Government Policy ObjectivesGovernment Policy Objectives

Government Policy Objectives

Safety

9. Australia’s aviation safety system plays a vital role in ensuring a safe, efficient and competitive aviation industry. Safety of air navigation is an integral part of airspace administration. The Government expects that CASA will identify and monitor airspace risk, and respond appropriately and in a timely manner to any change in risk levels for air navigation to ensure safety outcomes for all aviation participants, including through collaboration with industry and other government entities, particularly in the consideration of the increased use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B).

Future Airspace Framework

10. The Government expects that CASA will develop an Australian Future Airspace Framework (AFAF) that will reflect the Government’s airspace policy objectives and the Airspace Strategy detailed in paragraphs 35 to 44. It will include a long-term strategic airspace plan to support the implementation of the AFAF, including transitional milestones relating to evolving technological and regulatory advancements. The AFAF will establish an evidence and risk-based approach when assessing airspace, supported by robust collision risk modelling, data and the application of risk mitigation options to ensure Australian airspace architecture is safe for all airspace users.

Regulatory Certainty for New Aviation Technologies

11. The Government expects that CASA will work with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (the Department), other aviation agencies, and industry to safely and efficiently integrate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into Australian airspace, to enable the continued growth and commercialisation of the sector, consistent with its legislative remit. This will be achieved by implementing fit-for-purpose regulations and/or regulatory pathways informed through proportionate risk profiles, development of guidance material, and digital transformation of regulatory application services.

Enabling Flight Testing

12. The Government expects that CASA will work collaboratively with the Department, Airservices, Defence and industry to facilitate safe flight testing of new civil and military systems and capabilities within Australian-administered airspace and at appropriate aerodromes. This will support the advancement of Australian sovereign manufacturing and Australia’s military strategic objectives, without compromising aviation safety.

Airspace Review

13. The Government expects that CASA will continue to undertake regular reviews of Australia’s airspace architecture, services, facilities and airspace user obligations, considering input from airspace users. CASA will also consider proven international best practice airspace systems with a view to deliver safe, efficient and appropriate airspace arrangements. Such reviews should be considered for incorporation into the AFAF.