CASA – The Briefing

September 15, 2022

Article supplied by CASA

Director of Aviation Safety, Pip Spence Are you up to date with the latest aviation safety developments? Do you want to refresh your knowledge or enhance your piloting skills?

We’re giving pilots a terrific way to invest in their ongoing development through a new national campaign backed by government agencies and aviation industry groups.

The campaign drives home the important message ‘your safety is in your hands’ and draws together a wealth of important pilot safety information on a new online hub.

Resources such as webinars, podcasts, videos and other safety-enhancing products are available in one easily accessible forum we believe will be an invaluable source for the piloting community.

In developing the campaign, we drew on research into pilot attitudes to safety information from CASA and other sources, as well as Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) occurrence data.

Our research showed that most pilots found that educational resources produced by CASA were helpful, but they were not always aware they existed or knew where to find them.

Safety topics are based on ATSB accident and incident data and we will focus on a new theme each quarter, starting last month with non-controlled aerodromes.

This is a significant and always relevant subject that emphasises the importance of radio calls, planning and situational awareness.

You can find useful tips from experts in informative videos demonstrating best practices in these and other key areas.

The campaign will run through to July next year and topics in future quarters will focus on forecasting and navigating weather, flight planning and using controlled aerodromes.

Our thanks go to Airservices Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology for contributing information and resources on operating at controlled aerodromes and forecasting and navigating weather.

Additional help came from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and industry bodies such as Recreational Aviation Australia and the Australian Helicopter Industry Association.

The associations will be helping to get the message out to members and we are particularly keen to see rotary wing pilots use these resources after a number of accidents this year.

We are providing resources to help the associations and local flying schools encourage involvement, particularly from recreational and private pilot licence holders.

This pilot group believes it is extremely important to keep up to date with developments in aviation safety and has positive views about aviation standards.

We want to reinforce the concept that safety is in their hands, as well as the importance of thinking ahead and maintaining their skills.

However, the importance of the campaign’s message cannot be underestimated for those who are more qualified.

While CASA provides the framework for maintaining Australia’s safety, it is also a matter of individual responsibility.

We can all get blasé about any function we perform over a lengthy period but in aviation nonchalance can be fatal.

Flight Safety Australia has published many sad stories where the worst has happened as well as numerous articles where veteran pilots urge colleagues to refresh and update their knowledge throughout their careers.

Pilots owe it to themselves to check out these resources and I hope as many as possible do so.

All the best,

Pip

Multi-engine helicopter rating now available

Helicopter pilots now have access to a class-like system for most single-pilot multi-engine helicopters.

This follows feedback from industry that the current approach of requiring a type rating for each multi-engine helicopter could be simplified.

Operators can seek flight examiner course approval

Operators will now be able to seek approval from CASA to conduct their own Flight Examiner Rating Course (FERC).

From September 2022, CASA-approved operators will be able to conduct training for flight instructors who want to gain a flight examiner rating and examiners seeking an additional endorsement.

Medical Records to move to myCASA

We are moving our Medical Records System (MRS) to sit within the myCASA portal next month to make more of our online services accessible from the one place.

This means from the end of October, you won’t need a separate username and password to log in to MRS from casa.gov.au to apply for or renew your medical certificates – you will be able to do this by logging into myCASA.

The sky’s the limit photo competition

Share your love of aviation with us. Send us your best aviation-themed picture and it could be included in Flight Safety Australia’s wall calendar for next year. Over $3500 in prizes!

CASA welcomes new safety panel membersWe’re pleased to welcome 2 new members to our Aviation Safety Advisory Panel.

Dr Tarryn Kille joined the Panel for its June meeting this year, and Shannon O’Hara is set to attend her first meeting in October.
Read more

ADS-B windfallHalf off the price of anything is always welcome news but when it also enhances safety, it should be a lay down misere.

Eligible operators can now get an Australian government grant that covers up to 50 percent of the cost of purchasing and installing safety-enhancing Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment. The grant is capped at $5000.
Read more

Review of flight trainingWe’re reviewing your responses to a General Aviation Workplan initiative that will see us expand the privileges of some flight instructors.

An advanced copy of the instrument allowing flight instructors with a grade 1 training endorsement to train, assess and grant a range of endorsements for certain activities was released for comment in August.
Read more

SMS milestones: one down, more to goPart 119 air transport and Part 138 operators conducting more complex aerial work operations should now be working toward the next safety management system (SMS) milestone in early December.

Operators in these categories will need to provide an SMS implementation plan by 2 December with the idea of providing full documentation by the June 2024 and being ready to start by December that year.
Read more

Progress on Mallacoota AerodromeStaff from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and East Gippsland Shire Council have been working hard to re-introduce instrument flight procedures at Mallacoota Airport.

Meetings over the past two weeks have established a clear plan to transition the airport to certification and to reintroduce the Terminal Instrument Flight Procedures.
Read more

Have Your Say on Avalon airspaceGet your submission in by 23 September to have you say on changes to airspace near Victoria’s Avalon Airport.

We’re proposing to remove Class E airspace at Avalon and replace it with Class D airspace.
Read more

Register for our free September aviation safety seminars.We want you to come and join us as our AvSafety Advisors fly into your community to deliver our latest safety seminars.

These friendly and supportive in-person seminars will enhance the safety skills of any aviation professional, no matter what level of technical knowledge, experience or flying time.
Read more

Share your close call Have you had a close call?

A close call is an experience you’ll never forget and often you’ve learnt a valuable lesson. Why not share your close call so others can learn from it too?
Read more

Walk, Run or Ride throughout October to keep the Flying Doctor flying

August 22, 2022August 22, 2022

Article supplied by RFDS

Going further for the Flying Doctor!

We’re excited to announce that Oceans to Outback has now launched! It is the newest fitness challenge in support of the RFDS.

During the month of October, participants will have the option to walk, run or cycle set distances and travel between the RFDS bases throughout Australia whilst raising funds for our Service.

All participants will receive a free t-shirt too!

What are you waiting for?

Register yourself here!

Aviation industry joins forces on new pilot safety campaign

August 22, 2022

Article supplied by CASA

A new national safety education campaign backed by major aviation groups and aimed at encouraging pilots to increase their skills and knowledge launches today.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is working closely with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), Airservices Australia, Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), and industry bodies to enhance aviation safety through the ‘Your safety is in your hands’ campaign.

The new campaign encourages pilots to keep up to date with aviation safety developments, refresh their knowledge, invest in their ongoing development and, most importantly, stay safe.

CASA Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety, Pip Spence, says the campaign was developed with input from pilots and using ATSB occurrence data.

“With the help from the ATSB, we’ve been able to build our campaign and safety topics based on accident and incident data. Each quarter we will focus on a new safety topic with information and online resources available through the new CASA pilot safety hub,” Ms Spence said.

The CASA pilot safety hub provides a range of safety resources and useful information including webinars, podcasts, videos and products to enhance pilot safety.

“Airservices Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) have also contributed to our campaign by providing information and resources on operating at controlled aerodromes and navigating weather and forecasting,” Ms Spence said.

“Aimed at the Australian pilot community, we’ve been working on a range of resources for local flying schools and industry associations to encourage their students and members to get involved.”

As part of the national safety education campaign, CASA is also working alongside industry associations including Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) and the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) to help spread these important safety messages.

RAAus Chief Executive Officer, Matt Bouttell, says providing the piloting community a resource hub for topics that affect all pilots when flying is invaluable.

“Having safety information and useful resources on-hand in the one place is an asset to our members and the wider piloting community,” he said.

AHIA Chief Executive, Paul Tyrell, said that they supported the campaign and would be looking at how to encourage their members to engage and think about aviation safety.

“Helicopter pilots face similar risks to traditional fixed wing pilots, and we welcome any activity or initiative to encourage pilots no matter what their aircraft type to think about safety.”

For more information about the ‘Your safety is in your hands’ campaign visit the CASA pilot safety hub – casa.gov.au/pilots.

A unique commitment that will remove isolation as a barrier to lifesaving medical care

August 22, 2022

Article supplied by RF D S

A five-year stint in the Pilbara region of Western Australia during her early working life gave Alice* an understanding for the work of the Flying Doctor and motivated her to make a gift in her Will for the South Eastern Section.

Alice said she wanted to ensure the Flying Doctor would be able to assist people in isolated communities into the future.

“I have a better appreciation than most of what isolation is like when I lived and worked in the Pilbara region. I lived in a town (Tom Price) that was built for employees of the mine there,” Alice said.

“The town was built by the mining company and had everything including a supermarket, bank, post office, school and hospital, but once you set foot out of town, there was nothing.

“It was such a beautiful sight, the red dirt against a bright blue sky and the ghost gums, but it was such an isolated place. The nearest town was Wittenoom, more than 100 kilometres away, and it was several hours to Dampier.

“If you went anywhere you had to tell people where you were going otherwise they wouldn’t know to look out for you if you didn’t come back.”

While technology had made the world smaller and kept people in touch, there was no overcoming the tyranny of distance in outback Australia, Alice said, and that was what made the Flying Doctor so important.

“I don’t think a lot of people who live in cities or even large regional towns could understand what the isolation is like. I got a taste of it, and all I could think was if I got into trouble when I was out there I would hope there was someone like the Flying Doctor who was able to help,” Alice said.

We are so grateful to our generous supporters like Alice, who want to ensure that no Australian is left without access to quality healthcare regardless of their location.

If you are interested in leaving a gift in your Will to the Royal Flying Doctor Service (South Eastern Section), we would love an opportunity to speak with you confidentially and to answer any questions you may have.

For more information, please get in touch with our Gift in Wills Coordinator on 02 9941 8857 or giftinwills@rfdsse.org.au or visit our website flyingdoctor.org.au/nswact/support/gift-in-will.

* Not real name

Latest News from the Royal Flying Doctor Service

July 1, 2022July 1, 2022

Articles supplied by RFDS Grab all the latest news from around Australia’s Royal Flying Doctor Service.

RFDS Victoria wins Fundraising Team of the Year at FIA Awards – https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/vic/news/rfds-victoria-wins-fundraising-team-year/

Meekatharra Flight Nurse retires after 18 years of service with the RFDS – https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/news/meekatharra-flight-nurse-retires-after-18-years-service-rfds/

Roma Saleyards to raise funds for the Flying Doctor – https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/news/roma-saleyards-raise-funds-flying-doctor-july-charity-sale/

How did they find and save Peter when he suffered a crippling stroke? – https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/news/how-did-they-find-and-save-peter-when-he-suffered-crippling-stroke/

Near, far, wherever you are, the RFDS has your back – https://www.flyingdoctor.org.au/news/near-far-wherever-you-are-rfds-has-your-back/

Drone activity around Cairns Airport

July 1, 2022

Article supplied by CASA

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), in partnership with Airservices Australia, Cairns Airport and the Australian Federal Police (AFP), have detected an increased number of drones being operated in controlled airspace near Cairns Airport.

To ensure the safety of those on the ground and in the sky, CASA has developed rules and regulations prohibiting drones weighing more than 250g from being flown within 5.5 km of a controlled airport without an exemption.

All drones, regardless of how much they weigh are also prohibited from flying over or in the departure or approach path – the airspace where traditional aircraft take off and land – of a controlled airport.

AFP Protection Operations Response Team, Sergeant Benjamin MacKlin says as we near the school holidays both locals and visitors need to be aware of the drone safety rules.

‘The July school holidays is our peak tourist season and operating drones in controlled airspace puts the safety of both Cairns locals and visitors at risk,’ he says.

As part of an ongoing national drone safety education campaign, CASA is raising awareness and understanding of safe flying around Cairns by working with the local council and Cairns Airport.

CASA Manager Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Operations, Scott Duffy says in Cairns, the no-fly zone includes many popular destinations including the Esplanade and central business district.

‘As drones continue to soar in popularity, it is important users inform themselves on where they can and can’t operate their drone, if they need to be licensed and the dangers of flying drones near airports.’

‘We’d like to encourage users to find out where they can safely fly by using one of the CASA-verified drone safety apps available now through the Know Your Drone website,’ says Mr Duffy.

CASA-verified drone safety apps and web applications give location-based information with easy-to-use maps about where you can and can’t fly your drone according to CASA’s drone safety rules.

‘Drone operators are also encouraged to test their knowledge of the drone safety rules by visiting our Know Your Drone website and taking the quiz.’

For more information about drone safety, visit knowyourdrone.gov.au.Date: 29 June 2022

Media contact

CASA MediaMobile: 0419 296 446Email: media@casa.gov.auReference number: MR4822

Cyber and Infrastructure Security Centre – Criminal Intelligence Assessments

May 27, 2022May 27, 2022

Document supplied by Australian Government Home Affairs

Frequently Asked Questions – criminal intelligence assessments.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FAQ DOCUMENT

What changes are happening?

The Transport Security Legislation Amendment (Serious Crime) Regulations 2022 (the Regulations) were registered on 4 April 2022 and make the following changes to the aviation and maritime security identification card (ASIC and MSIC) schemes:

o ASIC holders and applicants now have the ability to seek reconsideration of certain decisions made by the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs (the Secretary) and;

o the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) will conduct criminal intelligence assessments as part of the ASIC and MSIC background check..

2. When will the changes come into effect?

The reconsideration mechanism for the ASIC scheme commenced on 5 April 2022.

The ACIC will begin conducting criminal intelligence assessments of ASIC and MSIC applicants for applications made from 22 June 2022.

3. What are criminal intelligence assessments?

A criminal intelligence assessment is an assessment conducted by the ACIC to determine if intelligence held by the agency suggests the applicant may commit a serious and organised crime or assist another person to commit a serious and organised crime.

If the ACIC issues an adverse criminal intelligence assessment, an individual will be ineligible to be issued or hold an ASIC or MSIC.

o The ACIC will ensure that the process is conducted fairly and with surety, whilst also protecting Australia’s aviation and maritime secure areas from serious criminals.

o If you receive an adverse criminal intelligence assessment, you cannot apply to the Secretary for a discretionary review. You are only able to apply for merits review to the Security Division of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).

4. What is the reconsideration mechanism for the ASIC scheme and why is the Government introducing the mechanism?

If your application for an ASIC or MSIC is refused by AusCheck on the basis of an adverse criminal record, you may be eligible to apply to the Secretary for a discretionary review.

Under the MSIC scheme, if the discretionary MSIC is refused the individual can apply to the Secretary to seek a reconsideration of a decision prior to appealing to the AAT.

Previously under the ASIC scheme, if the discretionary ASIC was refused the individual did not have the ability to seek reconsideration of the decision, instead, could only appeal the decision to the AAT.

Under the new measures, ASIC holders will have the ability to apply to the Secretary for reconsideration of a decision of the Secretary for certain matters prior to appealing the decision to the AAT.

The measure is largely consistent with the MSIC scheme and delivers on efforts to harmonise the ASIC and MSIC schemes where possible.

5. How will the changes impact me?

The introduction of criminal intelligence assessments is anticipated to impact a very small cohort of ASIC and MSIC applicants.

o Individualswhohaveknownlinkstoseriousandorganisedcrimegroupsarelikelytobeimpacted by the introduction of criminal intelligence assessments.

o If you receive an adverse criminal intelligence assessment, you cannot apply for a discretionary card by the Department. You are only able to apply for merits review to the Security Division of the AAT.

6. How will the ACIC determine who will receive an adverse criminal intelligence assessment?

In determining if an individual will be issued an adverse criminal intelligence assessment, the ACIC will undertake a careful evaluation to determine if intelligence or information suggests a person may commit or assist another person to commit a serious and organised crime. Further information on the threshold the ACIC will use is found within the Australian Crime Commission Act 2002 (ACC Act).

 Being the subject of a rumour will not be sufficient to meet the threshold for the ACIC to issue an adverse assessment, nor will simply being a relative of a person who is involved in serious and organised crime.

7. What is the threshold for someone being given an adverse criminal intelligence assessment? Can you be given an adverse assessment simply because of who you are related to, or rumours?

 In determining if an individual will be issued an adverse criminal intelligence assessment, the ACIC will undertake a careful evaluation to determine if intelligence or information suggests a person may commit or assist another person to commit a serious and organised crime.
 Being the subject of a rumour will not be sufficient to meet the threshold for the ACIC to issue an adverse assessment, nor will simply being a relative of a person who is involved in serious and organised crime.
 The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the ACIC will review all the relevant facts available in determining if a person meets the threshold to receive an adverse criminal intelligence assessment.

8. What is the difference between a criminal history check and a criminal intelligence assessment?

 Both the criminal history check and the criminal intelligence assessments are conducted by the ACIC.
 The criminal history check reviews past convictions against the ASIC/MSIC eligibility criteria found within the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 and the Maritime Transport and Offshore Facility Security Regulations 2003.
 The criminal intelligence assessment reviews the applicant to identify any links to, or involvement with serious and organised crime.
 Please note that an applicant can be found ineligible to hold an ASIC or MSIC if they receive an adverse criminal history check OR an adverse criminal intelligence assessment.

	Criminal History Assessment	Criminal Intelligence Assessment
Based on	Criminal convictions only	Intelligence holdings
Discretionary review	For Tier 2 and Tier 3 offences only	No
Reconsideration	For Tier 2 and Tier 3 offences only	No
Appeal to the AAT	Yes, application may be made to the AAT for any offence.	Yes, application may be made to the Security Division of the AAT.

9. How do I appeal a decision if found to have an adverse criminal intelligence assessment?

 Individuals who receive an adverse criminal intelligence assessment may only apply for merits review to the Security Division of the AAT. You are unable to apply to the Department for a discretionary review.

Pilot Medical Reform Proposal 2022

May 27, 2022May 27, 2022

Article supplied by AOPA

The Australian General Aviation Alliance (AGAA) is seeking the introduction of new self-declaration pilot medical certification standard (detailed in Table 1 of this document) for Recreational Pilot License and Private Pilot License holders, along with key reforms to existing Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Class 2 Basic and Class 2 certification standards to safely unlock general aviation participation and growth.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THE PROPOSAL

The reforms that AGAA is seeking, have been implemented by aviation safety regulators in the United States of America (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), and across the past five (5) years have proven to be a safe method of pilot medical certification. Both regulators based their reforms on the use of conditional private vehicle motor car license medical standard, with options for both self-declaration and General Practitioner assessment certification.

In the US, the FAA BasicMed pilot medical certification is widely regarded as one of the most successful aviation regulatory reforms in modern history, with over 66,000 pilots now accessing flying through this standard, with no demonstrated negative impact on aviation safety. The UK reforms mirror the success of those delivered in the US and have opened up their local general aviation industry to growth.

In summary, recreational/private pilots in both the US and UK who use either a self-declaration or General Practitioner assessed medical certification standards;

must meet the medical fitness requirements of the ‘conditional’ private motor vehicle license standard
can fly both single and multi-engine aircraft
can fly aircraft weighing up to 5700 kg
can participate in both VFR and IFR operations
can carry up to a maximum of six (6) passengers
can participate in aerobatic flight

The US now has in excess of 66,000 private pilots accessing aviation through BasicMed, with pilots participating in VFR and IFR operations in aircraft ranging between recreational light sport, experimental/amateur-built, general aviation certified singles and twins, helicopters, gyrocopters, warbirds and more.

AGAA regards both the introduction of a new self-declaration pilot medical certification standard and the reform of the CASA Basic Class 2 standard as a powerful gateway for the industry to sustain itself, reducing the regulatory burdens and costs currently imposed on the private general aviation sectors. Such reform would make aviation more accessible nationwide, with strong benefits to pilots and aviation users throughout regional Australia, driving growth back into Australia’s ailing general aviation sectors.

Importantly, the introduction of a new self-declaration pilot medical certification standard and a reformed Basic Class 2 medical certification by CASA would deliver safe deregulation that is in alignment with the Minister’s Statement of Expectations and the Government’s broader deregulation agenda.

Sincerely,

MR BENJAMIN MORGAN
Chairman – Australian General Aviation Alliance
Chief Executive – Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia

C/O Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia
Hangar 120, 15 Stinson Crescent, Bankstown Airport, NSW 2200, Australia.

Email: ben.morgan@aopa.com.au
Mobile: 0415 577 724

RFDS helps deliver first baby born in Richmond in 15 years

May 27, 2022

Article supplied by RFDS.

Jess Harvey was 35 weeks pregnant when she awoke in the middle of the night with contractions.

The only problem was, she was at home on a remote station two hours from Richmond — the nearest town — more than 500 kilometres from her nearest tertiary hospital, and 270 kilometres away from her partner Sam, who was at a mustering camp.

“I called my mum and just cried; this wasn’t how I planned it,” Jess said.

Friends on the property drove Jess two hours to the health service in town, as her contractions got closer and closer together.

As there were no midwives stationed at the health service, the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) (RFDS) based in Mount Isa, received an early morning call from Retrieval Services Queensland to assist.

The team of three including a doctor, a flight nurse, and pilot, touched down in Richmond a short time later.

RFDS Doctor Shima Ghedia said it was a privilege to assist in the delivery of Darby, the first baby to be born at the health service in Richmond in 15 years.

“Jess was an absolute trooper; Sam was there to support and cut the cord, our Flight Nurse (Midwifery) Leanne Ashbacher was incredible, and even our pilot got involved,” Dr Shima said.

“The local staff at the health centre were also overjoyed.”

Jess said the whole team were incredible.

“They were unreal, I cannot thank them enough. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t know what I would’ve done.”

Jess and baby Darby were flown by the RFDS crew to Townsville for further care and have since returned home to their property.

Doctor Shima said when the team finally touched back down in Mount Isa, there was yet another reason to celebrate that day, with RFDS Pilot Michael Flood hitting his milestone of 10,000 flight hours.

“Michael has been flying for more than 22 years and has worked with the Flying Doctor for many years, so this was a wonderful achievement,” she said.

“I’m so proud of the whole team and this was certainly a day all involved won’t forget any time soon.”

Providing vital care to those who need it most

May 3, 2022

Article supplied by RFDS

If you or someone you love has had a medical emergency in remote Queensland, you’ll understand how comforting it is to know the Flying Doctor is on its way.

Responding to life-threatening events that require urgent medical care is all in a day’s work for the Flying Doctor. This gripping video shows some of the emergencies the Flying Doctor team has been called to respond to. The Flying Doctor provides life-saving medical care in the most difficult of situations.

Pledge your support this Flying Doctor day on the 17th of May, with a gift in your Will so that future generations of Queenslanders can take comfort knowing the Flying Doctor will be there for them.

Pledge today to support the Flying Doctor in this extraordinarily kind and generous way.

If you would like to learn more about gifts in wills please contact Heather Stott on 07 3852 7586 or email giftinwill@rfdsqld.com.au