CASA Briefing September 2013

[Admin]

From the Director of Aviation Safety

 

John McCormick

 

While CASA was not an early adopter of social media I am pleased to see many people are now obtaining safety and other information from us via You Tube and Twitter. When I checked recently CASA's videos on You Tube had attracted nearly 21,500 views in total. On Twitter we now have more than 2000 followers, with that number growing steadily all the time. While this newsletter does not fall under the category of social media, it has more than 13,000 subscribers, and when each new issue of Flight Safety Australia is uploaded an email alert goes more than 60,000 subscribers. CASA also has 20 email services that send information on specific topics to tens of thousands of people.

 

These cover aircraft registration, regulatory development, flying training, airworthiness and much more. This all adds up to a lot of people getting a lot of information on a regular basis about aviation safety and safety regulation. On Twitter we are posting tweets on most workings days covering a diverse range of subjects from the most recent airworthiness bulletins to the latest job vacancies. CASA's You Tube channel features 44 videos, with the library expanding as new productions come on line. The operations at non-towered aerodromes video has so far been viewed more than 1500 times and heads the list as the most popular. Other popular videos with more than 1000 views are the powerful 178 seconds to live, passenger briefing and situational awareness.

 

The strategy behind CASA's various social media and other communication tools is to offer people in the aviation industry and the travelling public a range of timely options to get the information they need. Flight Safety Australia provides in-depth coverage and analysis every two months of key safety issues, aimed primarily at people working and operating in aviation. It is essential reading for everyone who needs to understand and continue to learn about aviation safety. This newsletter – the CASA Briefing – gives a snapshot every month of what is happening in safety and safety regulation. Emails give you information on specific topics and issues of direct interest. Twitter is our daily feed for people who want their information quickly and succinctly, with links back to the CASA web site for the details. And completing the information package is YouTube - providing the visual messages to make understanding important safety issues that much easier.

 

I urge everyone to think about how they want to get their information from CASA, making sure you choose the tools that suit you. Subscribe to Flight Safety Australia, the CASA Briefing or email services, follow us on Twitter and watch us on YouTube. If you would like to see CASA using other social media or communication tools please tell us by sending feedback through this newsletter, tweeting or using the Director's feedback form on our web site. I thank everyone for their interest in news and information from CASA.

 

Subscribe to Flight Safety Australia and other email information services

 

Follow CASA on Twitter @CASABriefing

 

Watch CASA on YouTube

 

Send feedback to the Director

 

Best Regards

 

John F McCormick

 

Extra briefings on new pilot licences

 

Pilots across six capital cities have the chance to get another update on the new licensing regulations at a series of briefings in October. The briefings will focus on Part 61 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, which takes effect from 4 December 2013. Information will be provided on the content of the new pilot licensing rules, what they mean for each category of pilot and how new licences will be issued. The briefings will be held simultaneously on Monday 21 October 2013 between 18:00 and 21:00 in Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. The new round of briefings follow very popular AvSafety seminars held in recent months which have provided information on changes to a number of regulations, including pilot licensing. While much of the content of the six capital city briefings in October will mirror information on pilot licensing provided in the AvSafety seminars, there will be updates on the details of the new rules and the transition process. Pilots will be moved across to the new Part 61 licences progressively over four years from 4 December 2013. The new licences will be issued when a pilot updates their qualifications with CASA - such as by upgrading a licence, undertaking a flight review or obtaining a new rating. Part 61 licences will not be issued when a medical is renewed. There will be no charge for the issue of a new Part 61 licence to existing licence holders. Pilots will retain their current flying privileges following 4 December 2013. For most people, the only noticeable difference will be a change to the licence format.

 

Find the details of the pilot licensing October briefings.

 

Get more details about the Part 61 licences.

 

New video explains drug and alcohol testing

 

There is a new and simple way to get an overview of drug and alcohol testing in the aviation industry. A short video has been posted to CASA's You Tube channel explaining key issues in drug and alcohol testing carried out both by CASA and aviation organisations. CASA conducts random testing, while aviation organisations are required to conduct testing as part of their drug and alcohol management plans. The video features Dr Ian Hosegood, the Director of Medical services at Qantas. Dr Hosegood talks about issues relating to alcohol and some common medications. A key message is that if you have a big night out on alcohol you are probably not going to be fit for duty in a safety sensitive aviation role the next day, regardless of your blood alcohol level. People are warned against underestimating how long it takes to get alcohol out of their system, with effects lasting in some cases until the following evening. Dr Hosegood looks at prescription and over the counter medicines such as painkillers containing codeine and sleeping medications. Strong painkillers containing Codeine will trigger a positive drug test and make people sleepy. Anyone taking strong painkillers is not fit for work. Mild painkillers with Codeine may trigger a positive test and are no more effective than paracetamol, which means it is better to take paracetamol.

 

Find out about drug and alcohol testing by watching the video now.

 

Performance based navigation made easy

 

Do you need comprehensive and easy to understand information about performance based navigation at your fingertips? If so, CASA has the solution. A new 26 page booklet has been produced which answers all the key questions about performance based navigation. The booklet explains what performance based navigation is, its benefits, what is changing and how aviation people and organisations will be affected. Importantly, the booklet sets out why performance based navigation is the way of the future – not just for airlines but for general aviation too. Anyone who already has a global navigation satellite system equipped aircraft approved for instrument flight rules operations will not need to make any changes. The booklet sets out the deeming provisions in the regulations which are based on already demonstrated compliance – which means for many aircraft re-approval may not be necessary. Performance based navigation uses global navigation satellite systems and computerised systems on board aircraft, rather than fixed ground-based beacons guiding aircraft along fixed routes. There are many benefits from performance based navigation such as improved safety, reduced flight miles meaning less fuel burn and lower emissions, reduced separation standards and less reliance on 70 year old technology. New rules for performance based navigation are now in force, with transition provisions for pilots and air operators. These rules affect everyone involved in instrument flight rules operations. The new booklet sets out the transition provisions, requirements for aircraft equipment and features a question and answer section.

 

Order your copy of the performance based navigation booklet

 

or read it online

 

Safety the key to sponsorship

 

CASA has updated its sponsorship policy, with the next round of applications invited from January 2014. Sponsorship from CASA can include financial or in-kind support to third parties for activities that promote safety in Australia for the benefit of the wider aviation community. CASA's sponsorship program is designed to support and complement current safety promotion activities and priorities. Typically CASA will sponsor activities such as conferences, workshops and seminars, educational programs, publications and industry events. In the 2013–14 year, CASA is particularly interested in receiving sponsorship proposals from organisations that are promoting safety issues in four areas. These are ageing aircraft, safety in the sports and recreational sector, the promotion and implementation of new rules and helicopter pilots operating in remote and regional areas. In return for sponsorship CASA expects to receive a reciprocal benefit that acknowledges its contribution. This can be signage at events, branding on publications, acknowledgement of support at key events, the opportunity to distribute information materials at events and opportunities for CASA people to speak or run sessions or workshops at events. Organisations receiving sponsorship from CASA must submit a closing report within 30 days of the activity taking place. Sponsorship application forms and detailed guidelines have now been published.

 

Find out more about CASA's sponsorship program.

 

One-stop-shop for remotely piloted aircraft

 

CASA has set up a one-stop-shop for the regulatory management of the remotely piloted aircraft sector. The remotely piloted aircraft systems office brings a range of functions together to make it easier for people working in this sector to get the services they need from CASA. The office manages existing remotely piloted aircraft operators, provides information on regulatory requirements and manages and assesses all new applications for approvals for remotely piloted aircraft operations. Safety surveillance of the sector is also managed by the remotely piloted aircraft systems office. The creation of the office recognises the rate at which the remotely piloted aircraft sector is growing and the need to carefully balance the use of new technology and safety. There are now 50 organisations approved by CASA to operate remotely piloted aircraft for commercial and aerial work purposes – a large increase in the last 12 months. These operators are providing services such as aerial photography, aerial survey, power line inspections, aerial advertising and aerial spraying. CASA's remotely piloted aircraft systems office does not manage applications for model aircraft flying approvals, unmanned free flight balloons or rocket launches. Model aircraft flying applications should be made through CASA's sports aviation area, while balloons and rockets are managed by CASA's regional offices.

 

To contact CASA's remotely piloted aircraft systems office call 1800 687 342 or email: [email protected] Find out more about remotely piloted aircraft.

 

Piston engine rocker shaft warning

 

Aircraft operators and maintainers are being warned about the danger of loss of power and in-flight engine failures from damage to cylinder rocker shaft bosses in piston engines. The bosses, or lugs, typically break off the rocker shaft. This shaft is at the top of the engine and is part of the valve mechanisms. When the bosses break off this results in a rough running engine which will not develop full RPM and power and may have a total failure. Many of the boss failures are caused by not following the manufacturer's overhaul and maintenance instructions or by poor overhaul component handling procedures. The bosses are susceptible to any shock loading and can develop fatigue cracks. Cracks can be instigated when components simply fall over while being handled during an overhaul. Improper non-destructive testing processes will fail to detect fatigue cracks. If the rocker bosses fail on one engine cylinder the valve rocker covers should be removed from the other cylinders so the bosses can be inspected for cracks. In an airworthiness bulletin CASA recommends anyone performing maintenance on the upper valve train of piston engines uses the proper tools and procedures to avoid overloading or shock loading any part of the valve train.

 

Read the rocker shaft bosses airworthiness bulletin.

 

Get compass maintenance right

 

A reminder and clarification has been issued about the maintenance of direct reading magnetic compasses. In an airworthiness bulletin CASA says in some areas of the aviation industry the procedures used to check and maintain magnetic compasses is not consistent with the requirements of compasses manufacturers. Study by CASA shows every manufacturer of direct reading compasses requires the use of an isobaric or vacuum chamber for de-aerating compass fluid during the filling process. However, some people in Australian aviation are refilling compasses using total submersion techniques. CASA says direct reading magnetic compasses are to be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. CASA also provides another airworthiness bulletin which sets out minimum standards of maintenance considered necessary to ensure the accuracy of an aircraft compass system. This bulletin provides information on calibrating and compensating magnetic compasses, such as when to calibrate and what to look for prior to calibration. The bulletin does not replace a manufacturer's instructions for compass maintenance. While GPS and other navigation systems have taken over from the direct reading magnetic compass, the regulations still require a compass to be carried in aircraft.

 

Find out more about compass maintenance.

 

Reef group traffic needs to be monitored

 

A review of airspace over North Queensland known as the reef group has been completed. The reef group extends from north of Cairns to south of Mackay and includes large areas of airspace over water to the east and goes as far west as Kidston. A wide range of aircraft use the airspace, with surveillance delivered by radar and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast. The review, conducted by CASA's Office of Airspace Regulation, found six issues to be examined. These included the increase in air traffic to remote aerodromes caused by the growth of the resource sector, parachuting operations in the vicinity of published air routes, the proximity of two air routes near Hamilton Island and restricted areas in the Townsville region. The review recommended the continued monitoring of traffic numbers and the ratio of instrument to visual flight rules operations at aerodromes within the Reef Group. In particular, aerodromes that service the resource sector should be closely monitored. Airservices Australia should consider reviewing the air route near Hamilton Island and Defence and CASA should look at minor changes to restricted areas in the vicinity of Townsville aerodrome.

 

Read the Reef Group airspace review.

 

October features 13 briefings on new regs

 

Aviation people at 13 locations across Australia have their chance to learn first-hand about a range of new regulations during October 2013. CASA is holding briefings in major regional centres in Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. The continuing program of AvSafety seminars features presentations on the new pilot licensing regulations, electronic flight bags, new fatigue rules, performance based navigation and flying training regulatory changes. There will also be a step-by-step guide on how to find and utilise important online safety tools such as OnTrack and Out-n-Back. Overall, the aim is to show pilots and other aviation people how to access the information they need, stay up to date with regulatory change and get safety education and advice. An explanation of transition processes to the new rules will be provided and the responsibilities of aviation people and organisations will be explained. In conjunction with a number of the AvSafety seminars there will be dedicated sessions devoted to performance based navigation. As always questions and discussion will be welcome.

 

Find an AvSafety seminar near you and register your place now.