New Rules Would Clarify Bizav Operations in Australia

The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Agency (CASA) is seeking industry input on a proposed policy that would create new classifications for not-for-hire “business transport” and “owner transport” operations that would keep them from inadvertently being classified as air transport operations requiring a Part 119 air operator certificate (AOC). Comments on the proposal are due by September 14.

Business-related and owner-related flights for hire are classified as commercial air transport operations requiring an AOC. Following Australia's introduction of revised operations regulations, some business and owner flights may be classified as air transport operations, even when they are not offered to the public and “more closely resemble private operations,” according to the regulator. 

The proposal allows private business transport and owner transport operations to be regulated differently from commercial air transport operations and replaces the current temporary exemption addressing this issue with a permanent regulatory framework that provides greater certainty for owners, operators, and pilots, “while ensuring safety controls continue to increase as aircraft size, complexity and passenger capacity increase.”

CASA said non-commercial business and owner air transportation would become two new categories of private operation. Additionally, new safety requirements will apply based on aircraft size, complexity, and passenger capacity.

The new rules would provide clarification as to how existing AOC holders can manage or operate aircraft used for business and owner commercial operations. A no-fee notification process will apply to private business and owner operations.