CASA EX68/24 – Part 119 of CASR – Supplementary Exemptions and Directions Instrument 2024

This is a Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) instrument that provides temporary exemptions and special directions for Australian air transport operators transitioning to new flight operations regulations (Part 119 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, or CASR).

What it does:

• Grandfathers existing approvals: Saves approvals given under an earlier instrument (CASA EX82/21) so operators don't need to reapply for things like using electronic flight bags (EFBs), operating foreign-registered aircraft, or conducting night vision imaging system (NVIS) operations.
• Gives temporary relief from new requirements: Allows certain operators to keep using senior staff (Heads of Flying Operations and Training/Checking) who don't meet new qualification requirements, provided they met older standards. These exemptions expire when the operator starts scheduled passenger services or by a date CASA sets.
• Exempts certain private/business flights: Means some private, corporate, and government flights don't have to meet full air transport rules if they meet strict conditions (no payment, small aircraft, pilot properly licensed).
• Allows "cross-hiring": Lets operators use aircraft they don't own or have registered in their name for medical transport and charter flights, provided they have safety procedures in place.
• Sets transitional rules for safety systems: Provides exemptions and directions about flight data analysis programs, safety management systems, and training requirements while operators move to the new regulatory framework.