Part Part 45 - Civil Aviation Amendment Regulations 2000 (No. 3) - Display of nationality and registration marks and aircraft registration identification plates | Zoe
Part 45 Display of nationality and registration marks and aircraft registration identification plates
45.000 Make-up of this Part
45.000 Make-up of this Part
45.005 Applicability of this Part
Subpart B Australian nationality and registration markings
Division 1 General rules
45.010 Applicability of this Subpart
45.015 Australian nationality mark
45.020 Registration mark
45.025 Meaning of markings and set of markings
45.030 Meaning of character
45.035 Requirement for aircraft to bear its markings
45.040 Markings not to be obscured
45.045 Number and location of sets of markings — fixed-wing aircraft
45.050 Number and location of sets of markings — rotorcraft
45.055 Number and location of sets of markings — airships
45.060 Number and location of sets of markings — manned balloons
45.065 Minimum height of characters
45.070 Minimum width of characters
45.075 Size of hyphens
45.080 Minimum spacing of characters
45.085 How markings to be marked on aircraft
45.090 No confusing markings to be on aircraft
Division 2 Exemptions from general rules
45.095 Exhibition aircraft
45.100 Antique, experimental and ex-military aircraft
45.105 Aircraft with special configuration
45.110 Australian aircraft used by Defence Force
Division 3 Removal of markings
45.115 Removal of markings from sold aircraft
Subpart C Certain aircraft to bear words
45.120 Applicability of this Subpart
45.125 Requirement to bear certain words
45.130 Exemption for exhibition aircraft
Subpart D Aircraft registration identification plates
45.135 Applicability of this Subpart
45.140 What an aircraft registration identification plate is
45.145 Aircraft must carry aircraft registration identification plate
45.150 How and where aircraft registration identification plate is to be attached to aircraft
45.155 Removal or alteration of aircraft registration identification plates
45.160 Attachment of aircraft registration identification plate from another aircraft
Subpart E Marks on foreign registered aircraft operating in Australian Territory
45.165 Applicability of this Subpart
45.170 Marks to be on foreign registered aircraft in Australian territory
45.005 Applicability of this Part
(1) This Part deals mainly with:
(a) the nationality and registration marks of Australian aircraft; and
(b) the display of those, and other, marks on Australian aircraft; and
(c) the display of aircraft registration identification plates on Australian aircraft.
(2) This Part also makes provision about the display of nationality and registration marks on foreign registered aircraft.
Note For the definitions of Australian aircraft and foreign registered aircraft see subsection 3 (1) of the Act.
Subpart B Australian nationality and registration markings
Division 1 General rules
45.010 Applicability of this Subpart
This Subpart applies to all Australian aircraft.
Note For the definition of Australian aircraft see subsection 3 (1) of the Act.
45.015 Australian nationality mark
The Australian nationality mark is the capital letters VH.
45.020 Registration mark
The registration mark of an Australian aircraft is the group of characters that is assigned to the aircraft under Subpart C of Part 47.
45.025 Meaning of markings and set of markings
(1) An Australian aircraft’s markings are:
(a) if the aircraft was registered by CASA — the letters VH (the Australian nationality mark) and the aircraft’s registration mark, in that order, connected by a hyphen; or
(b) if the aircraft was registered by a registration agent — the aircraft’s registration mark.
(2) A set of markings for an Australian aircraft is an instance of the aircraft’s markings.
45.030 Meaning of character
character includes a letter and a digit, but does not include a hyphen.
45.035 Requirement for aircraft to bear its markings
(1) Except as Division 2 allows otherwise, an Australian aircraft, whenever it is operated, must bear as many sets of its markings as is required by whichever is applicable of regulations 45.045, 45.050, 45.055 and 45.060.
(2) Except as Division 2 allows otherwise, the sets must be on the outside of the aircraft in the places required by the applicable regulation.
(3) Except as Division 2 allows otherwise, the characters, and any hyphens, in each set must comply with regulations 45.065, 45.070 and 45.075.
(4) If an aircraft does not bear its markings as required by subregulations (1), (2) and (3), the aircraft’s registration holder is guilty of an offence punishable by a fine of 50 penalty units.
Note For the definition of Australian aircraft see subsection 3 (1) of the Act. For the definitions of registration holder and registration mark see the Dictionary.
45.040 Markings not to be obscured
A set of markings must be in a position where it is not obscured at any time by a moveable surface of the aircraft.
45.045 Number and location of sets of markings — fixed-wing aircraft
(1) On a fixed-wing aircraft, 3 sets of the aircraft’s markings must be displayed, as follows:
(a) 1 set either on the under surface of the port wing or across the under surface of both wings, in each case as set out in subregulation (2);
(b) the 2 other sets on:
(i) the fuselage, as set out in subregulation (3); or
(ii) engine nacelles or similar fixed obstructions on the fuselage, as set out in subregulation (5); or
(iii) the vertical tail, as set out in subregulation (6).
(2) A marking on the wing of an aircraft:
(a) must have its top towards the leading edge of the wing; and
(b) must be as nearly as possible parallel to the leading edge, and half-way between the leading and the trailing edge, of the wing.
(3) If the markings are on the aircraft’s fuselage, there must be 1 set on each side of the fuselage:
(a) between the trailing edge of the wing and the leading edge of the tailplane; or
(b) if the aircraft is of canard configuration and has no tailplane — between the trailing edge of the foreplane and the leading edge of the wing.
(4) In subregulation (3):
tailplane includes the tail surfaces of an aeroplane that has a vee-tail.
(5) If there is an engine nacelle or similar fixed obstruction on the part of the fuselage mentioned in paragraph (3) (a) or (b), there may be a set of markings on each nacelle or obstruction.
(6) If the markings are on the aircraft’s vertical tail, there must be:
(a) if the aircraft has a single vertical tail — 1 set on each side of the tail; or
(b) if the aircraft has a multi-vertical tail — 1 set on the outer side of each of its outermost surfaces.
45.050 Number and location of sets of markings — rotorcraft
On a rotorcraft, there must be 1 set of its markings on each side of its cabin, fuselage, boom or tail.
45.055 Number and location of sets of markings — airships
(1) An airship’s markings must be on either its hull or its stabilisers.
(2) If its markings are on its hull, there must be:
(a) 1 set on the line of symmetry of its upper surface; and
(b) 1 set on each side of its hull.
(3) If its markings are on its stabilisers:
(a) there must be 1 set on each of:
(i) the upper surface of the right horizontal stabiliser; and
(ii) the lower surface of the left horizontal stabiliser; and
(b) each of those sets must be as nearly as possible half-way between the leading and the trailing edge of the stabiliser; and
(c) the tops of the letters in each of those sets must be towards the leading edge of the stabiliser; and
(d) there must be 1 set on each side of the lower vertical stabiliser.
45.060 Number and location of sets of markings — manned balloons
(1) A manned balloon must bear 2 sets of its markings.
(2) On a spherical balloon, the 2 sets must be in diametrically opposite places near the maximum horizontal circumference of its envelope.
(3) On a non-spherical balloon, the 2 sets must be on opposite sides of its envelope as near as possible to its maximum cross-section, but no lower than the higher of:
(a) the rigging band; or
(b) the points of attachment of the basket or the basket suspension cables.
45.065 Minimum height of characters
(1) This regulation sets out the minimum height of the characters in a set of markings.
(2) All the characters in a set of markings must be of the same height.
(3) Subject to subregulation (5), the minimum height of the characters in a set of markings is:
(a) in the case of markings on an aircraft (other than a glider) for which there is in force an experimental certificate issued for the purpose referred to in paragraph 21.191 (d) or (g), and whose maximum cruising speed is not greater than 180 knots CAS — 75 millimetres (for all markings); or
(b) in the case of markings on any other fixed-wing aircraft (except a glider):
(i) for markings on the aircraft’s wings — 500 millimetres; and
(ii) for markings on other parts of the aircraft — 300 millimetres; or
(c) in any other case — as given in the following table.
Minimum heights of characters in markings on certain kinds of aircraft
Column 1<br>Item
Column 2<br>Kind of aircraft
Column 3<br>Minimum height (mm)
1
Rotorcraft
300
2
Glider
75
3
Airship
500
4
Manned balloon
500
(4) If a surface of the aircraft on which there must be a set of the aircraft’s markings is not large enough to allow the characters to be as high as required by subregulation (3), then:
(a) that subregulation is to be disregarded; and
(b) the characters must be as high as possible while keeping their proportions the same.
(5) If a set of markings is required to be on each of 2 symmetrical parts of the aircraft (for example, on each side of the fuselage or tail), the height of the characters in both sets must be the same.
45.070 Minimum width of characters
(1) The width of a character must be equal to 2/3 of its height, with the following exceptions:
(a) the letter ‘I’ and the digit ‘1’, whose width must be equal to 1/6‑th of their height;
(b) the letters ‘M’ and ‘W’, whose width may be equal to their height.
(2) A character must be made up of solid lines that are 1/6‑th as thick as the character is high.
45.075 Size of hyphens
(1) A hyphen in a set of markings must be 1/6‑th of the height of the characters in the set.
(2) The width of a hyphen must be equal to 4 times its height.
45.080 Minimum spacing of characters
(1) The space between any 2 adjacent characters must be at least 1/6‑th of their height.
(2) The space between a hyphen and a character must be at least 1/6‑th of the height of the character.
45.085 How markings to be marked on aircraft
(1) An Australian aircraft’s markings must be painted on it, or fixed to it in some other way that is at least as permanent as painting.
(2) The markings:
(a) must be legible; and
(b) must have no ornamentation; and
(c) must be of a colour that clearly contrasts with their background.
(3) Subregulation (2) does not prohibit the use of slanted characters if:
(a) the characters remain legible; and
(b) the slant is no more than 35° from the perpendicular.
(4) The characters in a set of markings may be arranged one above the other only if the set is on:
(a) the centre-line of the upper surface of an airship; or
(b) a balloon.
(5) If the markings on an aircraft do not comply with subregulation (1), (2) or (4), the aircraft’s registration holder is guilty of an offence punishable by a fine of 20 penalty units.
45.090 No confusing markings to be on aircraft
(1) Subject to subregulation (3), a person must not, without the written approval of CASA, place on an Australian aircraft a design, mark or symbol that modifies, or creates confusion about, the marks displayed on the aircraft as its markings.
(2) CASA must not grant an approval under subregulation (1) if granting the approval would adversely affect the safety of air navigation.
Note For the definition of Australian aircraft see subsection 3 (1) of the Act.
(3) However, subregulation (1) does not apply in relation to the application of Defence Force symbols or call-signs to an Australian aircraft that is being operated by the Defence Force.
Division 2 Exemptions from general rules
45.095 Exhibition aircraft
(1) In this regulation:
exhibition includes an airshow and a film or television production.
(2) This regulation applies to an Australian aircraft if:
(a) the aircraft is to be operated for an exhibition; and
(b) the display of the aircraft’s markings on the aircraft would be inconsistent with its use for that purpose.
(3) Subject to subregulations (4) and (5), the aircraft need not bear its markings while it is operated:
(a) for any practice or test flight necessary for the exhibition; or
(b) at an exhibition location; or
(c) between exhibition locations; or
(d) between an exhibition location and the aircraft’s base of operations.
(4) Subregulation (3) applies only if:
(a) the aircraft’s registration holder has:
(i) told CASA in writing that the aircraft will be operated for the exhibition; and
(ii) given CASA a photograph or drawing of the aircraft, showing the colour of the aircraft, and any marks it will bear, while it is operated as mentioned in paragraph (3) (a), (b), (c) or (d); and
(b) the aircraft’s registration mark is clearly displayed in the aircraft’s cabin or cockpit.
(5) If the exhibition is taking place in a foreign country, subregulation (3) does not apply if the aircraft’s failure to bear its markings would contravene a law of that country.
45.100 Antique, experimental and ex-military aircraft
(1) This regulation applies to:
(a) an Australian aircraft in the normal category, utility category, acrobatic category or commuter category:
(i) of which the prototype was built 45 years or longer ago; and
(ii) that is employed in private operations; and
(b) an Australian aircraft:
(i) for which there is in force an experimental certificate issued for the purpose mentioned in paragraph 21.191 (d) or (g); and
(ii) that has the same external configuration as an aircraft built 45 years or longer ago; and
(c) an Australian aircraft of a type mentioned in subparagraph 21.189 (1) (a) (ii) for which there is in force:
(i) a special certificate of airworthiness of the kind mentioned in regulation 21.189; or
(ii) an experimental certificate issued for the purposes mentioned in paragraph 21.191 (b), (c), (d) or (e).
Note An aircraft in any of the categories mentioned in paragraph (1) (a) is an aircraft whose type design is certificated as meeting airworthiness standards equivalent to those set out in Part 23.
(2) The registration holder of an aircraft to which this regulation applies need not comply with any of regulations 45.045, 45.050, 45.055 and 45.060 that would otherwise apply in relation to the aircraft, nor with regulations 45.065, 45.070, 45.075, 45.080 and 45.085, if:
(a) the aircraft’s markings are either on each side of the fuselage, or as follows:
(i) if the aircraft has a single vertical tail — on each of the surfaces of the vertical tail; or
(ii) if the aircraft has a multi-vertical tail — on each of its outer surfaces; and
(b) those markings are at least 50 millimetres high; and
(c) there are no other marks beginning with VH anywhere on the aircraft; and
(d) if the aircraft is being operated in a foreign country, failure to comply with those regulations would not contravene a law of that country.
Note For the definition of private operations see subregulation 2 (7) of CAR 1988. For the definitions of experimental certificate and registration holder see the Dictionary.
45.105 Aircraft with special configuration
(1) This regulation applies to an Australian aircraft if, because of the aircraft’s configuration, it is not possible for it to bear its markings in accordance with whichever is applicable of regulations 45.045, 45.050, 45.055 and 45.060.
(2) On application by the aircraft’s registration holder, CASA must give the registration holder a written direction about where the aircraft must bear its markings.
(3) Despite regulations 45.065, 45.070, 45.075, 45.080 and 45.085, the direction may specify the size and spacing of the characters and any hyphens in the sets.
(4) The registration holder must comply with the direction.
(5) If CASA gives a direction in respect of an aircraft under subregulation (2), the aircraft’s registration holder need not comply with whichever of regulations 45.045, 45.050, 45.055 or 45.060 would otherwise apply, nor with regulations 45.065, 45.070, 45.075, 45.080 and 45.085, to the extent that the direction requires otherwise.
45.110 Australian aircraft used by Defence Force
In spite of regulations 45.040, 45.045, 45.050, 45.055, 45.060, 45.065, 45.070, 45.075, 45.080 and 45.085, if an Australian aircraft is being used by the Defence Force its markings may be removed or covered.
Division 3 Removal of markings
45.115 Removal of markings from sold aircraft
(1) This regulation applies if an Australian aircraft is sold to a person other than:
(a) an Australian citizen; or
(b) an individual who is not an Australian citizen, but holds a permanent visa (within the meaning of the Migration Act 1958); or
(c) a corporation incorporated under the Corporations Law of a State or Territory; or
(d) a body incorporated under a law (other than the Corporations Law of a State or Territory) in force in Australia; or
(e) the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory, or an agency of the Commonwealth, a State or a Territory; or
(f) a foreign corporation that:
(i) is lawfully carrying on business in Australia; and
(ii) intends to base, and primarily use, the aircraft in Australia.
(2) The person who was the aircraft’s registration holder immediately before the sale is guilty of an offence punishable by a fine of 20 penalty units if the aircraft’s markings are not removed from it before it is delivered to the purchaser.
Subpart C Certain aircraft to bear words
45.120 Applicability of this Subpart
This Subpart applies to an Australian aircraft:
(a) that is:
(i) a limited category aircraft (that is, an aircraft for which a special airworthiness certificate of the kind mentioned in regulation 21.189 is in force); or
(ii) a restricted category aircraft (that is, an aircraft for which a type certificate of the kind referred to in regulation 21.25 has been issued and is in force, or an aircraft of the same design as such an aircraft); or
(b) for which a provisional certificate of airworthiness or an experimental certificate of airworthiness is in force.
45.125 Requirement to bear certain words
(1) Whenever an aircraft to which this Subpart applies is operated, its registration holder must ensure that the aircraft bears the word required by subregulation (2), written in capital letters not less than 50, but not more than 150, millimetres high:
(a) on the outside of the aircraft near each entrance to the cabin or cockpit; or
(b) in the case of an aircraft that is entered by opening the canopy — on the outside of each side of the aircraft, immediately below the cockpit coaming; or
(c) in the case of an aircraft for which an experimental certificate of airworthiness is in force — inside the cockpit, in a position where it will alert the pilot and passenger to the fact that the aircraft meets no approved airworthiness standard.
(2) The word is:
(a) for a limited category aircraft — ‘LIMITED’; and
(b) for a restricted category aircraft — ‘RESTRICTED’; and
(c) for an aircraft for which a provisional certificate of airworthiness is in force — ‘PROVISIONAL’; and
(d) for an aircraft for which an experimental certificate of airworthiness is in force —‘EXPERIMENTAL’.
45.130 Exemption for exhibition aircraft
(1) In this regulation:
exhibition includes an airshow and a film or television production.
(2) This regulation applies to an Australian aircraft to which this Subpart applies if:
(a) the aircraft is to be operated for an exhibition; and
(b) it would be inconsistent with the use of the aircraft for that purpose for the aircraft to bear a word required by subregulation 45.120 (1).
Note Subregulation 45.120 (1) requires the word ‘LIMITED’, ‘RESTRICTED’, ‘PROVISIONAL’ or ‘EXPERIMENTAL’ to be displayed on certain aircraft.
(3) Subject to subregulations (4) and (5), the aircraft need not bear that word while it is operated:
(a) for any practice or test flight necessary for the exhibition; or
(b) at an exhibition location; or
(c) between exhibition locations; or
(d) between an exhibition location and the aircraft’s base of operations.
(4) Subregulation (3) applies only if:
(a) the aircraft’s registration holder has:
(i) told CASA in writing that the aircraft will be operated for the exhibition; and
(ii) given CASA a photograph or drawing of the aircraft, showing the colour of the aircraft, and the markings the aircraft will bear, while it is operated as mentioned in paragraph (3) (a), (b), (c) or (d); and
(b) the aircraft’s registration mark is clearly displayed in the aircraft’s cabin or cockpit.
(5) If the exhibition is taking place in a foreign country, subregulation (3) does not apply if the aircraft’s failure to bear the word would contravene a law of that country.
Subpart D Aircraft registration identification plates
Note This Subpart gives effect for Australia to section 8 of Annex 7 to the Chicago Convention.
45.135 Applicability of this Subpart
This Subpart applies to all Australian aircraft.
45.140 What an aircraft registration identification plate is
(1) An aircraft registration identification plate is a plate, made of fireproof material, on which is marked (by etching, stamping, engraving, or another approved method):
(a) if the aircraft was registered by CASA — the letters VH (the Australian nationality mark) followed by a hyphen and the aircraft’s registered mark; or
(b) if the aircraft was registered by a registration agent — its registration mark.
(2) For subregulation (1), the material of which a plate is made is fireproof if the plate withstands the heat of a fire at least as well as a steel plate of the same size and thickness.
45.145 Aircraft must carry aircraft registration identification plate
A person must not operate an Australian aircraft, and the registration holder of such an aircraft must not cause or allow it to be operated, unless an aircraft registration identification plate is attached to the aircraft in accordance with regulation 45.150.
45.150 How and where aircraft registration identification plate is to be attached to aircraft
(1) An aircraft’s registration identification plate must be attached to it in a way that ensures that the plate is not likely to be defaced or to become detached from the aircraft.
(2) The plate must be attached:
(a) in the case of a manned balloon — to the skirt of the balloon’s envelope, in a place where it is clearly visible before the balloon is inflated; or
(b) if CASA gives a direction under subregulation (3) — as set out in the direction; or
(c) in any other case — in a place (either inside or outside the aircraft’s hull or fuselage):
(i) near the aircraft’s entrance or main entrance; and
(ii) where it is clearly visible.
(3) CASA may, in writing, direct where the plate is to be attached to an aircraft (other than a balloon) if:
(a) the aircraft’s registration holder applies in writing to CASA for a direction under this subregulation; and
(b) the configuration of the aircraft does not allow its aircraft registration identification plate to be attached in accordance with paragraph (2) (c).
45.155 Removal or alteration of aircraft registration identification plates
(1) Except with CASA’s written approval, a person must not remove the aircraft registration identification plate of an aircraft from where it is attached to the aircraft.
Note The removal of an aircraft registration identification plate is permitted during maintenance, subject to conditions — see regulation 61 of CAR 1988.
(2) Except with CASA’s written approval, a person must not remove or alter any of the aircraft’s markings marked on an aircraft registration identification plate.
(3) CASA must not grant an approval under subregulation (1) or (2) if the granting of the approval will adversely affect the safety of air navigation.
45.160 Attachment of aircraft registration identification plate from another aircraft
A person must not attach to an aircraft an aircraft registration identification plate that displays the markings of another aircraft, or fictitious markings.
Subpart E Marks on foreign registered aircraft operating in Australian territory
45.165 Applicability of this Subpart
This Subpart applies to foreign registered aircraft operated in Australia.
45.170 Marks to be on foreign registered aircraft in Australian territory
A person must not operate a foreign registered aircraft in Australian territory unless the aircraft bears its nationality and registration marks in accordance with the law of the country in which it is registered.
Note For the definition of foreign registered aircraft see subsection 3 (1) of the Act.