{"id":"F2005B00837","name":"Civil Aviation Order 29.6 - Air service operations - Helicopter external sling load operations (02/12/2004)","slug":"civil-aviation-order-29-6-air-service-operations-helicopter-external-sling-load-operations-02-12-200","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":32243,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2005B00837-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Civil Aviation Order 29.6 - Air service operations - Helicopter external sling load operations (02/12/2004)","content":"Civil Aviation Amendment Order (No. R26) 2004\n\nas amended\n\nmade under subregulation 207 (1) and regulation 303A of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.\n\nThis compilation was prepared on 22 December 2014 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. R26) 2004.\n\n2 Commencement\n\nThis Order commences on gazettal.\n\n3 Replacement of section 29.6 of the Civil Aviation Orders\n\nSection 29.6 of the Civil Aviation Orders is omitted and a new section substituted as set out in Schedule 1.\n\nSchedule 1 Substitution of section 29.6 of the Civil Aviation Orders\n\nSection 29.6\n\nAir service operations — helicopter external sling load operations\n\n1 Application\n\nThis section applies to the conduct of operations by helicopters engaged in the pick up, carriage and release of objects suspended from external sling load attachments.\n\n2 Approval of aircraft type\n\n2.1Sling load operations shall only be carried out in a helicopter type for which a supplement to the aircraft flight manual, specifying the appropriate operating criteria, has been approved.\n\n2.2Sling load operations shall be carried out in accordance with the limitations and procedures contained in the approved helicopter flight manual.\n\n3 Pilot qualifications\n\nA pilot must not conduct a sling load operation unless the pilot is authorised under Part 61 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 to conduct the operation.\n\n4 Carriage of persons\n\nThe pilot in command of a helicopter engaged in sling load operations shall not permit any person to be carried in the helicopter except:\n\n(a) a flight crew member; or\n\n(b) a flight crew member under training; or\n\n(c) a person who performs an essential function in connection with sling load operations.\n\n5 Conduct of operations\n\n5.1The pilot in command of a helicopter engaged in sling load operations shall be responsible for ensuring that:\n\n(a) all personnel involved in the operation are suitably briefed prior to commencement; and\n\n(b) adequate precautions are taken to ensure that safety of persons on the ground during sling load operations.\n\n5.2The pilot in command of a helicopter engaged in sling load operations shall not fly over a city, town or populous area except where a specific route is available which will ensure that in the event of load jettisoning or a forced landing, hazard will not be caused to persons or property on the ground.\n\n5.3Sling load operations at a specific location in a city, town or populous area may be conducted subject to the following conditions:\n\n(a) local civic authority and police approval shall be obtained by the operator; and\n\n(b) persons not directly involved in the sling load operations shall be kept clear of the site over which the helicopter is authorised to manoeuvre during the course of the operation; and\n\n(c) during sling load operations on to the roof of a building, floors shall be cleared of personnel down to a level where the local fire authorities can provide adequate rescue facilities. In all cases, the 4 floors immediately below the roof shall be vacated.\n\n5.4The company operations manual shall include instructions to pilots and other company personnel involved in the conduct of sling load operations and shall cover, in detail, all normal and emergency procedures.\n\n> Note\n\n> Note: s\n\n \n\n> Note: to Civil Aviation Order\n\n \n\n> Note: 29.6\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 29.6 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. R26 | 8 December 2004 | 8 December 2004 (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\n```html\n

Table of Amendments

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

Provision affected

How affected

s. 29.6

subs. 3

Appendix I

rs. CAO 2004 No. R26

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

rep. CAO (Flight Crew Licensing) Repeal and Amendment Instrument 2014 (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_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This instrument replaces the prior text of CAO 29.6 but preserves the same narrow substantive scope: regulating how helicopter external sling-load operations are conducted. The replacement clarifies and groups requirements (aircraft-type approval, pilot authorisation, carriage limits, briefing and ground-safety duties, urban-operation constraints, and company manual requirements) but does not expand the subject matter beyond the original purpose of setting safety and operational controls for sling-load work. Subsequent instruments noted in the compilation (for example, the Flight Crew Licensing repeal/amendment instrument) adjust references and transitional treatment of authorisations, rather than materially expanding the operational scope of this CAO."},"complexity_factors":["Short, single-purpose instrument (applies only to helicopter external sling load operations)","Clear section layout with limited nested conditions (main nested conditions in s.5.3 for urban operations)","Few defined terms inside the Order itself (relies on external definitions such as Part 61 authorisation in CASR 1998)","Cross-references to external instruments (Part 61 of CASR 1998, approval of AFM supplements) increasing reliance on external rules","One specific technical prescription (vacating the four floors immediately below a roof for roof lifts) that operators must implement","Transitional/read-across material (references to Civil Aviation Orders handling and treatment of continued/new authorisations)"],"plain_english_summary":"**What this law does (mechanically)\n\n- Sets rules that apply specifically to helicopters that pick up, carry or release loads suspended on an external sling (\"sling load operations\"). (s.1)\n\n- Requires that sling-loads only be flown in helicopter types that have an approved supplement to the aircraft flight manual (AFM). The operations must follow the limitations and procedures in that approved AFM supplement. (s.2.1–2.2)\n\n- Requires pilots to be specifically authorised under Part 61 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 before they may conduct sling-load operations. (s.3)\n\n- Restricts who may be carried in a helicopter during sling-load work to: flight crew, flight crew under training, and people performing essential functions for the operation. (s.4)\n\n- Places operational responsibilities on the pilot in command, including:\n - ensuring all personnel are briefed before starting, and that adequate precautions are taken for the safety of people on the ground; (s.5.1)\n - not flying over a city, town or populous area unless a specific route is available that avoids hazard to people or property if the load is jettisoned or a forced landing occurs; (s.5.2)\n - allowing sling-load work in a city/town/populous area only if the operator obtains local civic authority and police approval, keeps bystanders away from the manoeuvre area, and when placing loads onto roofs clears the roof and the four floors immediately below to a level where local fire services can provide adequate rescue; (s.5.3(a)–(c))\n - including detailed normal and emergency procedures for sling-load work in the company operations manual. (s.5.4)\n\n- Transitional notes clarify how references to Civil Aviation Orders are read and that pre-existing (continued) authorisations are to be treated like the equivalent new authorisations for purposes of the updated regulatory instruments.\n\nWho this affects\n\n- Helicopter operators and companies that perform external sling load work (must obtain AFM supplements, update operations manuals, secure local approvals where needed). (s.2, s.5.4, s.5.3(a))\n- Pilots (must hold the relevant Part 61 authorisation and comply with AFM limitations and company procedures). (s.3, s.2.2, s.5.1)\n- Ground personnel and any persons at/near a sling-load site (operators must brief personnel and take precautions to protect them; public in populated areas is protected by limits on overflight and requirements for local approvals and exclusion of bystanders). (s.5.1–5.3)\n- Local authorities and police (may be required to approve sling-load work in populated areas and coordinate safety/rescue arrangements). (s.5.3)\n\nWhy it matters (stated purpose and testing the practical trade-offs)\n\n- Stated purpose: to ensure sling-load operations are conducted only in approved aircraft types, by authorised pilots, and under procedures that protect people and property on the ground. The instrument makes those safety controls explicit by tying operations to AFM supplements, pilot authorisation, company procedures and local approvals for risky urban work. (s.2, s.3, s.5)\n\n- Compliance and cost trade-offs: operators must obtain an AFM supplement approved for sling work (administrative and possibly engineering/airworthiness cost) and keep company operations manuals up to date (administrative and training cost). Pilots need Part 61 authorisation (training, assessment, licensing cost). Seeking civic/police approval and clearing floors for roof operations imposes coordination and operational disruption costs at urban sites. These are direct costs to operators and may restrict where and when sling-load jobs can be done. (s.2.1–2.2; s.3; s.5.3)\n\n- Incentives and behaviour changes: the rule channels operators toward pre-approved equipment and trained personnel (reduces scope for improvised or under-qualified operators). It creates an incentive to avoid populous areas or to plan specific safe routes and to coordinate with local authorities when urban work is necessary. That may shift work to non-urban sites, different lifting methods, or providers who already hold approvals. (s.2, s.3, s.5.2–5.3)\n\n- Risks and discretion: several requirements depend on approvals (AFM supplement, local civic and police approval) and on judgments by pilots (adequacy of precautions, suitability of routes). That requires regulators and local authorities to exercise discretion when approving operations, and pilots/operators to make operational risk judgements; both are potential sources of variation in how rules are applied. (s.2.1; s.5.2–5.3)\n\n- Implementation and enforcement: the order sets standards but relies on aircraft type approval processes, operator manuals and pilot authorisation mechanisms set out elsewhere (AFM approval process, Part 61 authorisation). Enforcement and detailed procedures are implemented through those systems and through company-level compliance programs. (s.2, s.3, s.5.4)\n\nConcrete behavioural effects (who pays, who decides, what changes)\n\n- Who pays: helicopter operators and pilots bear most of the direct costs (AFM supplements, training/authorisation, company manual preparation, site clearance/coordination). Local authorities may bear some rescue-readiness costs when asked to support urban operations. (s.2.1; s.3; s.5.3(c))\n- Who decides: the regulator approves AFM supplements and authorisations; pilots and operators decide whether to accept jobs, choose routes, and coordinate local approvals; local civic and police authorities decide on granting permission in populated areas. (s.2.1; s.3; s.5.2–5.3)\n- What changes: reduces flexibility for ad hoc sling-load work, channels activity toward approved helicopter types and authorised pilots, raises the bar for operations in populated areas and mandates specific safety planning and company procedures. (s.2–s.5)\n\nKey specific provisions to note\n\n- AFM supplement requirement: only helicopter types with an approved AFM supplement for sling-load operations may be used. (s.2.1)\n- Pilot authorisation: Part 61 authorisation is mandatory. (s.3)\n- Urban operation constraints: no overflight of populous areas unless a specific safe route exists; otherwise local authority and police approval, exclusion of bystanders and building evacuation requirements (roof lifts) apply. The four floors immediately below a target roof must be vacated in roof lifts so local fire services can provide rescue. (s.5.2–5.3(c))\n- Company operations manual must include detailed normal and emergency procedures for sling-load operations. (s.5.4)\n\nCaveat\n\n- The Order references other regulatory material (Part 61 authorisation rules, AFM approval processes). The practical effect of some requirements depends on how those external procedures are administered and enforced.\n"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation remains tightly focused on its original purpose: regulating helicopter external sling load operations. The 2014 amendment was purely technical — updating the pilot qualification reference from older CAO provisions to the modern Part 61 licensing framework. No expansion into related operations (such as winching, rappelling, or unmanned aerial systems) has occurred."},"complexity_factors":["Short, focused scope covering only one type of helicopter operation (approximately 500 words of substantive content)","Only 5 main operational sections with clear, numbered subsections","Minimal defined terms — only standard aviation references (Part 61, CASR 1998, flight manual)","No nested exceptions or complex conditional logic; conditions in section 5.3 are straightforward并列 requirements","Single cross-reference to external regulations (Part 61 of CASR 1998)","Compilation metadata and amendment tables add bulk but do not affect operational complexity"],"plain_english_summary":"This law sets safety rules for helicopters that carry heavy objects hanging underneath them on ropes or cables — known as 'sling load operations'. Think of construction helicopters lifting air conditioning units onto skyscrapers, or rescue helicopters carrying water buckets to fight bushfires.\n\n**What it requires:**\n\n- **The right helicopter for the job** — Only helicopter types with approved flight manual supplements can be used. The pilot must follow the specific limits and procedures in that manual.\n\n- **Properly trained pilots** — Pilots need specific authorisation under modern flight crew licensing rules (Part 61 of the CASR) to conduct these operations.\n\n- **Strict limits on passengers** — Only essential crew can be on board: qualified flight crew, trainees, or people who are actually needed for the sling operation itself. No joyriders, no extra staff.\n\n- **Safety on the ground** — The pilot in command must:\n - Brief everyone involved before starting\n - Protect people on the ground from falling loads or emergency landings\n - Avoid flying over cities and towns unless there's a safe route where a dropped load or forced landing won't hurt anyone below\n\n- **Special rules for city operations** — If sling work must happen in built-up areas, the operator needs approval from local council and police, keeps bystanders away, and (for rooftop work) clears the top four floors of the building below the roof.\n\n- **Written procedures** — The company must have detailed instructions in its operations manual covering normal operations and emergencies.\n\n**Why it matters:**\nSling loads are inherently risky — swinging loads affect helicopter stability, and a dropped load can be lethal. These rules exist to protect people in the air, on the ground, and in buildings where helicopters are working overhead."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-29-6-air-service-operations-helicopter-external-sling-load-operations-02-12-200","history":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-29-6-air-service-operations-helicopter-external-sling-load-operations-02-12-200/history","analysis":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-29-6-air-service-operations-helicopter-external-sling-load-operations-02-12-200/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-29-6-air-service-operations-helicopter-external-sling-load-operations-02-12-200/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-29-6-air-service-operations-helicopter-external-sling-load-operations-02-12-200/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/civil-aviation-order-29-6-air-service-operations-helicopter-external-sling-load-operations-02-12-200/documents"}}