Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) this week outlined its plans for regulating new advanced air mobility (AAM) flight operations, including remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). Companies pioneering the development of these services, including ground infrastructure group Skyportz, welcomed the RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap.
The 16-page document outlines the approach CASA plans to take to introduce RPAS and AAM regulations over the next 10 to 15 years, breaking down a four-phase timeline for action running from this year through 2036. It covers the following regulatory topics: aircraft; airspace and traffic management; operations, infrastructure, people; and safety and security.
According to Skyportz CEO Clem Newtown-Brown, Australian regulators have shown clear support for the new mode of air transportation, as evidenced by Google’s decision to launch its Wing delivery drone services in the country. He also pointed to the government’s recent award of a A$32.6 ($22.5 million) grant to support companies developing “new and emerging aviation technologies.” His company is working to establish hundreds of vertiports across Australia.
Last week, Australian maintenance, repair, and overhaul group Sigma Aerospace and tourist flight operator Swan River Seaplanes joined the Greenbird consortium, which is developing an AAM ecosystem. The 13-member group already includes the following partners: Avistra, Aviation Projects, Skyports, Archerfield Airport Corporation, Griffith University, AMSL Aero, Nautilus Aviation, Aviator Group, H2, Electro Aero, AvLogix Solutions, and FlyFreely. Sigma supports large aircraft operators such as Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar.