Australia Plans To Introduce Annual Aircraft Registration

The Australian government intends to introduce a digital annual registration requirement for all VH-registered aircraft starting next July. Before implementing the requirement, Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is seeking comments from the aviation industry. Currently, there is a one-off registration that remains valid indefinitely, supported by periodic updates. “In practice, this approach has proven inefficient and unreliable,” said CASA.

Introducing an annual VH aircraft registration scheme “will support safety outcomes and data accuracy,” according to CASA. “Cost-recovery arrangements will be finalized following consultation.” An annual fee will start on July 1, 2028, one year after the annual registration requirement starts. “The levy would help CASA administer the scheme and maintain the digital registration system,” the authority said.

There are three options proposed for structuring the annual registration cost: a $72 flat-rate levy applied to all VH-registered aircraft; between $50 and $250 per aircraft under a weight-based levy calculated using aircraft mtow; and between $40 and $500 per aircraft under a weight and category model.

“Your feedback will help us refine the scheme and ensure it is practical, effective, and suitable for the aviation industry and broader community,” stated CASA. Comments are due by August 13.