CASA 143/10 – Determination – flight visibility and distance from cloud in V.F.R. flights - Direction – Special V.F.R. flights

This CASA instrument (CASA 143/10), made by the Director of Aviation Safety under subregulations 92(2), 99AA(5), 172(2A) and regulation 303A of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR 1988), sets mandatory visual flight rules (VFR) minima for flight visibility and for vertical and horizontal distance from cloud for VFR flights across Australian airspace classes. It commences on 3 June 2010 (s 1) and expressly revokes the earlier CASA instrument SRS 3/1992 (s 2). The instrument does two principal legal things.

First, it makes determinations fixing the applicable distance for flight visibility (s 3) and the applicable vertical and horizontal distances from cloud (s 4) for particular combinations of airspace class, aircraft type and height as listed in Schedule 1. Schedule 1 is the operative schedule: each item identifies a class of airspace (Classes A to G), the aircraft types concerned (aeroplanes, helicopters, balloons), the height at which the determination applies, the flight-visibility minima (column 5), the vertical and horizontal cloud separation minima (column 6) and any conditions that modify or qualify those minima (column 7). Section 6 makes clear that each applicable distance (visibility and cloud separations) set in Schedule 1 is to be applied subject to the item-specific conditions in column 7.

Second, it issues a direction specific to Special V.F.R. (SVFR) flights in Class C or Class D airspace (s 5). That direction states that a pilot may only conduct an SVFR flight in Class C or D airspace if the flight is conducted clear of cloud, the flight visibility meets aircraft-specific minima (s 5(b): aeroplane 1 600 m, helicopter 800 m, balloon 100 m below 500 ft AGL or 1 600 m above 500 ft AGL), for helicopters the speed must allow see-and-avoid (s 5(c)), the flight complies with regulation 157 of CAR 1988 concerning low flying (s 5(d)), and the pilot has SVFR clearance from air traffic control (ATC) (s 5(e)). The instrument therefore operates both as a prescriptive technical determination of minima (Schedule 1) and as an ATC-linked operational direction for SVFR in controlled airspace (s 5).

Instrument number CASA 143/10

I, JOHN FRANCIS McCORMICK, Director of Aviation Safety, on behalf of CASA, make this instrument under subregulations 92 (2), 99AA (5), 172 (2A), and regulation 303A of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR 1988).

[Signed John F. McCormick]

John F. McCormick
Director of Aviation Safety

25 May 2010

Determination — flight visibility and distance from cloud in V.F.R. flights

Direction — Special V.F.R. flights

1 Commencement

This instrument commences on 3 June 2010.

2 Revocation

CASA instrument SRS 3/1992 is revoked.

3 Determination — applicable distance for flight visibility

The applicable distance for flight visibility during a V.F.R. flight for the airspace, aircraft and height mentioned in an item in Schedule 1 is not less than the relevant distance mentioned in column 5 of the item.

4 Determination — applicable distances for cloud

The applicable distances for vertical and horizontal distances from cloud during a V.F.R. flight for the airspace, aircraft and height mentioned in an item in Schedule 1 are not less than the relevant distances mentioned in column 6 of the item.

5 Direction —aircraft engaged in Special V.F.R. flights

The pilot of an aircraft may only conduct a flight in Class C or Class D airspace under the Special V.F.R. (SVFR) if:

(a) the flight is conducted clear of cloud; and

(b) flight visibility is not less than the following:

(i) for an aeroplane — 1 600 m;

(ii) for a helicopter — 800 m;

(iii) for a balloon:

(A) 100 m for a height below 500 ft AGL; or

(B) 1 600 m for a height above 500 ft AGL; and

(c) for a helicopter — the aircraft is operated at a speed that allows the pilot adequate opportunity to see any obstructions or air traffic in sufficient time to avoid collision; and

(d) the flight is conducted in accordance with the requirements of regulation 157 of CAR 1988 in relation to low flying; and

(e) the pilot has SVFR clearance from ATC.

6 Conditions

Each applicable distance for flight visibility, and each vertical and horizontal distance from cloud, mentioned in an item in Schedule 1 is to be applied subject to the conditions mentioned in column 7 of the item.

Schedule 1 Applicable distance for flight visibility and applicable distances for cloud

Key:

AMSL means above mean sea level.

AGL means above ground level.

<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" style="width:453.45pt; border:1.5pt solid #000000; border-collapse:collapse"><thead><tr><td style="border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Column 1</span></p></td><td style="border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">2</span></p></td><td style="border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">3</span></p></td><td style="border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">4</span></p></td><td style="border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">5</span></p></td><td style="border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">6</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">7</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><a id="OLE_LINK28"></a><a id="OLE_LINK29"><span style="font-weight:bold">Item</span></a></p></td><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Class of Airspace</span></p></td><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Type of aircraft</span></p></td><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Height at which applicable</span></p></td><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Applicable distance for flight visibility</span></p></td><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Applicable distances for vertical and horizontal distances from cloud visibility</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:1.5pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p style="margin-top:2pt; margin-bottom:2pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="font-weight:bold">Conditions</span></p></td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span></p></td><td style="border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class A</span></p></td><td colspan="4" style="border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Not applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:1.5pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>See Note 1</span><span>.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>2</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class C</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Aeroplanes, helicopters and balloons</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>At or above </span><span>10</span><span> </span><span>000</span><span> </span><span>ft</span><span> AMSL</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>8</span><span> </span><span>km</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>000</span><span> ft</span><span> vertical</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>500</span><span> </span><span>m</span><span> </span><span>horizontal</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Subject to alternative ATC permission for SVFR</span><span>.</span><span> </span><span>See Note 2</span><span>.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>3</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class C</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Aeroplanes, helicopters and balloons</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Below </span><span>10</span><span> </span><span>000 ft</span><span> AMSL</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>5</span><span> </span><span>00</span><span>0 m</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>000</span><span> ft</span><span> vertical</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>500</span><span> </span><span>m</span><span> </span><span>horizontal</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Subject to </span><span>alternative ATC permission for SVFR</span><span>.</span><span> </span><span>See Note 2</span><span>.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>4</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class D</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Aeroplanes, helicopters and balloons</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>All </span><span>of the </span><span>Class D airspace</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>5</span><span> </span><span>00</span><span>0 m</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>000</span><span> ft</span><span> above</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="font-size:9pt"><span>50</span><span>0 ft</span><span> below</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>60</span><span>0 m</span><span> horizontal</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Subject to alternative </span><span>ATC permission</span><span> for SVFR</span><span>. </span><span>See Note 2</span><span>.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>5</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class E</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Aeroplanes, helicopters and balloons</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>At or above </span><span>10</span><span> </span><span>000</span><span> </span><span>ft</span><span> AMSL</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>8</span><span> </span><span>km</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>000</span><span> ft</span><span> vertical</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>500</span><span> </span><span>m</span><span> </span><span>horizontal</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>6</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class E</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Aeroplanes, helicopters and balloons</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Below </span><span>10</span><span> </span><span>000 ft</span><span> AMSL</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>5</span><span> </span><span>00</span><span>0 m</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>000</span><span> ft</span><span> vertical</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>500</span><span> </span><span>m</span><span> </span><span>horizontal</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>7</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class G</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Aeroplanes, helicopters and balloons</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>At or above </span><span>10</span><span> </span><span>000</span><span> </span><span>ft</span><span> AMSL</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>8</span><span> </span><span>km</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>000</span><span> ft</span><span> vertical</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>500</span><span> </span><span>m</span><span> </span><span>horizontal</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>8</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class G</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Aeroplanes, helicopters and balloons</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Subject to items 9</span><span>,</span><span> </span><span>10</span><span>, 11</span><span>, 12</span><span> and 1</span><span>3</span><span>, b</span><span>elow </span><span>10</span><span> </span><span>000 ft</span><span> AMSL</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>5</span><span> </span><span>00</span><span>0 m</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>000</span><span> ft</span><span> vertical</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span> </span><span>500</span><span> </span><span>m</span><span> </span><span>horizontal</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>9</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class G</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Aeroplanes, helicopters and balloons</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Subject to items 10, 11</span><span>, 12</span><span> and 1</span><span>3</span><span>, a</span><span>t or below whichever is the higher of:</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:16.45pt; text-indent:-16.45pt; font-size:9pt"><span>(a)</span><span style="width:6.46pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>3</span><span> </span><span>00</span><span>0 ft</span><span> AMSL;</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:16.45pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; text-indent:-16.45pt; font-size:9pt"><span>(b)</span><span style="width:5.96pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>1</span><span> </span><span>000</span><span> ft</span><span> AGL</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>5</span><span> </span><span>00</span><span>0 m</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Clear of cloud and in sight of ground or water</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Radio must be carried and used on the appropriate frequency</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>10</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class G</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Helicopters</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-left:16.45pt; text-indent:-16.45pt; font-size:9pt"><span>(a)</span><span style="width:6.46pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>Below 70</span><span>0 ft</span><span> above ground</span><span>; or</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:16.45pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; text-indent:-16.45pt; font-size:9pt"><span>(b)</span><span style="width:5.96pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>b</span><span>elow 70</span><span>0 ft</span><span> above </span><span>water</span><span> when operating at a distance from land </span><span>that</span><span> allow</span><span>s</span><span> compli</span><span>-</span><span>ance </span><span>with sub</span><span>-</span><span>regulation 258</span><span> </span><span>(1) of CAR</span><span> </span><span>1988. See Note 3.</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>80</span><span>0 m</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Clear of cloud</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-left:15.05pt; text-indent:-15.05pt; font-size:9pt"><span>(a)</span><span style="width:5.06pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>D</span><span>ay operation only;</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:15.05pt; text-indent:-15.05pt; font-size:9pt"><span>(b)</span><span style="width:4.56pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>at a speed that allows the pilot adequate opportunity to see any obstructions or air traffic in sufficient time to avoid collision;</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:15.05pt; text-indent:-15.05pt; font-size:9pt"><span>(c)</span><span style="width:5.06pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>if </span><span>operating </span><span>less than 10</span><span> </span><span>NM from an aerodrome with an approved instrument approach</span><span> procedure</span><span> </span><span>— </span><span>then:</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:26.95pt; text-indent:-26.95pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="width:14.21pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"></span><span>(i)</span><span style="width:4.25pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>in accordance with all requirements to report, broadcast</span><span> and maintain a listening watch; and</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:26.95pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; text-indent:-26.95pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="width:11.7pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"></span><span>(ii)</span><span style="width:4.25pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>maintaining a separation of at least 50</span><span>0 ft</span><span> vertically from any aircraft conducting an IFR operation less than 10</span><span> </span><span>NM from the aero</span><span>-</span><span>drome.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="2" style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span>1</span></p></td><td rowspan="2" style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class G</span></p></td><td rowspan="2" style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Helicopters</span></p></td><td rowspan="2" style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Below 70</span><span>0 ft</span><span> above water when operating at a distance from land greater than that which allow</span><span>s</span><span> compliance with subregulation 258</span><span> </span><span>(1) of CAR</span><span> </span><span>1988. See Note</span><span> </span><span>3</span><span>.</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-left:9.9pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; text-indent:-9.9pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1.</span><span style="width:3.15pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>5</span><span> </span><span>00</span><span>0 m</span><span>,</span><span> if only condition 1 is com</span><span>-</span><span>plied with</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-left:9.9pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; text-indent:-9.9pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1.</span><span style="width:3.15pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>60</span><span>0 m</span><span> </span><span>horizontal</span><span> and </span><span>50</span><span>0 ft</span><span> vertical</span><span>, if only con</span><span>-</span><span>dition 1 is complied with</span></p></td><td rowspan="2" style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-left:24pt; text-indent:-24pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span>.</span><span style="width:2.3pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>(a)</span><span style="width:4.96pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>Day operation only;</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:24pt; text-indent:-24pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="width:9.05pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"></span><span>(b)</span><span style="width:4.46pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>at a speed that allows the pilot adequate opportunity to see any obstructions or air traffic in sufficient </span><span>time to avoid collision;</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:24pt; text-indent:-24pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="width:9.05pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"></span><span>(c)</span><span style="width:4.96pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>if operating less than 10</span><span> </span><span>NM from an aerodrome with an approved instrument approach</span><span> procedure</span><span> </span><span>— then:</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:36pt; text-indent:-36pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="width:22.56pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"></span><span>(i)</span><span style="width:4.4pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>in accord</span><span>-</span><span>ance with all require</span><span>-</span><span>ments to report, broadcast and main</span><span>-</span><span>tain a listening watch; and</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:36pt; text-indent:-36pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="width:20.05pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"></span><span>(ii)</span><span style="width:4.4pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>maintaining a separation of at least 50</span><span>0</span><span> </span><span>ft</span><span> verti</span><span>-</span><span>cally from any aircraft conducting an IFR operation less than 10</span><span> </span><span>NM from the aero</span><span>-</span><span>drome.</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:8.25pt; text-indent:-8.25pt; font-size:9pt"><span>2.</span><span style="width:1.5pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>The applicable distances for vertical and horizontal distances from cloud visibility do not apply if the helicopter:</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:24.1pt; text-indent:-24.1pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="width:9.05pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"></span><span>(a)</span><span style="width:4.96pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>uses track guidance provided by an approved oper</span><span>ating radio navigation aid; and</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:24.1pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; text-indent:-24.1pt; font-size:9pt"><span style="width:9.05pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"></span><span>(b)</span><span style="width:4.46pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>is equipped with a comple</span><span>-</span><span>mentary radio navigation system.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:2pt; margin-left:9.9pt; margin-bottom:0pt; text-indent:-9.9pt; font-size:9pt"><span>2.</span><span style="width:3.15pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>80</span><span>0 m</span><span>, if conditions 1 and 2 are both complied with</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:2pt; margin-left:9.9pt; margin-bottom:2pt; text-indent:-9.9pt; font-size:9pt"><span>2.</span><span style="width:3.15pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>C</span><span>lear of cloud, if conditions 1 and 2 are both com</span><span>-</span><span>pl</span><span>ied with</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span>2</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class G</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Balloons</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Below </span><span>1</span><span> </span><span>500</span><span> ft</span><span> above ground or water</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>5</span><span> </span><span>00</span><span>0 m</span></p></td><td style="border:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Clear of cloud</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; border-bottom:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>No vertical clearance from cloud below the balloon is required provided:</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:15.05pt; text-indent:-15.05pt; font-size:9pt"><span>(a)</span><span style="width:5.06pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>the top of the cloud is at or below 50</span><span>0 ft</span><span> above ground or water; and</span></p><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-left:15.05pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; text-indent:-15.05pt; font-size:9pt"><span>(b)</span><span style="width:4.56pt; text-indent:0pt; display:inline-block"> </span><span>the balloon is at least 10</span><span> </span><span>NM from an aerodrome </span><span>with</span><span> </span><span>an approved</span><span> instrument approach</span><span> procedure</span><span></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:4.65pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>1</span><span>3</span></p></td><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Class G</span></p></td><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Balloons</span></p></td><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Below 50</span><span>0 ft</span><span> above ground or water</span></p></td><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>10</span><span>0 m</span></p></td><td style="border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-right:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:5.03pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Not applicable</span></p></td><td style="width:81.65pt; border-top:0.75pt solid #000000; border-left:0.75pt solid #000000; padding-right:4.65pt; padding-left:5.03pt; vertical-align:top"><p class="LDTabletext" style="margin-top:1.5pt; margin-bottom:1.5pt; font-size:9pt"><span>Day operation only provided the balloon is at least 10</span><span> </span><span>NM from an aerodrome </span><span>with an approved</span><span> instrument approach</span><span> procedure</span><span>.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>

Note 1 V.F.R. aircraft are not permitted to fly in Class A airspace.

Note 2 SVFR means Special Visual Flight Rules and is dealt with in subregulations 172 (4) and (5) of CAR 1988.

Note 3 Subregulation 258 (1) of CAR 1988 provides that the pilot in command of the aircraft must not fly over water at a distance from land greater than the distance from which the aircraft could reach land if the engine, or, in the case of a multi-engined aircraft, the critical engine (being the engine the non-operation of which when the other engines are in operation gives the highest minimum speed at which the aircraft can be controlled) were inoperative.

Note: Subregulation 258 (3) provides that it is a defence to a prosecution under subregulation 258 (1) of CAR 1988 if the flight was in accordance with directions issued by CASA. CASA has issued Directions which, if complied with during a permitted flight over water, would allow the flight to be at the greater distance mentioned in subregulation 258 (1).

1 CASA 143/10 – Determination – flight visibility and distance from cloud in V.F.R. flights - Direction – Special V.F.R. flights

Instrument number CASA 143/10

[Signed John F. McCormick]

John F. McCormick
Director of Aviation Safety

25 May 2010

Determination — flight visibility and distance from cloud in V.F.R. flights

Direction — Special V.F.R. flights

1 Commencement

This instrument commences on 3 June 2010.

2 Revocation

CASA instrument SRS 3/1992 is revoked.

3 Determination — applicable distance for flight visibility

4 Determination — applicable distances for cloud

5 Direction —aircraft engaged in Special V.F.R. flights

The pilot of an aircraft may only conduct a flight in Class C or Class D airspace under the Special V.F.R. (SVFR) if:

(a) the flight is conducted clear of cloud; and

(b) flight visibility is not less than the following:

(i) for an aeroplane — 1 600 m;

(ii) for a helicopter — 800 m;

(iii) for a balloon:

(A) 100 m for a height below 500 ft AGL; or

(B) 1 600 m for a height above 500 ft AGL; and

(c) for a helicopter — the aircraft is operated at a speed that allows the pilot adequate opportunity to see any obstructions or air traffic in sufficient time to avoid collision; and

(d) the flight is conducted in accordance with the requirements of regulation 157 of CAR 1988 in relation to low flying; and

(e) the pilot has SVFR clearance from ATC.

6 Conditions

The instrument rests on a small set of interlocking regulatory concepts: V.F.R. flight, Special V.F.R. (SVFR), flight visibility, vertical and horizontal distance from cloud, airspace class and height, aircraft type distinctions, ATC clearance and operational conditions. Those concepts are implemented through determinations in Schedule 1 and the SVFR direction in s 5.

Flight visibility and cloud separation as binding minima. Sections 3 and 4 operate as positive legal determinations: for any airspace/aircraft/height combination identified in Schedule 1 the applicable flight-visibility distance is "not less than the relevant distance mentioned in column 5" and the applicable distances for vertical and horizontal distances from cloud are "not less than the relevant distances mentioned in column 6." That phrasing establishes minima rather than aspirational guidance.
Airspace class and height specificity. The Schedule is itemised by airspace class (A, C, D, E, G) and across discrete height bands, typically distinguishing at or above 10 000 ft AMSL and below 10 000 ft AMSL, and providing bespoke entries for aerodrome-proximal operations (for example, Class G items addressing operations at or below certain AMSL/AGL thresholds). The minima therefore vary by airspace and by altitude.
Aircraft-type differentiation. The instrument separates aeroplanes, helicopters and balloons and assigns different visibility minima and cloud separation requirements. For example, the SVFR direction (s 5(b)) prescribes different flight-visibility minima for aeroplanes (1 600 m), helicopters (800 m) and balloons (100 m or 1 600 m depending on height). Schedule 1 repeats and refines differences, with some items (10 and 11) providing lower visibility minima for helicopters in Class G under tightly prescribed conditions.
Conditions and qualifications. Column 7 of Schedule 1 contains conditions that can tighten or relax the minima. Examples include conditions requiring day operation only, carriage and use of radio, speed limitations to permit see-and-avoid, requirements to report/broadcast and maintain a listening watch when operating near aerodromes with instrument approaches, and explicit alternative ATC permission for SVFR (referenced in items 2, 3 and 4 as "Subject to alternative ATC permission for SVFR. See Note 2").
SVFR as an ATC-mediated exception. The instrument treats SVFR as a specific operational category subject to ATC clearance. Section 5 directs that an SVFR flight in Class C or D airspace is only permissible if the pilot has SVFR clearance from ATC (s 5(e)), and Schedule 1 repeatedly refers to "alternative ATC permission for SVFR" in items that apply to controlled airspace.
Interaction with CAR 1988 requirements. The direction in s 5(d) requires SVFR flights to comply with regulation 157 (low flying). Schedule items reference subregulation 258(1) (overwater distance) and subregulation 258(3) (defence where flight is in accordance with CASA directions) in Notes 3 and following text. Note 2 points practitioners to subregulations 172(4) and (5) of CAR 1988 for the treatment of SVFR. The instrument therefore functions not in isolation but as part of the CAR 1988 regulatory framework.

Conceptually, the instrument implements a matrix of minima that condition pilots' rights to operate under VFR or SVFR. The minima are presented as objective thresholds that determine whether a VFR flight is lawful; the instrument also delegates practical day-to-day discretion to ATC (via SVFR clearance and "alternative ATC permission" in several items) and to operational choices by pilots (aircraft type, equipment, speed, route, altitude) that may permit narrower minima under certain conditions (for example, helicopter use of approved radio navigation aids in item 11 condition 2).

The instrument directly affects three categories of regulated actors: pilots (as responsible persons in command), aircraft operators (airlines, charter operators, general aviation owners), and air traffic control services (ATC/CASA as regulator/operator of SVFR clearances). There are also indirect effects on aerodrome operators, flight planners, training organisations and maintenance/avionics suppliers.

Pilots and operators. The instrument imposes statutory minima that pilots must observe when conducting VFR or SVFR flights. Section 5 places affirmative duties on the pilot for SVFR in Class C or D airspace (clear of cloud, specified flight visibility, speed in helicopters, compliance with reg 157 and SVFR clearance). Schedule 1 determines the minima applicable to particular flights by reference to airspace class, aircraft type and height. Pilots must therefore identify the relevant Schedule 1 item for their planned flight, ensure visibility and cloud-separation conditions are met, and comply with any item-specific conditions (for example, day-only operation, carriage and use of radio, maintenance of a listening watch, vertical separation from IFR aircraft near instrument approach aerodromes). Non-compliance could expose pilots and operators to regulatory enforcement under the CAR framework.
ATC and CASA. ATC is the decision-maker for granting SVFR clearance (s 5(e)) and, where Schedule 1 items are subject to "alternative ATC permission for SVFR" (items 2-4), ATC retains discretion to permit or refuse SVFR consistent with traffic and safety concerns. CASA, via the Director of Aviation Safety, made the instrument under CAR powers and retains the broader regulatory role of issuing directions and managing the regulatory architecture. Note 2 in the instrument explicitly ties SVFR to subregulations 172(4) and (5) of CAR 1988, so ATC must exercise any permitted discretion within that regulatory frame.
Aerodrome operators and IFR operators. Several Schedule 1 conditions specifically concern operations within 10 nautical miles of an aerodrome with an approved instrument approach procedure. Helicopter items 10 and 11 require reporting/broadcasting/listening watch and maintaining 500 ft vertical separation from any aircraft conducting IFR operations less than 10 NM from the aerodrome. This creates operational intersections between VFR/SVFR helicopter movement and IFR traffic management near aerodromes, thus affecting aerodrome controllers and IFR operators whose separation or sequencing may be impacted.
Training organisations, maintenance and avionics suppliers. Some conditional relaxations of minima depend on equipment and navigation capabilities. For instance, Item 11 condition 2 allows vertical/horizontal cloud separation minima not to apply if the helicopter uses track guidance from an approved operating radio navigation aid and is equipped with a complementary radio navigation system. Operators who wish to exploit that conditional relief will therefore incur equipment and maintenance costs and training demands. Similarly, item 9 requires radio carriage and use on the appropriate frequency in some Class G conditions; that affects avionics carriage policies.
Balloons. Balloons have distinctive provisions: items 12 and 13 set separate minima and conditions (day operation only for very low balloons, and a special exception to vertical cloud clearance under narrow conditions). Balloon pilots and commercial balloon operators must monitor cloud-top heights, distances from instrument approach aerodromes and daylight constraints.

In short, the instrument changes operational boundaries: who may fly VFR or SVFR where and under what conditions. The immediate cost-bearers are pilots and operators who must comply with minima, potentially invest in equipment or operational changes, and obtain ATC clearances. ATC bears discretion responsibilities and procedural workload related to SVFR clearances and any "alternative ATC permission" processes specified by Schedule 1 conditions.

The instrument imposes clear duties on pilots and confers no affirmative “rights” beyond the conditional ability to conduct flights if minima and conditions are met.

Duties imposed directly by the instrument

Apply Schedule 1 minima. Under ss 3 and 4, pilots must ensure the applicable flight visibility and cloud separation distances are not less than the distances specified in Schedule 1 for the relevant airspace/aircraft/height combination. Section 6 reiterates that each applicable distance is to be applied subject to item-specific conditions in column 7 of Schedule 1.
SVFR direction in controlled airspace. Section 5 sets mandatory directions for SVFR in Class C and D airspace. The pilot may only conduct an SVFR flight in those airspaces if all of the following are satisfied: the flight is clear of cloud (s 5(a)); flight visibility is not less than the aircraft-specific minima (s 5(b): aeroplane 1 600 m, helicopter 800 m, balloon 100 m below 500 ft AGL or 1 600 m above 500 ft AGL); for helicopters the aircraft is operated at a speed that enables the pilot to see and avoid obstacles or other traffic in time (s 5(c)); the flight is conducted in accordance with regulation 157 of CAR 1988 regarding low flying (s 5(d)); and the pilot has SVFR clearance from ATC (s 5(e)). Each of these is an independent precondition to lawful SVFR in Class C/D.
Comply with Schedule 1 conditions. Column 7 conditions include day-only operations, carriage and use of radio on appropriate frequencies (e.g., Item 9), speed restrictions to maintain see-and-avoid capability (repeated for helicopters), reporting/broadcast/listening watch requirements when within 10 NM of aerodromes having instrument approaches, and required vertical separation from IFR aircraft in specified contexts. Pilots must identify and comply with those conditions for their operational profile.
Specific equipment and navigation-based exceptions. Item 11 condition 2 provides that applicable distances for vertical and horizontal distances from cloud do not apply if a helicopter uses track guidance from an approved operating radio navigation aid and is equipped with a complementary radio navigation system. Where an operator seeks to rely on that condition it is their duty to ensure both the navigation guidance and the complementary system are present and operational.
Overwater distance considerations. Notes in the instrument draw attention to subregulation 258(1) of CAR 1988 (Note 3) and subregulation 258(3) as a defence where flights are in accordance with CASA directions. Where operations occur over water at distances from land that implicate subregulation 258(1), the instrument requires pilots to have regard to those CAR obligations and the CASA directions that might modify them.

Rights and operational entitlements

Conditional entitlement to fly VFR or SVFR. The instrument does not give an unfettered right to operate under VFR/SVFR; rather it creates conditional entitlements. If the visibility, cloud separation and item-specific conditions are satisfied, and where relevant ATC grants SVFR clearance, the pilot is permitted to conduct the flight in compliance with the CAR framework. The instrument therefore operationalises the circumstances in which a pilot may lawfully claim to be operating a VFR flight.
Discrete aircraft-type allowances. The instrument affords lower visibility minima and different cloud-separation regimes for certain aircraft types in specified contexts (for example, helicopters under s 5(b) and Schedule items 10-11, balloons under items 12-13). Operators of those aircraft types thereby have a narrower set of compliance choices and the conditional ability to fly in lower visibility environments than aeroplanes in some contexts.

Who decides

ATC decides on SVFR clearance. Section 5(e) and repeated references in Schedule 1 to "alternative ATC permission for SVFR" (items 2-4) indicate that ATC has decision-making authority to allow or deny SVFR flights where permitted under the instrument and under the CAR 1988 references.
Pilots decide whether the flight will meet the minima and conditions. Compliance is an affirmative duty of the pilot in command; the pilot’s operational judgement on visibility, cloud, speed and equipment condition is central to lawful operation.

Duties flowing from external CAR regs

Regulation 157 (low flying) and subregulation 172 SVFR rules. Section 5(d) links to reg 157; Note 2 directs readers to subregulations 172(4) and (5) for SVFR treatment. The instrument therefore imports duties and constraints from the wider CAR 1988 framework and makes compliance with those provisions an express condition for certain SVFR flights.

In short, the instrument prescribes duties on operators and pilots to observe numeric minima and item-specific conditions and places operational discretion with ATC for SVFR clearances. Compliance depends on accurate identification of the relevant Schedule 1 item, observance of its conditions and coordination with ATC where SVFR is sought.

The instrument itself is a CASA determination and direction made under CAR 1988 powers. It does not set out penalty amounts or a specific enforcement regime within its text. Enforcement mechanisms, penalties and prosecutorial pathways are those established by the CAR 1988 framework and other applicable aviation legislation. Practitioners should treat any contravention of the instrument as non-compliance with CASA directions and with the CAR 1988 regime under which it was made.

How non-compliance will be treated within the regulatory architecture

Contravention as regulatory breach. The instrument is made under CAR 1988 powers (the instrument recites its statutory bases in the preamble), and non-observance of the determinations and directions would be treated as a failure to comply with CASA directions and, where relevant, a contravention of CAR provisions to which the instrument refers (for example regulation 157 on low flying, subregulation 172 in relation to SVFR and subregulation 258 in relation to overwater distance). Enforcement action for such contraventions can include administrative sanctions (suspension or cancellation of licences, enforcement notices), infringement notices if available under the CAR scheme, or prosecution under the CAR 1988 offences framework. The instrument does not itself list offence provisions or fines.
ATC refusal and operational enforcement. Because SVFR depends on ATC clearance (s 5(e)), ATC has an operational enforcement lever: a pilot who attempts an SVFR flight without clearance is operating contrary to the instrument and ATC instructions. ATC may refuse clearance or issue instructions to an aircraft, and subsequent non-compliance with ATC instructions can be the basis for enforcement action.
Evidential and procedural considerations. The Schedule 1 minima are objective and numerical. This makes evidential determinations in enforcement settings relatively straightforward: recorded visibility reports, pilot reports, ATC transcripts and recorded clearances, recorded flight profiles and avionics data can be used to establish whether the minima and conditions were met. That said, some conditions are judgment-based (for instance whether a helicopter was being operated at a speed that allowed the pilot adequate opportunity to see and avoid), and enforcement action in such cases may require subjective assessment of pilot conduct against the instrument’s standards and against any applicable CAR provisions.
Defences and CASA directions. The instrument’s Notes point to subregulation 258(3) of CAR 1988, which provides a defence to a prosecution under subregulation 258(1) if the flight was in accordance with directions issued by CASA. That note and the instrument’s revocation language (s 2) indicate that CASA directions may operate both to modify operational constraints and to provide potential defences where flights comply with CASA-issued directions. Whether a particular CASA direction will operate as a defence is a legal question determined by the language of CAR 1988 and any prosecutorial practice.

What the instrument does not provide

The instrument does not specify fixed monetary penalties or the precise enforcement process for breaches of its terms. That detail sits in CAR 1988 and in CASA’s enforcement policies and practice. Practitioners must therefore consult CAR 1988 offence and penalty provisions and CASA enforcement guidance to assess exposure and likely enforcement outcomes for breaches of the instrument.

In practice, enforcement will involve the interplay of ATC operational control (clearances and instructions), CASA oversight (surveillance, enforcement notices, licence action) and statutory offence provisions in CAR 1988. Because the instrument prescribes bright-line numeric minima for many scenarios, factual breaches can be made out by reference to objective data, but several item-specific conditions and subjective standards mean enforcement outcomes will depend on the particular facts and the broader CAR framework.

The instrument is explicitly interconnected with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988. It was made under specific CAR 1988 powers and repeatedly cross-references particular CAR 1988 provisions; it therefore functions as a directional instrument that must be read in tandem with the CAR framework.

Direct cross-references in the instrument

Enabling provisions. The instrument states it is made under subregulations 92(2), 99AA(5), 172(2A) and regulation 303A of CAR 1988. Those provisions provide the statutory authority for CASA to issue determinations and directions concerning flight operations. The instrument’s legal force therefore derives from those CAR powers.
SVFR and CAR 1988. The instrument’s Note 2 alerts readers that SVFR is "dealt with in subregulations 172(4) and (5) of CAR 1988." Section 5(e) requires the pilot to have SVFR clearance from ATC; the SVFR rules in CAR 1988 set the broader legal framework for how ATC and pilots must treat SVFR approvals and operations. The instrument therefore imposes minima and operational conditions that supplement and operate within the SVFR regime in CAR 1988.
Low flying regulation. Section 5(d) requires that an SVFR flight be conducted in accordance with regulation 157 of CAR 1988 in relation to low flying. That imports the substantive content of regulation 157 into the SVFR direction; any obligations or prohibitions in regulation 157 are incorporated by reference and must be complied with. Practitioners should therefore read s 5(d) as an explicit cross-incorporation of reg 157 duties when operating SVFR in Class C or D.
Overwater distance and defences. Note 3 reproduces the substantive content of subregulation 258(1) of CAR 1988, noting that a pilot in command must not fly over water at a distance from land greater than the distance from which the aircraft could reach land in the event of engine failure (and specifying critical engine considerations for multi-engined aircraft). The instrument further notes that subregulation 258(3) provides a defence to prosecution if the flight was in accordance with directions issued by CASA, and that CASA has issued directions that, if complied with, would allow flights to be at the greater distance mentioned in subregulation 258(1). This creates an explicit interaction: overwater distance legal limits in CAR 1988 remain operative but may be modified by CASA directions; compliance with CASA directions can operate as a statutory defence under CAR 1988 subreg 258(3).

Operational interactions and potential tensions

ATC discretion vs. numeric minima. Several Schedule items (2-4) are qualified "Subject to alternative ATC permission for SVFR. See Note 2." That creates a layer of ATC discretion that interacts with the numeric minima. In other words, even where Schedule 1 sets a visibility or cloud-separation minima, ATC may exercise permission-making powers under CAR SVFR rules to allow alternative arrangements, or deny SVFR clearance on traffic-safety grounds. Practitioners must therefore manage the intersection of bright-line minima and ATC operational discretion.
Equipment-based exceptions and certification/regulatory approvals. Item 11 condition 2 provides that the applicable distances for vertical and horizontal distances from cloud do not apply if a helicopter uses track guidance from an approved operating radio navigation aid and is equipped with a complementary radio navigation system. That clause intersects with certification, equipment approval and operations specifications governed under CAR 1988 and CASA approvals. Operators relying on this exception will need to ensure that the navigation aids and "complementary radio navigation system" meet the regulatory approvals and operational approval processes under CAR 1988 and CASA instruments.
Proximity to instrument approach aerodromes. Multiple conditions depend on operations within 10 NM of an aerodrome having an approved instrument approach procedure. This creates an operational interface between the Schedule minima and aerodrome-specific instrument procedures regulated under CAR 1988 and aeronautical information publications. Pilots operating near such aerodromes must therefore coordinate both with ATC and with aerodrome-specific procedural requirements.

Limitations of the instrument’s interaction statements

The instrument does not alter CAR 1988 text or replace CAR offence provisions. It operates as a CASA determination and direction that must be complied with in conjunction with CAR 1988. Where the instrument refers to CAR provisions, those provisions retain their independent legal effect.
The instrument’s Notes invite consultation of CAR 1988 provisions for full legal effect. Practitioners should therefore not treat the instrument in isolation; it is an element in the regulatory network constituted by CAR 1988 and CASA instruments and approvals.

In practice, compliance requires reading the instrument alongside the CAR 1988 provisions it cites (notably reg 157, subreg 172, subreg 258) and any aerodrome-specific procedures, ATC practices and CASA directions that may further qualify operations.

The instrument’s text provides a concise internal amendment history limited to two explicit items.

Commencement. The instrument commences on 3 June 2010 (s 1). That is the date on which its determinations and direction became operative and SRS 3/1992 was revoked (s 2).
Revocation of prior instrument. Section 2 revokes CASA instrument SRS 3/1992. The new instrument therefore replaces SRS 3/1992 as the operative CASA determination and direction governing applicable VFR flight visibility and cloud separation distances in Australian airspace.

No later amendments, variations or repeal provisions are recorded in the text provided. The instrument does not itself include transitional arrangements beyond the simple revocation of SRS 3/1992 and the commencement date. It does not record any earlier amendments to the instrument (because the instrument itself appears to be the replacement instrument).

What the instrument does not record

No later modifications are set out. The instrument as provided contains no express amending instruments, no schedules of amendment or modification, and no sunset clause. Practitioners must therefore be aware that subsequent legislative or regulatory changes to CAR 1988, later CASA instruments, or other directions could have modified the legal landscape after the instrument’s commencement. None of those later changes are recorded in this instrument.

Recommended due diligence

Check for subsequent instruments. Because the instrument only records its own commencement and revocation of SRS 3/1992, an operator or legal adviser must check CASA's register of instruments and the Federal Register of Legislation for any subsequent instruments amending, revoking or replacing CASA 143/10, and for any amendments to the referenced CAR 1988 provisions (regulation 157, subregulation 172, subregulation 258, or the enabling provisions cited in the preamble). The instrument itself does not provide that follow-up history.
Confirm current status of SRS 3/1992 revocation. The instrument expressly revokes SRS 3/1992 (s 2); practitioners should ensure that no residual or transitional clauses from SRS 3/1992 survive in any other instruments or approvals. The text of CASA 143/10 does not preserve SRS 3/1992 in any way.

In short, the instrument records only its own commencement (3 June 2010) and that it replaced SRS 3/1992. Any amendment history beyond that must be sought in the public legislative and CASA instrument records; it is not contained in this instrument.

The instrument as supplied contains no reference to any litigation, court decisions, administrative appeals or precedential determinations interpreting it. It does not cite any cases, and it does not note any challenges to its validity or application.

Immediate implications for practitioners

No reported decisions in the instrument. Because the instrument contains no litigation history, there are no binding judicial pronouncements recorded in the text that clarify marginal or contested aspects (for example, the proper interpretation of a Schedule 1 condition or the evidentiary standard required to establish that a helicopter's speed "allows the pilot adequate opportunity to see any obstructions or air traffic in sufficient time to avoid collision").
Need to search case law and administrative determinations. Practitioners requiring interpretive guidance should search the court and tribunal databases (Federal Court, Federal Circuit and Family Court as relevant, Administrative Appeals Tribunal decisions, and any coronial findings) for any decisions postdating the instrument's commencement that reference CASA 143/10 or its Schedule 1 items. The instrument itself does not provide those materials.

Potential types of litigation or disputes that could arise (based on instrument content)

Enforcement prosecutions. If a pilot is prosecuted under CAR 1988 or otherwise disciplined for operating contrary to Schedule 1 or s 5, litigation could arise to determine whether the instrument’s minima and conditions were complied with, whether ATC clearance was appropriately granted or withheld, and whether any defences under CAR 1988 (for example subregulation 258(3)) apply.
Judicial review of discretionary ATC decisions. Items referencing "alternative ATC permission for SVFR" create a context in which ATC exercises discretion. Disputes could arise concerning whether ATC’s exercise of that discretion was lawful, reasonable or complied with procedural obligations. The instrument does not itself detail any procedure for seeking review of ATC decisions; judicial or administrative review avenues would be governed by general administrative law principles and CAR 1988 processes.
Interpretation of subjective conditions. Conditions requiring subjective assessments, such as a helicopter "operated at a speed that allows the pilot adequate opportunity to see any obstructions or air traffic in sufficient time to avoid collision", could generate disputes over the standard of care and the factual assessment of the pilot’s conduct.

Limitations for the reader

Absence of a litigation record in the instrument does not mean there has been no litigation. The instrument simply does not record any litigation history. Practitioners must consult legal databases and CASA enforcement records to determine whether there have been court or tribunal decisions addressing the instrument’s provisions since its commencement.

In sum, the instrument contains no litigation history within its text. Any reliance on judicial interpretation or precedent therefore requires independent legal research beyond the instrument.

The Schedule’s itemisation, conditional clauses and cross-references create a number of practical traps and areas where operational misunderstanding can lead to non-compliance. Below are specific "gotchas" drawn from the instrument text that practitioners should highlight.

Multiple overlapping sources of obligation. The instrument must be read together with CAR 1988 provisions it references (reg 157, subreg 172, subreg 258). A pilot who follows the numeric minima in Schedule 1 but ignores the low-flying rules in regulation 157 or the overwater constraints in subregulation 258(1) risks non-compliance. Section 5(d) explicitly incorporates reg 157 into the SVFR direction.
Airspace class and height selection errors. Schedule 1 items differentiate minima by airspace class and by altitude bands (for example at/above 10 000 ft AMSL and below 10 000 ft AMSL). Selecting the wrong Schedule item for a given flight (for example misidentifying whether an operation is "below 10 000 ft AMSL" or the controlling airspace class) changes the applicable minima materially. Practitioners must ensure flight-planning and briefing processes correctly determine airspace class and the precise height at which the flight will occur.
SVFR clearance vs. SVFR minima. Section 5 requires SVFR clearance from ATC for SVFR flights in Class C or D airspace. Even if a pilot meets the numeric minima, the absence of ATC SVFR clearance makes the flight non-compliant. Conversely, ATC may refuse SVFR clearance even when minima are met due to traffic or safety considerations; Schedule 1 items 2-4 also indicate "subject to alternative ATC permission for SVFR." Pilots should not assume numeric compliance guarantees an operational SVFR clearance.
Helicopter speed standard is non-numeric and subjective. The requirement in s 5(c) and repeated in item conditions that helicopters be operated "at a speed that allows the pilot adequate opportunity to see any obstructions or air traffic in sufficient time to avoid collision" is a non-numeric, operator-judged standard. That creates legal and operational uncertainty: what speed is adequate in particular visibility conditions is context-dependent and may be scrutinised in enforcement or incident review.
Equipment-based waivers require approved navigation aids and complementary systems. Item 11 condition 2 removes vertical and horizontal cloud separation requirements for helicopters only if they "use track guidance provided by an approved operating radio navigation aid" and are "equipped with a complementary radio navigation system." Operators who plan to rely on that exception must confirm the nav aids are approved and that the complementary system is certified and operational at the time of flight; failure to do so eliminates the waiver and re-imposes the cloud separation minima.
Balloons have special vertical-clearance exceptions with tight spatial constraints. Item 12 allows no vertical clearance below the balloon provided the cloud top is at or below 500 ft AGL and the balloon is at least 10 NM from an aerodrome with an approved instrument approach. Misreading "top of the cloud" vs. "cloud base" or mismeasuring the distance to an instrument approach aerodrome can render an operation non-compliant. Item 13 imposes a day-only condition for balloons below 500 ft AGL plus the 10 NM aerodrome-distance requirement.
Radio carriage and use requirements. Item 9 requires radio to be carried and used on the appropriate frequency when operating in certain Class G conditions. Failure to have a functioning radio or to maintain the appropriate frequency listening watch (especially when operating within 10 NM of instrument approach aerodromes) is a compliance defect.
Overwater distance interplay (Note 3). The instrument points to CAR 1988 subregulation 258(1) concerning maximum safe distance from land over water. Helicopter operations "below 700 ft above water" in item 10 are linked to the requirement that the aircraft operate at a distance from land that allows compliance with subregulation 258(1). Misinterpretation of how the instrument interacts with subregulation 258(1) and the CASA directions that may modify it creates operational risk. Note 3 highlights the existence of CASA directions that may extend permissible distance; operators must ensure they have complied with any relevant CASA directions before relying on such extensions.
Day-only restrictions. Several item conditions limit operations to day-only; failure to observe day/night constraints (for example in items 10, 11, 13) will render otherwise compliant flights unlawful.
Prescriptive numeric minima are not always intuitive. Minima such as 5 000 m flight visibility in many lower-altitude or Class D/G contexts can be misunderstood in practice (for example converting between km and m). Operators must ensure crew and dispatch calculations use the instrument’s units precisely as stated.

Each of these "gotchas" flows directly from the instrument’s text. Mitigation requires precise operational checklists, equipment verification, ATC coordination and pre-flight legal/operational review for flights that rely on conditional exceptions in Schedule 1.

Compliance with CASA 143/10 requires a disciplined, checklist-driven approach that aligns flight planning, crew briefings, aircraft equipment and ATC coordination with the Schedule 1 items and s 5 SVFR directions. Below is a practical compliance roadmap that maps the instrument’s legal requirements to operational steps.

Identify the applicable Schedule 1 item before every flight

Determine the airspace class (A, C, D, E or G) that will govern the planned route and the heights at which the aircraft will operate (noting the common 10 000 ft AMSL breakpoint in multiple items).
Confirm aircraft type (aeroplane, helicopter, balloon) and whether the planned profile falls into an item with special conditions (for example items 10-11 for helicopters, items 12-13 for balloons).
Record the applicable flight-visibility minima (column 5) and the vertical/horizontal cloud separation minima (column 6) for that item, and list the conditions in column 7 that apply.

Meet numerical minima and item conditions

Ensure flight visibility is at least the distance stated in column 5 for the applicable item. Convert units carefully; the Schedule uses kilometres, metres and nautical miles in different contexts (for example 8 km at/above 10 000 ft AMSL in several items, 5 000 m below 10 000 ft AMSL in others).
Ensure vertical and horizontal cloud separation meet the column 6 minima, unless a schedule condition or allowable exception applies (e.g. the helicopter navigation-based exception in item 11, or balloon exceptions in items 12-13).
Implement item-specific conditions: day-only operation, carriage and use of radios, reporting/broadcast and listening watch when within 10 NM of an aerodrome with an approved instrument approach procedure, maintaining vertical separation from IFR aircraft (500 ft where required), and adhering to speed limitations that ensure see-and-avoid capability for helicopters.

For SVFR in Class C or D airspace, satisfy s 5 prerequisites

Confirm the flight will be conducted clear of cloud (s 5(a)).
Confirm the appropriate flight-visibility minima are met for the aircraft type (s 5(b): aeroplane 1 600 m, helicopter 800 m, balloon 100 m below 500 ft AGL, 1 600 m above 500 ft AGL).
For helicopters, ensure indicated speed allows the pilot adequate opportunity to see obstructions or traffic (s 5(c)). Document the operational rationale in the flight’s risk assessment (for compliance evidence).
Ensure compliance with regulation 157 CAR 1988 regarding low flying (s 5(d)). This requires coordination with regulatory texts and flight-operations policies that govern low-altitude operations.
Obtain and record SVFR clearance from ATC before commencing the SVFR portion of the flight (s 5(e)). Keep ATC transcripts or recordings where available.

Equipment checks and navigational approvals for conditional waivers

Where relying on the item 11 helicopter exception to cloud separation, confirm that the track guidance is provided by an "approved operating radio navigation aid" and that a "complementary radio navigation system" is fitted and operational. Maintain documentation of approvals, equipment status and maintenance records.
Ensure radios required by item conditions are functional, tuned to the "appropriate frequency", and that crew procedures require continuous monitoring.

Overwater operations: reconcile with CAR 1988 subregulation 258

If operating over water at distances from land that engage subregulation 258(1), confirm the aircraft’s ability to reach land in case of engine failure and document compliance with subregulation 258(1) or, where applicable, compliance with CASA directions that extend permissible distance (Note 3).
If relying on the CASA directions noted in the instrument’s Note 3 as a legal defence, keep a clear record that the flight complied with the specific CASA direction in effect at the time.

Near-instrument-approach aerodrome procedures

If operating within 10 NM of an aerodrome with an approved instrument approach procedure, ensure compliance with reporting/broadcast/listening watch requirements and the 500 ft vertical separation from IFR operations where stipulated in item conditions. Coordinate with ATC and ensure standard operating procedures capture those obligations.

Document decision-making and maintain records

Keep flight planning records that identify the Schedule 1 item applied, weather briefings showing visibility and cloud heights, ATC SVFR clearance records, equipment status checklists (particularly for nav aids and radios), and written operational risk assessments (day/night decisions, pilot judgements about see-and-avoid speeds for helicopters).
Where subjective conditions apply (e.g. helicopter speed), record the operational factors that led to the pilot's decision in the flight releases and briefings to create evidence of reasoned compliance.

Training and procedures

Update operations manuals, training syllabuses and pilot briefings to reflect Schedule 1 minima and item conditions. Particular emphasis should be placed on helicopter and balloon operations where distinct minima and conditions apply.
Ensure dispatch and flight-planning personnel are trained to identify the correct schedule item, to advise pilots about ATC SVFR clearance requirements and to verify equipment approvals for any navigation-based waivers.

ATC coordination and booking SVFR

Because SVFR requires ATC clearance, incorporate ATC coordination into dispatch timelines. Anticipate and manage potential denials of SVFR clearance by ATC; have contingency plans (route or altitude changes, IFR filing or delay) where SVFR clearance is not granted.

Legal/practical review before relying on exceptions

Before relying operationally on any Schedule 1 exception (for example item 11 navigation-based exception or balloon vertical-clearance conditions in item 12), obtain legal/operational confirmation that the specific conditions are met and documented. Given the potential enforcement consequences, ensure a conservative approach to relying on conditional relaxations.

By mapping each flight’s profile to the exact Schedule 1 item and by preparing documentary evidence of compliance (weather, ATC clearances, radios and navigation system status, crew briefings), operators and pilots will be able to satisfy the instrument’s requirements. Remember that the instrument operates within the CAR 1988 framework and that compliance with other relevant CAR provisions (reg 157, subreg 172, subreg 258) is also required.

CASA 143/10 – Determination – flight visibility and distance from cloud in V.F.R. flights - Direction – Special V.F.R. flights

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CASA 143/10 – Determination – flight visibility and distance from cloud in V.F.R. flights - Direction – Special V.F.R. flights

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1 CASA 143/10 – Determination – flight visibility and distance from cloud in V.F.R. flights - Direction – Special V.F.R. flights

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