{"id":"F2005B00794","name":"Civil Aviation Order 20.16.1 - Loading - General (02/12/2004)","slug":"civil-aviation-order-20-16-1-loading-general-02-12-2004","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":32221,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2005B00794-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Civil Aviation Order 20.16.1 - Loading - General (02/12/2004)","content":"Civil Aviation Order 20.16.1 – Air service operations – loading – general\n\nas amended\n\nmade under regulation 5 and subregulation 235 (7) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.\n\nThis compilation was prepared on 12 July 2018 taking into account amendments up to Civil Aviation Order 20.16.1 Amendment Instrument 2018 (No. 1). It is a compilation of Civil Aviation Order 20.16.1 – Air service operations – loading – general as amended and in force on 30 June 2018.\n\nPrepared by the Advisory & Drafting Branch, Legal & Regulatory Affairs Division, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Canberra.\n\nCompilation No. 3.\n\nContents\n\nPage\n\n1...Application..............................................................\n\n2...Definitions..............................................................\n\n3...Loading system..........................................................\n\n5...Load sheets.............................................................\n\n7...Passenger lists...........................................................\n\nNote to Civil Aviation Order 20.16.1............................................\n\nSection 20.16.1\n\nAir service operations – loading – general\n\n1 Application\n\nThis Order applies to all Australian aircraft except balloons.\n\n2 Definitions\n\nIn this Order:\n\n> aerial application operation has the meaning given by regulation 61.010 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.\n\n> Approved Loading System means a system prepared by an operator in accordance with the requirements of Civil Aviation Order 100.7, and approved by CASA or the holder of an appropriate and valid Weight Control Authority for ensuring that an aircraft is loaded within approved limits at all times during flight.\n\n> empty weight, of an aircraft, has the meaning given by subsection 2 of Civil Aviation Order 100.7.\n\n> Load Sheet means a form for recording the weight and disposition of the disposable load together with other pertinent loading information.\n\n> Approved Load Controller means a person nominated by an operator and approved by CASA to carry out all or any of the duties involved in the control and supervision of aircraft loading in a particular aircraft. The pilot in command or the co-pilot of an aircraft may undertake the duties and assume the responsibilities of an approved load controller without special authorisation by CASA.\n\n3 Loading system\n\nWhere an aircraft has an approved loading system, the operator and the pilot in command shall ensure that the aircraft is loaded at all times in accordance with that system.\n\n> Note 1 Civil Aviation Order 100.7 requires all aircraft, except balloons, to have a loading system unless it can be shown that the aircraft cannot possibly be loaded so that its centre of the gravity falls outside the approved range, observing all limitations on compartment loads.\n\n> Note 2 Some acceptable types of loading systems are given in the CASA publication titled ‘Weight Control of Aircraft’. Where the necessary limitations can be presented in placard form, such placards prominently displayed in the aircraft may be an acceptable type of loading system.\n\n5 Load sheets\n\n5.1 Subject to paragraph 5.1.1, the requirements of this paragraph are applicable to aircraft having a maximum take-off weight exceeding 5 700 kg and all aircraft engaged in regular public transport operations.\n\n5.1.1 Paragraph 5.1 does not apply to an aircraft having a maximum take-off weight exceeding 5 700 kg while it is engaged in an aerial application operation.\n\n5.2 Except as provided in paragraph 5.2.1 and 5.2.2, the operator and the pilot in command shall ensure that a load sheet is completed prior to departure of the aircraft on each stage of every flight.\n\n5.2.1 Where the flight involves a number of stages, a supplementary load sheet based on the loading at the initial stage and accounting for all changes in the load may be used for each subsequent stage on the same day.\n\n5.2.2 Where a standard load is carried on a number of consecutive flights on the same day from the same aerodrome, a load sheet completed for the first flight will meet the requirements of paragraph 5.1 for the subsequent flights if there is no change in any condition which could adversely affect the performance of the aircraft.\n\n5.3 A load sheet shall contain the following and shall be signed by the pilot in command, the co-pilot or an approved load controller:\n\n(a) name of pilot in command;\n\n(b) date;\n\n(c) aircraft type and registration marking;\n\n(d) aerodromes of departure and destination;\n\n(e) the aircraft’s empty weight;\n\n(f) weights of:\n\n(i) occupants;\n\n(ii) cargo;\n\n(iii) removable equipment;\n\n(iv) fuel and consumables (e.g. water methanol);\n\n(g) the loaded aircraft weight with evidence that the centre of gravity is within the approved limits;\n\n(h) the maximum allowable weight for the flight having regard to the requirements of section 20.7.0.\n\n5.4 The operator and pilot shall ensure that the load sheet is carried in the aircraft and, in the case of aircraft engaged in regular public transport services, that a copy is retained on the ground at the aerodrome of departure.\n\n5.4.1 The operator shall retain a copy of each load sheet for a period of 3 months after the relevant flight.\n\n7 Passenger lists\n\nWhen passengers are carried on a charter or regular public transport flight, the operator or the operator’s representative shall compile a passenger list and leave it for retention at the aerodrome of departure. The list shall contain the aircraft registration, the names of passengers carried, the date and estimated time of departure, and the places of embarkation and destination.\n\n> Note to Civil Aviation Order 20.16.1\n\n> Note 1\n\n> Note: The Civil Aviation Order (in force under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988) as shown in this compilation comprises Civil Aviation Order 20.16.1 amended as indicated in the Tables below.\n\n> Note: > Note: Table of Orders\n\n| Year andnumber | Date of notificationin Gazette/registration on FRLI | Date ofcommencement | Application, saving ortransitional provisions |\n| ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |\n| CAO 2004 No. R15 | 8 December 2004 | 8 December 2004 (see s. 2) | |\n| CAO 20.16.1 2007 No. 1 | FRLI 20 December 2007 (see F2007L04938) | 21 December 2007 (see s. 2) | |\n| CAO (Flight Crew Licensing) Repeal and Amendment Instrument 2014 (No. 1) | FRLI 29 August 2014 (see F2015L01177) | 1 September 2014 (see s. 2) | Sections 3 and 31 (see Table A) |\n| CAO 20.16.1 Amendment Instrument 2018 (No. 1) | FRL 29 June 2018 (see F2018L00962) | 30 June 2018 (see s. 2) | |\n\n```html\n

Table of Amendments

ad. = added or inserted am. = amended rep. = repealed rs. = repealed and substituted

Provision affected

How affected

s. 20.16.1

subs. 1

subs. 2

subs. 3, Note 1

subs. 5

subs. 6

subs. 7

rs. CAO 2004 No. R15

rs. CAO 20.16.1 2007 No. 1

am. CAO (Flight Crew Licensing) Repeal and Amendment Instrument 2014 (No. 1), CAO 20.16.1 Amendment Instrument 2018 (No. 1)

am. CAO 20.16.1 2007 No. 1, CAO 20.16.1 Amendment Instrument 2018 (No. 1)

am. CAO (Flight Crew Licensing) Repeal and Amendment Instrument 2014 (No. 1), CAO 20.16.1 Amendment Instrument 2018 (No. 1)

rep. CAO 20.16.1 Amendment Instrument 2018 (No. 1)

am. CAO 20.16.1 Amendment Instrument 2018 (No. 1)

\n```\n\nTable A Application, saving or transitional provisions\n\nSections 3 and 31 of Civil Aviation Order (Flight Crew Licensing) Repeal and Amendment Instrument 2014 (No. 1) read as follows:\n\n3 Definitions\n\n(1) In this instrument:\n\ncontinued authorisation has the meaning given by regulation 202.261 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998).\n\nnew authorisation has the meaning given by regulation 202.261 of CASR 1998.\n\n(2) A reference in this instrument to a Civil Aviation Order identified by a specified number is taken to include a reference to the section of the Civil Aviation Orders with that number.\n\n> Note Some existing legislative instruments are referred to as a Civil Aviation Order followed by a number. Other instruments are referred to as a section of the Civil Aviation Orders. For consistency, in this instrument, all such instruments are referred to as a Civil Aviation Order followed by a number. For example, a reference to Civil Aviation Order 40.2.2 is taken to include a reference to section 40.2.2 of the Civil Aviation Orders.\n\n31 Transitional — application of Civil Aviation Orders\n\nThe Civil Aviation Orders apply to a continued authorisation as if it were the equivalent new authorisation.","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The instrument, as compiled, shows amendments that refine who must prepare and retain load documentation and when. Notable changes include the explicit load‑sheet threshold and an aerial application exemption for >5,700 kg aircraft (s 5.1–5.1.1), a 3‑month operator retention obligation (s 5.4.1), and an express tie to approved loading systems under CAO 100.7 (s 3). The Table of Amendments and transitional provisions (Table A) indicate these subsection amendments altered practical application and record‑keeping scope."},"complexity_factors":["Cross-references to other instruments (Civil Aviation Order 100.7, section 20.7.0, Civil Aviation Regulations 1988) increase legal and technical linkage.","Threshold-based applicability (maximum take-off weight > 5,700 kg) and an exception for aerial application operations (s 5.1–5.1.1).","Multiple responsible parties: operator, pilot in command, approved load controller; allocation of signature and retention duties (s 3, 5.2–5.4.1, 7).","Approval and designation elements (Approved Loading System approved by CASA or valid Weight Control Authority; Approved Load Controller approved by CASA) create administrative discretion.","Record‑keeping requirements (carry on board; retain copy on ground for RPT; operator retains for 3 months) impose operational compliance burdens (s 5.4–5.4.1).","Amendments and transitional provisions (Table of Amendments and Table A) mean historical versions and transitional authorisations must be checked for applicability."],"plain_english_summary":"**What it does:** Sets mandatory loading controls for Australian aircraft (except balloons): operators and pilots must use an approved loading system, keep the aircraft within approved weight and centre-of-gravity limits, and complete and retain load sheets and passenger lists in specified cases. **Who it affects and why it matters:** Affects aircraft operators, pilots and nominated load controllers and imposes record‑keeping, approval and compliance duties enforced by CASA to manage flight safety and operational limits."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation appears to maintain its original scope focused on aircraft loading requirements. The amendment history shows technical updates (particularly around flight crew licensing references in 2014 and 2018) but no significant expansion beyond the core purpose of regulating how aircraft are loaded and documenting those loads."},"complexity_factors":["Only 5 defined terms in the interpretation section","Straightforward structure with clear sequential numbering (1, 2, 3, 5, 7 - note the gap suggests historical amendments removed section 4 and 6)","Simple conditional logic with only two main exceptions (paragraphs 5.1.1, 5.2.1, and 5.2.2)","Minimal cross-referencing - only references to CAO 100.7 (loading systems) and Civil Aviation Regulations","Short length - approximately 2 pages of substantive content","Clear prescriptive language ('shall ensure', 'shall contain') with little ambiguity"],"plain_english_summary":"This Civil Aviation Order sets out the rules for how aircraft must be loaded with passengers, cargo, and fuel before take-off. It applies to all Australian aircraft except hot air balloons.\n\n**Key requirements:**\n\n- **Loading systems**: Aircraft must have an approved system (basically, a method) to ensure they are loaded safely and won't become unbalanced in flight. This system must be approved by the aviation safety regulator (CASA) or a qualified weight control authority.\n\n- **Load sheets**: For larger aircraft (over 5,700 kg) and all regular public transport flights, the pilot or an approved load controller must complete a load sheet before every flight. This document records:\n - Who is flying the plane\n - Date and flight details\n - Aircraft registration\n - Weights of passengers, cargo, fuel, and equipment\n - Proof that the aircraft's centre of gravity is within safe limits\n - Maximum allowable weight for the flight\n\n There are some shortcuts: if flying multiple legs in one day, you can use a supplementary sheet showing changes rather than starting from scratch. If doing identical flights on the same day with no changes, the first load sheet covers subsequent flights.\n\n- **Record keeping**: Load sheets must be carried on the aircraft, and for regular public transport flights, a copy must stay on the ground at the departure airport. Operators must keep copies for 3 months.\n\n- **Passenger lists**: For charter and regular public transport flights, operators must compile a list of passenger names, flight details, and destinations, leaving a copy at the departure airport.\n\n**Why it matters**: Proper loading is critical for flight safety. An overloaded or improperly balanced aircraft can become uncontrollable. These rules ensure someone is accountable for checking the maths before every flight."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-20-16-1-loading-general-02-12-2004","history":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-20-16-1-loading-general-02-12-2004/history","analysis":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-20-16-1-loading-general-02-12-2004/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-20-16-1-loading-general-02-12-2004/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-20-16-1-loading-general-02-12-2004/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-20-16-1-loading-general-02-12-2004/documents"}}