 

 

New regulatory focus on sport aviation

 

 

 

The safety regulation of sport aviation is being given a new focus within CASA. The area in CASA that oversights sport aviation has been moved to the Office of the Director of Aviation Safety. Previously the sport aviation regulatory functions in CASA were located in the Standards Division. A new Self-Administering Sport Aviation Organisations section has been set up which will report to the Associate Director of Aviation Safety, Jonathan Aleck. Sport aviation covers about half of the aircraft operating in Australia, with about 40,000 people taking part in the various aviation sports. This includes light recreational and microlight aircraft, gliders, gyroplanes, hang gliders, parachuting and recreational ballooning.

 

 

 

There are a number of reasons for moving the regulation of sport aviation to CASA's Office of the Director. An important role of this Office is to oversee the introduction of new policies, functions and projects and the development and implementation of significant changes to existing policies and functions. It brings a sharp focus on governance, consistency, overarching government and CASA policies and relevant legal requirements. This is particularly important when policies and functions are new or being refined. When the policies and functions mature, they can be moved to the most appropriate area within a division of CASA. It is anticipated the regulation of the sport aviation functions will move to CASA's Operations Division in the future.

 

 

 

Safety seminars for pilots across five states

 

 

 

Pilots in regional centres across three states will have the chance to add to their aviation safety knowledge during April 2011. A total of 15 AvSafety seminars are being held by CASA in NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Topics to be covered at the seminars range across airmanship, situational awareness, weather to fly, pilot maintenance, pre-flight decision making and operations in class D airspace. At two locations – Coffs Harbour and Hervey Bay – there will be special presentations by QantasLink on regular public transport operations at regional aerodromes. All pilots are urged to attend the AvSafety seminar held in their local area, with something for everyone from students to commercial licence holders. Each AvSafety seminar also offers local pilots a chance to ask questions of CASA's Aviation Safety Advisors and provide feedback on safety and regulatory issues.

 

 

 

Find the locations of the April AvSafety seminars.

 

 

 

Involved in design and manufacturing? There's an event for you.

 

 

 

Everyone involved in aviation design and manufacturing should start thinking now about attending a special seminar being hosted by CASA in late May 2011. The seminar will focus on a range of issues important to engineers and others involved in design and manufacturing. This year's design and manufacturing seminar will be held in Sydney, with full details of the date and location to be announced by CASA shortly. There will be presentations about the regulations covering this aviation sector, as well as expert speakers from the aviation industry. The event is a great chance to learn about what is new in design and manufacturing while catching up with other people in the sector. Past seminars have attracted more than 100 people and provided great opportunities for making business contacts. It is also an opportunity to ask questions of CASA and to provide feedback on regulations and safety oversight.

 

 

 

Check CASA's web site for details of the design and manufacturing seminar or contact Lisa Lanza : 02 6217 1498

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest davidh10]

If you want to read it more easily, with formatting. The source URL is: http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_100404

 

 

[Admin]

Thanks David, not sure what happened there...it was all formatted correctly and then went screwy...fixed now

 

 

[Guest ozzie]

Sorry i just gotta say it

 

'speech'

 

didn't some one just make a movie on this!.