{"id":"F2005B00836","name":"Civil Aviation Order 29.5 - Air service operations - Miscellaneous dropping of articles from aircraft in flight (02/12/2004)","slug":"civil-aviation-order-29-5-air-service-operations-miscellaneous-dropping-of-articles-from-aircraft-in","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":32242,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2005B00836-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Civil Aviation Order 29.5 - Air service operations - Miscellaneous dropping of articles from aircraft in flight (02/12/2004)","content":"Civil Aviation Amendment Order (No. R25) 2004 \nas amended\n\nmade under subregulation 150 (2) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.\n\nThis compilation was prepared on 15 January 2015 taking into account amendments up to Civil Aviation Order (Flight Crew Licensing) Repeal and Amendment Instrument 2014 (No. 1).\n\nPrepared by the Legislative Drafting Section, Legal Branch, Legal Services Division, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Canberra.\n\n1 Name of Order\n\nThis Order is the Civil Aviation Amendment Order (No. R25) 2004.\n\n2 Commencement\n\nThis Order commences on gazettal.\n\n3 Replacement of section 29.5 of the Civil Aviation Orders\n\nSection 29.5 of the Civil Aviation Orders is omitted and a new section substituted as set out in Schedule 1.\n\nSchedule 1 Substitution of section 29.5 of the Civil Aviation Orders\n\nSection 29.5\n\nAir service operations — miscellaneous dropping of articles from aircraft in flight\n\n1 Application\n\nThis section applies to all Australian aircraft except those aircraft engaged in aerial application operations or aerial application training operations.\n\n1A 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> aerial application training operation means flight training for aerial application operations.\n\n2 Directions relating to dropping of articles\n\n2.1This subsection deals with directions for the purposes of paragraph 150 (2) (a) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.\n\n2.2In respect of dropping for the purposes of cloud seeding or search and rescue operations, the directions set out in subsections 4 and 5 apply.\n\n2.3In respect of dropping for the purposes of search and rescue training operations, the directions set out in subsections 3, 4 and 5 apply.\n\n2.3.1In respect of the release of liquid fuel, the directions set out in subsection 8 apply.\n\n2.4In respect of dropping for purposes other than those mentioned in paragraphs 2.2, 2.3 and 2.3.1, the directions set out in subsections 3, 4, 5 and 7 apply.\n\n> Note 1 The directions specified in this Order do not confer any rights as against the owner of any land over which the operations may be conducted, or prejudice in any way the rights and remedies which any person may have in common law in respect of any injury to persons or damage to property caused directly or indirectly during the operations.\n\n3 Dropping site\n\nDropping shall not be carried out within a control zone, within an aircraft lane of entry, or within 5 miles of a Government or licensed aerodrome, without the approval of CASA.\n\n4 Dropping requirements\n\n4.1The articles or substances shall be carried inside the aircraft or in a manner specified in the flight manual or otherwise approved by CASA.\n\n4.2The opening through which the articles or substances are dropped shall be located so that the articles or substances, on release, will not damage or affect the operation of any part of the aircraft.\n\n4.3The size to weight ratio of individual articles shall be such that they will drop readily away from the aircraft.\n\n4.4For articles other than leaflets or substances not in the form of liquid, powder or fine grains, the dropping site shall be of such dimensions that there is no risk of the articles or substances falling outside the site.\n\n4.5Articles, other than leaflets or substances not in the form of liquids, powder or fine grains, shall not be dropped on a site unless it is clear of persons and stock.\n\n4.6The size of the leaflets and the number dropped at any one time shall be limited to an extent which will ensure that injury is not caused to persons on the ground if the leaflets fail to separate while dropping.\n\n4.7The dropping of articles or substances shall be controlled by a person other than the pilot in command (hereinafter referred to as the despatcher), unless the dropping can be carried out by the pilot in command from his normal crew station and without affecting his ability to control the aircraft normally.\n\n4.8Effective communication shall be maintained between the pilot in command and the despatcher during the dropping operation and the articles or substances shall be dropped only with the consent of the pilot in command.\n\n> Note In this Order, dropping operation means that part of the flight during which the aircraft is on the final approach path to the dropping site or target, and during which only minor changes of heading, airspeed and altitude are made.\n\n4.9The pilot in command shall ensure that movement of articles or substances during flight preparatory to dropping, during the dropping and after the dropping will not result in any change in aircraft trim that could cause an unsafe condition or cause the aircraft’s centre of gravity to move outside permissible limits.\n\n4.10The operator shall ensure that the despatcher is properly instructed in his duties.\n\n4.11The pilot in command must be authorised under Part 61 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 to conduct the activity.\n\n5 Carriage of articles and persons\n\n5.1The carriage of articles or substances prior to dropping shall be in accordance with section 20.16.2.\n\n5.2Except with the permission of CASA, no person other than the persons having duties relating to the operation shall be carried in an aircraft engaged in operations during which dropping is carried out.\n\n5.3During dropping operations, each person on board except despatchers shall occupy a separate seat equipped with an approved safety belt or harness which shall be worn adjusted to ensure adequate restraint.\n\n5.4Where the dropping aperture is large enough for a person to fit through, all occupants except despatchers shall remain seated whenever the aperture is open.\n\n5.5A despatcher need not be provided with a seat but a position where he may sit shall be provided and equipped with an approved safety belt or harness.\n\n5.5.1A despatcher shall remain seated and wear a safety belt or harness adjusted to ensure adequate restraint:\n\n(a) during take-off and landing; and\n\n(b) during an instrument approach.\n\n5.5.2Except during dropping operations a despatcher shall remain seated and wear a safety belt or harness adjusted to ensure adequate restraint:\n\n(a) in turbulent conditions; and\n\n(b) when the aircraft is flying at a height of less than 100 feet above the terrain.\n\n5.6A despatcher shall wear approved restraint equipment during dropping operations and this equipment may permit him to move to but not through the dropping aperture.\n\n6 Low flying permit\n\n6.1Subject to subsection 7 and pursuant to paragraph 157 (4) (b) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, CASA grants a general permit:\n\n(a) to each owner and operator of an aeroplane that is engaged in private, or aerial work, operations that require low flying (being dropping operations associated with search and rescue training) to fly at a height not lower than 100 feet during such operations; and\n\n(b) to each owner and operator of an aircraft (other than an aeroplane) that is engaged in private, or aerial work, operations, being:\n\n(i) dropping operations associated with search and rescue training; or\n\n(ii) other dropping operations or practice for such operations;\n\nto fly at a height lower than 500 feet during such operations over any area that is not a populous area.\n\n7 Operating conditions\n\n7.1An aircraft must not fly over any populous area at a height lower than 1 000 feet above the terrain, unless a flight at a lower height is essential to the efficient conduct of a dropping operation and such an operation is occasioned by an emergency.\n\n7.2Except with the permission of CASA, dropping operations shall be conducted by day only, in accordance with visual flight rules, and in continuous sight of the ground or water.\n\n8 Directions relating to the release of liquid fuel\n\n8.1If paragraph 150 (2) (d) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 does not apply, a pilot in command may only release fuel in accordance with the Air Navigation (Fuel Spillage) Regulations 1999.\n\n> Notes to Civil Aviation Order 29.5\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 29.5 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. R25 | 8 December 2004 (F2005B00836) | 8 December 2004 (s. 2) | |\n| CAO (Flight Crew Licensing) Repeal and Amendment Instrument 2014 (No. 1) | FRLI 29 August 2014 (F2014L01177) | 1 September 2014 (s. 2) | Sections 3 and 31 (Table A) |\n\n```html\n

Table of Amendments

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

Provision affected

How affected

s. 29.5

rs. CAO 2004 No. R25

subs. 1

rs. F2014L01177

subs. 1A

ad. F2014L01177

subs. 4

am. F2014L01177

subs. 7

am. F2014L01177

Appendix I

rep. F2014L01177

\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_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"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument replaces and restates the operational rules for dropping articles from aircraft but stays within the original regulatory purpose: to regulate safety and procedures for in-flight dropping. It narrows the text in some places (explicit exclusion of aerial application operations/training and an explicit definition cross-referencing CASR) and adds or clarifies operational detail and CASA approval pathways (e.g. low-flying permit details in s 6). These are clarifications and procedural specifications rather than a substantive expansion of regulatory scope beyond the original aim of governing dropping operations."},"complexity_factors":["Single focused Part replacing section 29.5 (limited length and subject scope)","Several conditional branches determining which subsections apply depending on drop purpose (s 2 with subsections 2.2–2.4)","Multiple cross-references to other instruments and provisions (Part 61 authorisations, s 20.16.2, Air Navigation (Fuel Spillage) Regulations 1999, Civil Aviation Regulations paras 150(2) and 157(4)(b))","Operational detail with many short technical rules (s 4 and s 5) — numerous operational conditions but each straightforward","Specific delegated permissions and exceptions that require CASA approval (s 3, s 6, s 7) increasing conditionality","Defined exclusion (aerial application operations and training) and one defined term referencing external regulation (s 1, 1A)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this Order does (mechanically)\n\n- Replaces the existing Civil Aviation Order 29.5 with a new set of operational rules that govern the dropping of articles or substances from Australian aircraft in flight (with an explicit exclusion for aerial application operations and aerial application training — those are regulated elsewhere) (secs 1, 1A). \n\n- Sets different direction-sets depending on the purpose of the drop (cloud seeding, search and rescue, search-and-rescue training, fuel release, or other purposes) and then tells you which subsections apply to which purpose (s 2). \n\n- Controls where drops may occur: no dropping inside a control zone, within an aircraft lane of entry, or within 5 miles of a Government or licensed aerodrome without CASA approval (s 3). \n\n- Specifies safety and equipment requirements for drops, including how articles must be carried and released, aperture placement so parts of the aircraft are not damaged, size-to-weight limits so items fall clear of the aircraft, site-dimension rules to avoid items falling outside the target, and rules about leaflets and numbers dropped (s 4). \n\n- Requires a person other than the pilot in command (the “despatcher”) to control the dropping operation in most cases, and requires effective communication and the pilot’s consent before release (s 4.7–4.8). \n\n- Requires the pilot to ensure shifting loads will not move the aircraft’s trim or centre of gravity outside limits (s 4.9), and the operator to train the despatcher (s 4.10). \n\n- Imposes carriage and personnel rules: carriage must comply with another CAO provision (20.16.2); only essential personnel may be carried without CASA permission; seat/restraint requirements for occupants and special restraint and seating provisions for despatchers; and rules for when occupants must remain seated (s 5). \n\n- Grants a limited general low-flying permit in specific dropping contexts (search-and-rescue training and some practice): aeroplanes engaged in private or aerial work dropping associated with search-and-rescue training may fly down to 100 feet; other aircraft types used in such operations may fly below 500 feet over non-populous areas — subject to subsection 7 and CASA limits (s 6). \n\n- Sets operating conditions: minimum heights over populous areas (1,000 ft unless emergency and essential), day/VFR-only operations unless CASA permits otherwise, and requirement to keep the ground or water in continuous sight during drops (s 7). \n\n- Requires fuel release (where other regulatory paragraphs don’t apply) to be carried out in accordance with the Air Navigation (Fuel Spillage) Regulations 1999 (s 8).\n\n- Notes that the Order does not create rights over private land or limit common-law remedies for damage or injury (Note under s 2).\n\nWho this affects\n\n- Aircraft operators and owners who perform dropping operations in Australia (other than aerial application operations and aerial application training) (s 1). \n- Pilots in command — who must be authorised under Part 61 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 to conduct the activity (s 4.11). \n- Despatchers (persons designated to control dropping) — who must be trained and use approved restraint equipment and follow seating/positioning rules (s 4.7, 5.5–5.5.2). \n- Passengers and non-essential personnel — generally not permitted on flights during dropping without CASA permission (s 5.2). \n- CASA — has approval and permission powers (e.g. site within 5 miles of aerodrome, day/VFR exceptions, low-flying permissions) and enforces compliance throughout (ss 3, 6, 7).\n\nWhy it matters (practical implications, incentives and trade-offs)\n\n- Safety and operational constraints: The Order imposes technical and procedural requirements (aperture location, load control, despatcher role, restraint use, seating rules) that directly affect aircraft configuration, crew composition and training (ss 4, 5). Those are concrete compliance costs (training, possible equipment changes) that operators must meet before conducting drops. \n\n- Centralised discretion and approvals: CASA approval is required for drops close to aerodromes and for many exceptions to the day/VFR and height rules (ss 3, 6, 7). That concentrates decision-making with the regulator and means some operations will depend on obtaining case-by-case permissions. \n\n- Operational limits on flexibility: Height floors over populous areas and day/VFR restrictions (with CASA exceptions) limit when and where dropping operations can be performed, potentially reducing the operational window for commercial or private providers (s 7). \n\n- Interaction with other rules: The Order cross-references other regulatory instruments (Part 61 authorisations, section 20.16.2 carriage rules, and the Air Navigation (Fuel Spillage) Regulations 1999) so operators must navigate multiple rules to remain compliant (ss 4.11, 5.1, 8.1). \n\n- Who pays and who decides: Operators and owners pay for compliance (training, equipment, operations planning, application for CASA permissions). CASA decides on approvals, permits and exceptions, and the pilot in command must consent to releases and carry the operational responsibility (ss 3, 4.7–4.9, 6). \n\n- Enforcement and legal exposure: The Order does not alter private legal remedies — it does not confer rights to use land and does not limit common-law claims for injury or property damage arising from drops (Note under s 2). That means operators remain potentially exposed to tort claims in addition to regulatory enforcement.\n\nImplementation risks and administrative burdens\n\n- Potential bottlenecks: Permission/approval requirements (near aerodromes, low-flying exceptions, night/VFR waivers) create administrative steps that may delay or prevent operations unless CASA provides timely decisions (ss 3, 6, 7). \n- Training and equipment costs: Operators must ensure despatchers are instructed, wear approved restraints, and that aircraft apertures and load characteristics meet the specified requirements (ss 4.1, 4.7, 4.10, 5.5). \n- Cross-regulatory compliance: Operators must check and comply with related rules (Part 61, section 20.16.2, Air Navigation fuel spillage regs), which increases complexity and the chance of inadvertent non-compliance (ss 4.11, 5.1, 8.1).\n\nConcrete citations: the summary above refers to the specific provisions cited in parentheses throughout.\n\n(Analyst note: the Order replaces s 29.5 and is organised to apply different subsets of the rules depending on the purpose of the drop, centralises CASA approval for location and flight-profile exceptions, and preserves common-law remedies.)"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":4,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation maintains its original narrow scope covering miscellaneous dropping operations. The 2014 amendments were technical updates to align with flight crew licensing reforms (referencing Part 61 of CASR 1998 and transitional provisions for continued authorisations), rather than expansion into new operational areas. The exclusion of aerial application operations from the outset indicates the Order was always intended as a residual category for non-agricultural dropping activities."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple nested conditional pathways (subsections 2.2, 2.3, 2.3.1, 2.4) determining which rules apply to which type of dropping operation","Cross-references to external regulations: Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, Air Navigation (Fuel Spillage) Regulations 1999, and section 20.16.2 of the CAOs","Defined terms that rely on other regulations (\"aerial application operation\" defined by reference to CASR 1998)","Exception-based structure: general prohibition on low flying with specific permit grants in subsection 6","Dual applicability framework in Schedule/Table A dealing with transitional authorisations under flight crew licensing reforms"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets safety rules for dropping things from aircraft in Australia. It covers activities like cloud seeding (making rain), search and rescue operations, and dropping leaflets or supplies.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- Pilots and aircraft operators conducting \"miscellaneous\" dropping operations\n- **Not** crop dusters or aerial firefighting (these are excluded)\n\n**Key rules:**\n- **Where you can drop:** Not near airports (within 5 miles), control zones, or flight paths without permission from CASA (the aviation safety regulator)\n- **Height restrictions:** Generally no lower than 1,000 feet over populated areas, though search and rescue training can go down to 100 feet with a permit\n- **Safety equipment:** People doing the dropping (called \"despatchers\") need special restraints and communication with the pilot\n- **What you can drop:** Different rules apply depending on whether it's leaflets, liquids, powders, or solid objects\n- **When:** Daytime only, in good weather, unless CASA says otherwise\n\n**Why it matters:**\nDropping objects from planes is inherently risky—things can hit people on the ground, damage property, or destabilise the aircraft. These rules balance operational needs (like emergency rescue) with public safety."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-29-5-air-service-operations-miscellaneous-dropping-of-articles-from-aircraft-in","history":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-29-5-air-service-operations-miscellaneous-dropping-of-articles-from-aircraft-in/history","analysis":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-29-5-air-service-operations-miscellaneous-dropping-of-articles-from-aircraft-in/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-29-5-air-service-operations-miscellaneous-dropping-of-articles-from-aircraft-in/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-29-5-air-service-operations-miscellaneous-dropping-of-articles-from-aircraft-in/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-29-5-air-service-operations-miscellaneous-dropping-of-articles-from-aircraft-in/documents"}}