CASA Briefing newsletter - October 2009

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From Director of Aviation Safety

 

John McCormick

 

[imgALIGN=left]http://casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/media/gallery/images/mccormick/mccormick1.jpg[/imgALIGN]Everyone in aviation would be well aware that CASA has its critics. Indeed, many aviation people from time to time have probably been critical of some decisions or actions we have taken. In many ways, this is the lot of the regulator – not everyone will be happy about everything that we do and people have a right to voice their opinions or concerns. However, there is an obvious difference between voicing an opinion or putting forward constructive criticism and making purely vindictive or even false statements. I took the opportunity this month to address this issue when I appeared at an estimates hearing of the Senate Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport. I made it very clear that I welcome balanced, reasonable and constructive advice about where CASA may have gone wrong. I told the Committee, “So let me be clear: I have absolutely no interest in discouraging our critics from drawing CASA’s actual or assumed shortcomings to my attention, to the government’s attention or to the attention of the Australian public. As I said, I welcome and embrace this.”

 

The problem I, and many others have, is with mean-spirited, self-serving and frequently false accusations, particularly where individual CASA officers are identified. I told the Committee these types of attacks do nothing to advance the interests of air safety or the improvement of CASA. “If left unaddressed it impugns the reputations and integrity of committed, capable and professional individuals who are dedicated to critical, if sometimes thankless, regulatory and other safety-related tasks; and it takes a serious toll on the morale of the entire staff. To those who constantly challenge CASA to lift its game, I say ‘Thank you, and keep it coming!’ To those whose intent is merely to insult, denigrate, vilify and in some instances, I suspect, to defame individual CASA officers, unless and until they might be held accountable for their words and actions, I can only say ‘Shame’.”

 

Best regards and safe flying

 

John F McCormick

 

Read the Hansard of the Committee hearing.

 

Developing a stronger and better regulator

 

Australia’s aviation safety regulator will be striving to become more robust, efficient and effective. That was the commitment made by CASA’s Director of Aviation Safety, John McCormick, at this year’s Safeskies conference. Mr McCormick told the Safeskies delegates there was work to be done but CASA was on the right track. “CASA must be a regulator that is focussed on its legislated safety related functions and responsibilities and on delivering a consistent message to industry on safety and related regulatory matters,” he said. “CASA needs to refocus its limited resources on the safety functions outlined in the Civil Aviation Act. There have been some organisational changes within CASA and a review of our documentation of procedures and practice is currently underway. This will provide a clearer understanding of how we regulate and the basis for more consistent action and advice to industry.”

 

Mr McCormick said CASA’s efficiency will be substantially enhanced when Australia’s aviation regulations are updated and aligned with leading international safety standards. The four key areas of current regulatory reform are airways, licensing, maintenance and flight operations. Mr McCormick went on to say decision making was at the core of the regulator’s role. “CASA’s effectiveness is based on our ability to analyse risk and make a decision. My goal is to continue to develop CASA into a regulator with the capabilities to function effectively and efficiently in a constantly evolving domestic and international aviation environment.”

 

Read the Director of Aviation Safety's speech to Safeskies.

 

New distress beacon rules - comply or risk your life!

 

There is evidence many pilots and aircraft owners are not complying with the new requirements for emergency locator transmitters – or distress beacons. In February this year it become mandatory for almost all aircraft to carry a digital 406 MHz distress beacon, replacing the old analogue system which has been turned off. There is an international agreement to replace the analogue system with digital beacons due to their greater accuracy, reliability and speed. It is regulatory requirement that the new digital beacons are registered with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority. Registration of the beacons is important because it makes the job of finding an aircraft in distress much easier. Once a beacon is registered, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority can identify a range of information about the owner or operator of the aircraft - such as aircraft registration details, owner contact information and up to three nominated emergency contacts. Beacons can be easily registered on-line with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

 

Anyone buying a portable digital distress beacon needs to be aware that devices purchased from overseas may not meet the Australian/New Zealand standard. Under Civil Aviation Regulation 252a a portable beacon must meet the Australian/New Zealand standards, be a type authorised by the United States Federal Aviation Administration or satisfy CASA that it meets these standards. Buying a portable beacon from overseas means the device may not operate properly and cannot be registered, putting lives at risk.

 

Find out more about digital distress beacons and register your beacon now.

 

Keep helicopter operations legal

 

Helicopter owners and pilots are being warned about the dangers of illegal commercial operations. CASA has obtained intelligence that some owners of private helicopters are being tempted to stray into commercial operations due to financial pressures. Activities such as aerial photography and charter flights were identified. An air operator’s certificate is required for any commercial aviation activities, which includes aerial work, passenger charter or regular public transport. Aerial work covers activities such as surveying, spotting, agricultural operations, photography, advertising and the carriage of goods for the purposes of trade.

 

CASA has launched an education campaign to remind helicopter owners, operators and pilots of the legal and insurance requirements relating to commercial activities. A flyer has been sent to all helicopter owners and pilots reminding them of the penalties for operating without an air operator’s certificate were set out – a prison term of up to two years, a fine of up to $66,000 for a body corporate and a fine of up to $13,200 for an individual. The flyer also explains that operating without the appropriate insurance could be very costly if someone is killed, inured or suffers property loss.

 

For more information contact your local Aviation Safety Advisor.

 

Your word on aeronautical information services

 

It’s time to have your say on the making of new rules covering aeronautical information services. There is a proposal to create a new part within the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations to regulate organisations and people who create, receive, process, store, transmit and publish aeronautical data. The aim is address the risk of erroneous or corrupt aeronautical information being published which could jeopardise safety - particularly with the growing use of area navigation, required navigation performance and airborne computer systems. It is proposed the new rules would cover the aeronautical information service provider, which is Airservices Australia, as well as other data service providers who hold an approval from CASA. The changes will bring Australia into line with International Civil Aviation Organization standards and practices.

 

The key elements of the proposed new rules are approval of the aeronautical information service provider, authorisation of data service providers, a requirement for information and charts to be in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization standards, approval of equivalents to the Aeronautical Information Publication, responsibilities for data originators and a requirement for safety management systems. Under the proposed system CASA would be able to exercise greater safety oversight of the provision of aeronautical information. A notice of proposed rule making has been published and comments should be lodged by Friday 4 December 2009.

 

Read the aeronautical information services NPRM.

 

Keeping aircraft safe from wildlife

 

New and improved advice on how the aviation industry can manage and handle bird and animal hazards is being developed. CASA has set up a project to create detailed advisory material for aerodromes, air operators and pilots on bird and animal hazards. This follows the recent publication of an Australian Transport Safety Bureau report which showed the number of bird strikes nearly doubled over a five year period. The report also found the quality of bird strike reporting is inconsistent, with multiple and sometimes contradictory reports. It is apparent reporting and classification of strikes varies at different locations across the nation. Under the current regulations CASA requires the operators of certified and registered aerodromes to manage bird and animal hazards, with certified aerodromes needing to monitor wildlife activity and have a management plan.

 

A new advisory circular will set out in detail how aerodromes can comply with the regulations, as well as provide general information and guidance. A national recommended industry practice for the consistent and accurate reporting of wildlife strikes by aerodrome operators to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau will also be established. In addition, the advisory will set out the latest International Civil Aviation Organization recommendations on wildlife management and provide information from the Australian Wildlife Hazard Group.

 

Read more about the wildlife hazard project.

 

Aussie parts can head for world markets

 

Another key step is being taken in opening up overseas markets for Australia’s aircraft parts manufacturing industry. Changes will be made to the regulations to enable CASA to issue approvals for parts not type certificated in Australia. Parts for aircraft, engines, or propellers with a type certificate from a national aviation authority of a recognised country will be eligible for an Australian Parts Manufacturing Approval. Currently the rules only allow Australian Parts Manufacturing Approvals to be issued where the type certificate for the aircraft, engine or propeller has been issued in Australia. The change is needed so that Australian parts manufacturers can fully exploit the advantages of new bilateral airworthiness agreements with other nations. Australia is close to finalising an agreement with the United States that will see Australian manufactured parts accepted by the Federal Aviation Administration. This will greatly reduce the current costs and complexity of exporting parts to the US. Work is underway on similar agreements with other nations, including China and Brazil.

 

Find out more about the parts manufacturing changes.

 

Ultralight warning: make sure you're licensed

 

Owners and operators of ultralight aircraft are being warned they face tough penalties for flying without a pilot licence or aircraft registration. The warning follows a number of recent cases of people found to be flying ultralights without appropriate authorisations. This can attract penalties of up to two years imprisonment for each offence. CASA investigates cases where people may be operating without the correct authorisations and enforcement action is taken where appropriate. This may include a recommendation for prosecution. Ultralight aircraft meeting defined criteria are required to be registered with Recreation Aviation Australia or the Hang Gliding Federation of Australia – the peak bodies that administer this sector of sport aviation. Pilots operating these aircraft must hold authorisations from Recreation Aviation Australia or the Hang Gliding Federation. They obtain a pilot certificate, which is the equivalent of a licence.

 

CASA’s Director of Aviation Safety, John McCormick, says all pilots have a responsibility to ensure they hold the appropriate authorisations before flying. “It is very concerning that some people have been taking to the air in ultralight aircraft with no pilot certificate and minimal or even no training,” he says. “Obviously they are putting their own lives at grave risk and potentially the lives of others as well. I can assure these people that if they are caught CASA will take appropriate action and that can include prosecution that could lead to a jail sentence.”

 

Working on aircraft interiors? Learn about flammability

 

New advice is available on the important issue of flammability protection for all aircraft types. The information is particularly valuable for people who are repairing or replacing aircraft interiors or cargo holds and not using manufacturer’s approved materials and instructions. Materials in aircraft that must meet flammability requirements include interior panelling, floor coverings, seat cushions and upholstery, seat belts, stowage and baggage structures, cargo liners and insulation. When interior material in an aircraft is replaced or repaired it must meet flammability standards and the person or organisation carrying out the work must ensure compliance. The new airworthiness bulletin sets out the minimum standards for various categories of aircraft, as well as flammability definitions.

 

Where a repair or replacement is being done without using manufacturer’s parts there are a number of steps that can be taken. These include obtaining test certificates for materials, using an approved laboratory to test materials and using fire retardants. In a series of easy-to-follow questions and answers the airworthiness bulletin explains flammability requirements for laminates, items that do not need to undergo a flammability test and how to deal with small parts. A number of links are provided to useful additional information on the subject.

 

Read the flammability airworthiness bulletin.

 

More time for human factors training

 

Regular public transport operators are being given more time to gain approval for their human factors and non-technical skills training programs. Originally these programs needed to be approved by CASA by February next year. However, due to a shortage of appropriately skilled people to conduct human factors training the approval deadline is being moved to 1 February 2011. This will mean regular public transport operators can conduct the training more effectively, achieving better safety outcomes for the industry. Allowing more time for the training should also relieve cost pressures. Amendments to Civil Aviation Orders 82.3 and 82.5 will also more closely harmonise Australia’s human factors training with International Civil Aviation Organization requirements. The current requirement in the Orders for training and assessment of human factors will be changed to remove the need for assessment, as this is seen as overly prescriptive. In addition, the requirement for assessment does not allow enough flexibility to conduct training in the most efficient way. CASA has set up a project to make the changes to the Orders.

 

Find out more about the human factors project.

 

Learn all about supplemental type certificates

 

Updated advice for people wanting to apply for supplemental type certificates for aircraft, engines or propellers has been published. A supplemental type certificate is required to gain approval for most major aircraft changes. Major changes in type design are defined as ones that affect weight, balance, structural strength and reliability, as well as operational and airworthiness characteristics. The revised advisory circular sets out when supplemental type certificates will and will not be issued, applicability of the certificates and the responsibilities of owners, operators and installers. Anyone can apply for a supplemental type certificate for their aircraft, however, where the applicant is not qualified for the work it is strongly advised that design experts with experience in type certification be engaged. CASA can provide information on people and organisations with appropriate qualifications. The advisory goes on to set out the process of applying for a supplemental type certificate, the data required and the need for flight testing.

 

Read the supplemental type certificate advisory circular.

 

Help for experimental aircraft owners

 

There’s fresh advice for owners and operators of experimental aircraft. A revised advisory circular has been published setting out in detail all the issues relating to the operation of experimental aircraft, including risk management for pilots during flight testing. Experimental certificates are issued to aircraft that do meet usual airworthiness requirements or to aircraft with modifications that do not conform with their type certificate. This can include new aircraft designs, prototype aircraft, kit built-aircraft and aircraft built for racing. The owners and operators of experimental aircraft are responsible for minimising safety risks and must be satisfied their aircraft is capable of operating without putting people or property at risk. In the advisory circular there is information about the purposes experimental aircraft may be used for, how to apply for a certificate and the process of issuing a certificate. The section on flight test safety looks at test planning, hazard analysis and risk management and the conduct of tests.

 

Read the experimental certificate advice.

 

Latest annual report out now

 

A total of 153 infringement notices were issued by CASA during the 2008-09 financial year, according to CASA’s latest annual report. Infringement notices can be issued to organisations and individuals for breaches of the regulations. During the year eight matters were referred by CASA to the Director of Public Prosecutions, with nine prosecutions finalised. There were six convictions, with the other cases withdrawn or resulting in acquittals. Over the 2008-09 year CASA issued 33 show cause notices and cancelled 17 licences and certificates. A further nine licences and certificates were suspended.

 

The annual report shows there were 35,323 flight crew licences current in the 2008-09 year. Of these, 7580 were issued during the year. A total of 23,678 flight crew examinations were conducted, with more than 70 per cent of candidates passing their exams. There were 6613 people holding current aircraft maintenance engineer licences. At the end of June 2009 there were 13,510 aircraft on the civil register, 790 holders of air operator’s certificates, 697 holders of certificates of approval and 299 certified and registered aerodromes.

 

Read CASA’s 2008-2009 annual report in full.