These Regulations set out the fees CASA charges for aviation regulatory services: some are fixed amounts and many are charged as hourly ‘HR’ items under a formula with differentiated hourly rates, plus extra recovery of travel or third‑party costs (reg 4; Sch 1). Applicants and other service recipients pay the fees; CASA can waive fees in special circumstances (reg 6), may provide consultancy or sell goods on agreed terms (regs 4B–4C), and a transitional rule preserves older fees for some pre‑2 Dec 2021 applications (reg 7).
The Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995 establish the statutory cost-recovery framework for regulatory services provided by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Acting under the enabling authority of paragraphs 98(3)(u) and (v) of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, these Regulations dictate how and when fees are assessed, calculated, and paid for a wide array of approvals, licences, certificates, and registrations required across the Australian aviation industry.
Mechanically, the Regulations move away from a pure flat-fee billing model, instead relying on a dual-track pricing mechanism. For simpler, high-volume administrative tasks, the Regulations prescribe specific, fixed dollar amounts. For more complex, variable, or technically demanding regulatory interventions, the Regulations use an hourly rate formula designated by the abbreviation "HR" in the regulatory schedules. Under regulation 4(1)(b), the fee for these "HR" services is calculated as the hourly rate multiplied by the total number of hours spent by CASA officers in providing the service.
The Regulations also establish cost-recovery mechanisms for ancillary expenses. These include the actual costs of travel outside Australia, the costs of subsequent safety-related inspections, and direct pass-throughs of third-party fees incurred by CASA. By structuring fees around variable hourly rates and direct expense recovery, the Regulations seek to shift the financial cost of safety oversight and administration directly onto the specific commercial operators, maintenance organisations, and aviation personnel requesting those services, rather than relying on general taxpayer funding.
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995.
34
Part 1
Preliminary
Part 1—Preliminary
1
Name of Regulations
1 Name of Regulations
These Regulations are the Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995.
3
Definitions
3 Definitions
(1) In these Regulations:
Act means the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
ASIC means an aviation security identification card issued under Part 6 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.
CAR means the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.
CASR means the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.
(2) An expression that is used in these Regulations and in CAR or CASR has the same meaning in these Regulations as in CAR or CASR, as the case requires.
Part 2
Fees
Part 2—Fees
4
Fees for aviation regulatory services
4 Fees for aviation regulatory services
(1) For paragraphs 98(3)(u) and (v) of the Act, the fee for a service specified in an item in Schedule 1, is:
(a) the amount specified in the item; or
(b) if the item contains ‘HR’—for each provision of the service, the amount calculated by the formula:
View image in the official source
(2) In the formula in subregulation (1):
Rate is:
(a) for:
(i) items 2.12, 2.12A, 2.13, 2.14, 2.16, 2.17 and 15.9 of Schedule 1—$130; and
(ii) items 24.2, 24.5 and 24.8 of Schedule 1—$100; or
(b) if the interests of the safety of air navigation require that the service be provided by a senior CASA officer, or by a CASA officer with particular experience or qualifications—$190; or
(c) in any other case—$160.
N is the total number of hours spent by CASA officers in the provision of the service.
Note: Example: For paragraphs (b) and (c), a service in a general aviation matter is likely to be charged for at $160 per hour, and a service provided by an air transport flying operations inspector at $190 per hour.
(3) For the purposes of applying the formula in paragraph (1)(b), if the total time spent by CASA officers in providing the relevant service in a particular case is not a whole number of quarter‑hours, the total time is to be rounded down to the next lower number of quarter‑hours.
(4) If:
(a) a fee is specified in Schedule 1 for the processing and consideration of an application for something; but
(b) no fee is specified in that Schedule for the processing and consideration of an application for its renewal or variation;
the fee referred to in paragraph (a) is payable for the processing and consideration of an application for the renewal or variation.
(5) In subregulation (4), a reference to a variation does not include a minor and merely formal change such as the recording of a change of postal address.
(6) If the provision of a service by CASA requires a CASA officer or a person on CASA’s behalf to travel outside Australia, there is an additional fee for the provision of the service equal to the reasonable cost of that travel and any reasonably necessary meals, accommodation and incidental expenses for the officer or person.
(6A) If a service is provided to or for a person outside Australia and, following the provision of the service, CASA:
(a) considers that it is necessary in the interests of the safety of air navigation to inspect, assess and report on the person’s premises, operations or activities; and
(b) requires a CASA officer or a person acting on CASA’s behalf to travel outside Australia;
the following fees are payable for the inspection, assessment and report:
(c) a fee equal to the reasonable cost of the travel, meals, accommodation and incidental expenses of the officer or person; and
(d) the amount calculated by the formula:
View image in the official source
where
Rate is:
(a) if the interests of the safety of air navigation require that the service be provided by a senior CASA officer, or by a CASA officer with particular experience or qualifications—$190; or
(b) in any other case—$160.
N is the total number of hours spent by the CASA officer or person in the inspection, assessment and preparation of the report.
(7) If the provision of a service by CASA requires CASA to pay a fee or charge, there is an additional fee for the provision of the service equal to the fee or charge paid or payable by CASA.
4A
Effect of items in Part 1 of Schedule 1
4A Effect of items in Part 1 of Schedule 1
Despite anything in Part 1 of Schedule 1, if a CASA officer is appointed as an authorised person, or a delegate of CASA, for any purpose other than for his or her official duties, he or she must pay the fee specified in the relevant item for the appointment or delegation.
4B
Consultancy services
4B Consultancy services
Nothing in regulation 4 or Schedule 1 prevents CASA from providing consultancy services under paragraph 9(3)(f) of the Act on any terms agreed between it and the person to whom the services are to be provided.
4C
Sale of goods etc
4C Sale of goods etc
Nothing in regulation 4 or Schedule 1 prevents CASA from setting a reasonable price for goods that it offers for sale in the course of performing its functions.
5
Fees for aviation security status checks, ASICs and related matters
5 Fees for aviation security status checks, ASICs and related matters
Interpretation
(1) An expression used in this regulation and also in Part 6 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 (the ATS Regulations) has the same meaning in this regulation as in that Part.
Fees for aviation security status checks and related matters
(2) The fee for the processing and consideration of an application for any one or more of the things mentioned in subregulation (3) is the total of:
(a) $54; and
(b) if the processing and consideration would require CASA to pay an amount to another person or organisation—the amount required to be paid by CASA to the other person or organisation.
Note: Guidance as to the additional amounts that may be payable may be published on the CASA website at www.casa.gov.au.
(3) For subregulation (2), the things are the following:
(a) an aviation security status check for the holder of, or an applicant for, a security designated authorisation;
(b) verification of identity and citizenship status under paragraphs 6.57(1)(a) and (b) of the ATS Regulations for an applicant for a security designated authorisation;
(c) the issue, in connection with the carrying out of CASA’s functions under Division 6.7 of the ATS Regulations, of an identity document (however described), other than an ASIC;
(d) the replacement of an identity document mentioned in paragraph (c).
(4) A fee imposed by this regulation for the processing and consideration of an application for an aviation security status check, or verification of identity and citizenship, for an applicant for a security designated authorisation is in addition to any fee imposed by regulation 4 for the grant or issue of the authorisation.
Fees for ASICs
(5) The fee for the processing and consideration of an application for the issue or replacement of an ASIC is the total of:
(a) $54; and
(b) if the processing and consideration would require CASA to pay an amount to another person or organisation—the amount required to be paid by CASA to the other person or organisation.
6
Waiver of fees
6 Waiver of fees
CASA may waive a fee, or part of a fee, payable under these Regulations if CASA determines that special circumstances exist which make it inappropriate for the fee to be payable.
Part 3
Application, saving and transitional provisions
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Name of Regulations
These Regulations are the Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995.
3 Definitions
(1) In these Regulations:
Act means the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
ASIC means an aviation security identification card issued under Part 6 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.
CAR means the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.
CASR means the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.
(2) An expression that is used in these Regulations and in CAR or CASR has the same meaning in these Regulations as in CAR or CASR, as the case requires.
Part 2—Fees
4 Fees for aviation regulatory services
(1) For paragraphs 98(3)(u) and (v) of the Act, the fee for a service specified in an item in Schedule 1, is:
(a) the amount specified in the item; or
(b) if the item contains ‘HR’—for each provision of the service, the amount calculated by the formula:
View image in the official source
(2) In the formula in subregulation (1):
Rate is:
(a) for:
(i) items 2.12, 2.12A, 2.13, 2.14, 2.16, 2.17 and 15.9 of Schedule 1—$130; and
(ii) items 24.2, 24.5 and 24.8 of Schedule 1—$100; or
(b) if the interests of the safety of air navigation require that the service be provided by a senior CASA officer, or by a CASA officer with particular experience or qualifications—$190; or
(c) in any other case—$160.
N is the total number of hours spent by CASA officers in the provision of the service.
Note: Example: For paragraphs (b) and (c), a service in a general aviation matter is likely to be charged for at $160 per hour, and a service provided by an air transport flying operations inspector at $190 per hour.
(3) For the purposes of applying the formula in paragraph (1)(b), if the total time spent by CASA officers in providing the relevant service in a particular case is not a whole number of quarter‑hours, the total time is to be rounded down to the next lower number of quarter‑hours.
(4) If:
(a) a fee is specified in Schedule 1 for the processing and consideration of an application for something; but
(b) no fee is specified in that Schedule for the processing and consideration of an application for its renewal or variation;
the fee referred to in paragraph (a) is payable for the processing and consideration of an application for the renewal or variation.
(5) In subregulation (4), a reference to a variation does not include a minor and merely formal change such as the recording of a change of postal address.
(6) If the provision of a service by CASA requires a CASA officer or a person on CASA’s behalf to travel outside Australia, there is an additional fee for the provision of the service equal to the reasonable cost of that travel and any reasonably necessary meals, accommodation and incidental expenses for the officer or person.
(6A) If a service is provided to or for a person outside Australia and, following the provision of the service, CASA:
(a) considers that it is necessary in the interests of the safety of air navigation to inspect, assess and report on the person’s premises, operations or activities; and
(b) requires a CASA officer or a person acting on CASA’s behalf to travel outside Australia;
the following fees are payable for the inspection, assessment and report:
(c) a fee equal to the reasonable cost of the travel, meals, accommodation and incidental expenses of the officer or person; and
(d) the amount calculated by the formula:
View image in the official source
where
Rate is:
(a) if the interests of the safety of air navigation require that the service be provided by a senior CASA officer, or by a CASA officer with particular experience or qualifications—$190; or
(b) in any other case—$160.
N is the total number of hours spent by the CASA officer or person in the inspection, assessment and preparation of the report.
(7) If the provision of a service by CASA requires CASA to pay a fee or charge, there is an additional fee for the provision of the service equal to the fee or charge paid or payable by CASA.
4A Effect of items in Part 1 of Schedule 1
Despite anything in Part 1 of Schedule 1, if a CASA officer is appointed as an authorised person, or a delegate of CASA, for any purpose other than for his or her official duties, he or she must pay the fee specified in the relevant item for the appointment or delegation.
4B Consultancy services
Nothing in regulation 4 or Schedule 1 prevents CASA from providing consultancy services under paragraph 9(3)(f) of the Act on any terms agreed between it and the person to whom the services are to be provided.
4C Sale of goods etc
Nothing in regulation 4 or Schedule 1 prevents CASA from setting a reasonable price for goods that it offers for sale in the course of performing its functions.
5 Fees for aviation security status checks, ASICs and related matters
Interpretation
(1) An expression used in this regulation and also in Part 6 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 (the ATS Regulations) has the same meaning in this regulation as in that Part.
Fees for aviation security status checks and related matters
(2) The fee for the processing and consideration of an application for any one or more of the things mentioned in subregulation (3) is the total of:
(a) $54; and
(b) if the processing and consideration would require CASA to pay an amount to another person or organisation—the amount required to be paid by CASA to the other person or organisation.
Note: Guidance as to the additional amounts that may be payable may be published on the CASA website at www.casa.gov.au.
(3) For subregulation (2), the things are the following:
(a) an aviation security status check for the holder of, or an applicant for, a security designated authorisation;
(b) verification of identity and citizenship status under paragraphs 6.57(1)(a) and (b) of the ATS Regulations for an applicant for a security designated authorisation;
(c) the issue, in connection with the carrying out of CASA’s functions under Division 6.7 of the ATS Regulations, of an identity document (however described), other than an ASIC;
(d) the replacement of an identity document mentioned in paragraph (c).
(4) A fee imposed by this regulation for the processing and consideration of an application for an aviation security status check, or verification of identity and citizenship, for an applicant for a security designated authorisation is in addition to any fee imposed by regulation 4 for the grant or issue of the authorisation.
Fees for ASICs
(5) The fee for the processing and consideration of an application for the issue or replacement of an ASIC is the total of:
(a) $54; and
(b) if the processing and consideration would require CASA to pay an amount to another person or organisation—the amount required to be paid by CASA to the other person or organisation.
6 Waiver of fees
CASA may waive a fee, or part of a fee, payable under these Regulations if CASA determines that special circumstances exist which make it inappropriate for the fee to be payable.
Part 3—Application, saving and transitional provisions
Division 1—Amendments made by the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021
7 Amendments made by the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021
The amendments made by Division 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021 do not apply to processing or considering an application on or after 2 December 2021 if:
(a) the application was made before 2 December 2021; and
(b) under Division 202.EAA.1 of CASR, the old Regulations (within the meaning of that Division) continue to apply in relation to the application.
Division 1
Amendments made by the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Name of Regulations
These Regulations are the Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995.
3 Definitions
(1) In these Regulations:
Act means the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
ASIC means an aviation security identification card issued under Part 6 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.
CAR means the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.
CASR means the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.
(2) An expression that is used in these Regulations and in CAR or CASR has the same meaning in these Regulations as in CAR or CASR, as the case requires.
Part 2—Fees
4 Fees for aviation regulatory services
(1) For paragraphs 98(3)(u) and (v) of the Act, the fee for a service specified in an item in Schedule 1, is:
(a) the amount specified in the item; or
(b) if the item contains ‘HR’—for each provision of the service, the amount calculated by the formula:
View image in the official source
(2) In the formula in subregulation (1):
Rate is:
(a) for:
(i) items 2.12, 2.12A, 2.13, 2.14, 2.16, 2.17 and 15.9 of Schedule 1—$130; and
(ii) items 24.2, 24.5 and 24.8 of Schedule 1—$100; or
(b) if the interests of the safety of air navigation require that the service be provided by a senior CASA officer, or by a CASA officer with particular experience or qualifications—$190; or
(c) in any other case—$160.
N is the total number of hours spent by CASA officers in the provision of the service.
Note: Example: For paragraphs (b) and (c), a service in a general aviation matter is likely to be charged for at $160 per hour, and a service provided by an air transport flying operations inspector at $190 per hour.
(3) For the purposes of applying the formula in paragraph (1)(b), if the total time spent by CASA officers in providing the relevant service in a particular case is not a whole number of quarter‑hours, the total time is to be rounded down to the next lower number of quarter‑hours.
(4) If:
(a) a fee is specified in Schedule 1 for the processing and consideration of an application for something; but
(b) no fee is specified in that Schedule for the processing and consideration of an application for its renewal or variation;
the fee referred to in paragraph (a) is payable for the processing and consideration of an application for the renewal or variation.
(5) In subregulation (4), a reference to a variation does not include a minor and merely formal change such as the recording of a change of postal address.
(6) If the provision of a service by CASA requires a CASA officer or a person on CASA’s behalf to travel outside Australia, there is an additional fee for the provision of the service equal to the reasonable cost of that travel and any reasonably necessary meals, accommodation and incidental expenses for the officer or person.
(6A) If a service is provided to or for a person outside Australia and, following the provision of the service, CASA:
(a) considers that it is necessary in the interests of the safety of air navigation to inspect, assess and report on the person’s premises, operations or activities; and
(b) requires a CASA officer or a person acting on CASA’s behalf to travel outside Australia;
the following fees are payable for the inspection, assessment and report:
(c) a fee equal to the reasonable cost of the travel, meals, accommodation and incidental expenses of the officer or person; and
(d) the amount calculated by the formula:
View image in the official source
where
Rate is:
(a) if the interests of the safety of air navigation require that the service be provided by a senior CASA officer, or by a CASA officer with particular experience or qualifications—$190; or
(b) in any other case—$160.
N is the total number of hours spent by the CASA officer or person in the inspection, assessment and preparation of the report.
(7) If the provision of a service by CASA requires CASA to pay a fee or charge, there is an additional fee for the provision of the service equal to the fee or charge paid or payable by CASA.
4A Effect of items in Part 1 of Schedule 1
Despite anything in Part 1 of Schedule 1, if a CASA officer is appointed as an authorised person, or a delegate of CASA, for any purpose other than for his or her official duties, he or she must pay the fee specified in the relevant item for the appointment or delegation.
4B Consultancy services
Nothing in regulation 4 or Schedule 1 prevents CASA from providing consultancy services under paragraph 9(3)(f) of the Act on any terms agreed between it and the person to whom the services are to be provided.
4C Sale of goods etc
Nothing in regulation 4 or Schedule 1 prevents CASA from setting a reasonable price for goods that it offers for sale in the course of performing its functions.
5 Fees for aviation security status checks, ASICs and related matters
Interpretation
(1) An expression used in this regulation and also in Part 6 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 (the ATS Regulations) has the same meaning in this regulation as in that Part.
Fees for aviation security status checks and related matters
(2) The fee for the processing and consideration of an application for any one or more of the things mentioned in subregulation (3) is the total of:
(a) $54; and
(b) if the processing and consideration would require CASA to pay an amount to another person or organisation—the amount required to be paid by CASA to the other person or organisation.
Note: Guidance as to the additional amounts that may be payable may be published on the CASA website at www.casa.gov.au.
(3) For subregulation (2), the things are the following:
(a) an aviation security status check for the holder of, or an applicant for, a security designated authorisation;
(b) verification of identity and citizenship status under paragraphs 6.57(1)(a) and (b) of the ATS Regulations for an applicant for a security designated authorisation;
(c) the issue, in connection with the carrying out of CASA’s functions under Division 6.7 of the ATS Regulations, of an identity document (however described), other than an ASIC;
(d) the replacement of an identity document mentioned in paragraph (c).
(4) A fee imposed by this regulation for the processing and consideration of an application for an aviation security status check, or verification of identity and citizenship, for an applicant for a security designated authorisation is in addition to any fee imposed by regulation 4 for the grant or issue of the authorisation.
Fees for ASICs
(5) The fee for the processing and consideration of an application for the issue or replacement of an ASIC is the total of:
(a) $54; and
(b) if the processing and consideration would require CASA to pay an amount to another person or organisation—the amount required to be paid by CASA to the other person or organisation.
6 Waiver of fees
CASA may waive a fee, or part of a fee, payable under these Regulations if CASA determines that special circumstances exist which make it inappropriate for the fee to be payable.
Part 3—Application, saving and transitional provisions
Division 1—Amendments made by the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021
7 Amendments made by the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021
The amendments made by Division 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021 do not apply to processing or considering an application on or after 2 December 2021 if:
(a) the application was made before 2 December 2021; and
(b) under Division 202.EAA.1 of CASR, the old Regulations (within the meaning of that Division) continue to apply in relation to the application.
7
Amendments made by the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021
7 Amendments made by the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021
The amendments made by Division 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021 do not apply to processing or considering an application on or after 2 December 2021 if:
(a) the application was made before 2 December 2021; and
(b) under Division 202.EAA.1 of CASR, the old Regulations (within the meaning of that Division) continue to apply in relation to the application.
Part 4
Flight manuals
Part 4—Flight manuals
Item
Service
Fee
4.1
Preparing a flight manual, part of a flight manual, or an alteration of a flight manual—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 5
Qualifications of flight crew
Part 5—Qualifications of flight crew
Item
Service
Fee
5.1
Issue of a flight radiotelephone operator licence, unless the application is part of the application for a service under item 5.20, 5.21, 5.22, 5.25, 5.25A or 5.25B—processing and consideration of application
$50
5.2
Issue of a student pilot licence—processing and consideration of application
$50
5.3
Issue of a restricted flight engineer licence—processing and consideration of application
$60
5.6
Appointment as an airship instructor—processing and consideration of application
HR
5.7
Grant of an exemption from any of the requirements of regulation 5.42 of CAR for a flight test—processing and consideration of application
$65
5.8
Approval of a person’s appointment as the chief flying instructor of a flying school—processing and consideration of application
HR
5.9
Issue of a certificate of validation for private operations with the ratings and endorsements that were included in the application—processing and consideration of application
$150
5.10
Issue of a certificate of validation for commercial operations with the ratings and endorsements that were included in the application—processing and consideration of application
$200
5.10A
Issue of a certificate of validation based on a certificate of validation that expired not more than 1 calendar month before the date of the application—processing and consideration of application
$130
5.11
Issue of a rating on a flight crew licence or a certificate of validation, with the endorsements that were included in the application, on the basis of an overseas qualification—processing and consideration of application
$130
5.12
Issue of endorsements on a flight crew licence, a special pilot licence or a certificate of validation, being the endorsements that were included in the application, on the basis of an overseas qualification—processing and consideration of application
$130
5.13
Private pilot licence examination
$65
5.14
Commercial pilot licence examination, per subject
$65
5.15
Air transport pilot licence examination, per subject
$65
5.16
Student flight engineer licence examination, per subject
$65
5.16A
Issue of a student flight engineer licence—processing and consideration of application
$50
5.17
Examination for the purposes of issuing a rating on a licence
$65
5.18
The re‑assessment of a flight crew examination result
$130
5.19
Flight test for a flight crew licence, rating or endorsement
HR
5.20
Issue of a private pilot licence, unless item 5.25 applies—processing and consideration of application
$60
5.21
Issue of a commercial pilot licence, unless item 5.25A applies—processing and consideration of application
$80
5.22
Issue of an air transport pilot licence, unless item 5.25B applies—processing and consideration of application
$100
5.23
Issue of a rating on a flight crew licence, a special pilot licence or a certificate of validation, with the endorsements that were included in the application—processing and consideration of application
$50
5.24
Issue of an endorsement on a flight crew licence, a special pilot licence or a certificate of validation, with the endorsements that were included in the application—processing and consideration of application
$50
5.25
Issue of a private pilot licence with the ratings and endorsements that were included in the application, on the basis of an overseas qualification—processing and consideration of application
$140
5.25A
Issue of a commercial pilot licence with the ratings and endorsements that were included in the application, on the basis of an overseas qualification—processing and consideration of application
$160
5.25B
Issue of an air transport pilot licence with the ratings and endorsements that were included in the application, on the basis of an overseas qualification—processing and consideration of application
$180
5.25C
Issue of a flight engineer licence with the ratings and endorsements that were included in the application, on the basis of an overseas qualification—processing and consideration of application
$180
5.26
Examination for qualification as a check flight engineer
HR
5.27
Issue of a flight engineer licence, unless item 5.25C applies—processing and consideration of application
$100
5.28
Issue of a special pilot licence, with the endorsements that were included in the application—processing and consideration of application
$140
5.34
Approval of a pilot to conduct direct supervision as an approved agricultural (helicopter) pilot—processing and consideration of application
HR
5.35
Exemption from compliance with subparagraph 4.2(a) of Civil Aviation Order 40.1.7—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 6
Air operator certification
Part 6—Air operator certification
Item
Service
Fee
6.1
Issue of an AOC or an operating certificate—processing and consideration of application; and, if necessary for consideration of the application, specific type training for CASA officersNote: The cost of specific type training for a flying operations inspector or similar officer may be included in the fee if the AOC is for a specific aircraft type, for example, a first of type in Australia, for which CASA does not have the immediate expertise necessary to assess the aircraft and issue the AOC
HR
Part 7
Radio systems for use in, or in connection with, aircraft
Part 7—Radio systems for use in, or in connection with, aircraft
Item
Service
Fee
7.1
Issue of an aircraft radiotelephone operator certificate of proficiency—processing and consideration of application
$50
Part 8
Aircraft operations generally
Part 8—Aircraft operations generally
Item
Service
Fee
8.31
Approval of a person’s appointment as chief pilot—processing and consideration of application
HR
8.38
Permission for a foreign registered aircraft to operate on regulated domestic flights without an AOC—processing and consideration of application
HR
8.39
Permission for an aircraft possessing the nationality of a Contracting State to make a non‑scheduled flight for reward into Australian territory to take on or discharge passengers, cargo or mail—processing and consideration of application
HR
8.40
Permission for a foreign aircraft not possessing the nationality of a Contracting State to make a non‑scheduled flight over or into Australian territory for traffic purposes—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 9
Aircraft certification and related matters
Part 9—Aircraft certification and related matters
Item
Service
Fee
9.1
Issue of a type certificate, a supplemental type certificate or a type acceptance certificate—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.2
Approval of a change in a type design—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.3
Issue of a production certificate—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.4
Approval of a production inspection system—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.5
Approval of a change or changes in a quality system—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.6
Certificate of airworthiness—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.7
Provisional or special certificate of airworthiness—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.8
Export airworthiness approval—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.9
Validation of a foreign certificate of airworthiness—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.10
Validation of a foreign export certificate of airworthiness—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.11
Issue of an experimental certificate—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.12
Replacement of a certificate of airworthiness that has been lost or destroyed—processing and consideration of application
$80
9.13
Issue of a special flight permit—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.14
Issue of a delegation option authorisation under regulation 21.239 of CASR—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.15
Issue of an APMA—processing and consideration of application
HR
9.16
Issue of an ATSO authorisation—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 10
Airworthiness directives
Part 10—Airworthiness directives
Item
Service
Fee
10.1
Grant of an exclusion from the operation of an airworthiness directive—processing and consideration of application
HR
10.2
Review of the operation of an airworthiness directive—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 11
Display of nationality and registration marks and aircraft registration identification plates
Part 11—Display of nationality and registration marks and aircraft registration identification plates
Item
Service
Fee
11.1
Giving a direction about where markings are to be placed on an aircraft with a special configuration—processing and consideration of application
HR
11.2
Approval of the removal of, or a change to, the markings on an aircraft registration identification plate—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 12
Registration of aircraft and related matters
Part 12—Registration of aircraft and related matters
Item
Service
Fee
12.1
Registration of an aircraft—processing and consideration of application
$130
12.2
Recording an aircraft’s registered operator, or a change in an aircraft’s registered operator—processing and consideration of application
$65
12.3
Recording the transfer of the ownership of an aircraft—processing and consideration of application
$130
12.4
Replacement of a certificate of registration that has been lost, stolen or destroyed—processing and consideration of application
$65
12.5
Reservation of a registration mark—processing and consideration of application
$65
12.6
Change of a registration mark—processing and consideration of application
$130
12.7
Giving a direction under paragraph 45.150(2)(b) and subregulation 45.150(3) of CASR about the location of an aircraft registration identification plate—processing and consideration of application
$260
12.8
Assignment of a dealer’s mark—processing and consideration of application
$130
12.9
Replacement of a certificate of assignment of a dealer’s mark
$65
Part 13
Synthetic training devices
Part 13—Synthetic training devices
Item
Service
Fee
13.1
Initial evaluation and qualification of a synthetic flight trainer—processing and consideration of application
HR
13.2
Recurrent evaluation of a qualified flight simulator or qualified flight training device—processing and consideration of application
HR
13.3
Approval of a person as the user of a qualified flight simulator or qualified flight training device in a training and checking program—processing and consideration of application
HR
13.4
Special evaluation of a flight simulator or qualified flight training device regarding proposed modifications
HR
13.5
Special evaluation of a qualified flight simulator or qualified flight training device regarding its reactivation
HR
13.6
Approval of plan of transfer of flight simulator or qualified flight training device on change of operator—processing and consideration of application
HR
13.7
Accreditation of synthetic trainers—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 14
Air traffic services personnel licensing
Part 14—Air traffic services personnel licensing
Item
Service
Fee
14.1
Issue of an ATC licence—processing and consideration of application
$65
14.2
Issue of a rating on an ATC licence—processing and consideration of application
$65
14.3
Replacement of an ATC licence that has been lost, stolen or destroyed
$65
Part 15
Medical
Part 15—Medical
Item
Service
Fee
15.1
Issue of a class 1 medical certificate—processing and consideration of application
$75
15.3
Issue of a class 2 medical certificate—processing and consideration of application
$75
15.5
Issue of a class 3 medical certificate—processing and consideration of application
$75
15.7
Reconsideration, under subregulation 67.190(1) of CASR, of a decision to refuse to issue a medical certificate, or to issue it subject to a condition—processing of application for a reconsideration, and reconsideration of the decision
$150
15.8
Extension, under subregulation 67.215(1) of CASR, of the period in force of a current medical certificate liable to lapse because of applicant or medical related delays—processing and consideration of application
$50
15.9
Determination of a test for paragraph 67.150(6)(c) of CASR, simulating an operational situation for correct identification of relevant coloured lights—processing of application, and determination and conduct of test
HR
Part 16
Dangerous goods
Part 16—Dangerous goods
Item
Service
Fee
16.1
Approval of a dangerous goods training course for employees—processing and consideration of application
HR
16.2
Grant of an exclusion under Part 92 of CASR—processing and consideration of application
HR
16.3
Grant of a permission under section 23 of the Act—processing and consideration of application
HR
16.4
Approval to give instruction as part of an approved training course—processing and consideration of application
HR
16.5
Grant of an exclusion under regulation 92.080 of CASR (that is, from compliance with the requirements about dangerous goods statements)—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 17
Unmanned aircraft and rockets
Part 17—Unmanned aircraft and rockets
Item
Service
Fee
17.1
Approval of an area for the purposes of operation of unmanned aircraft or rockets—processing and consideration of application
HR
17.2
Approval to operate unmanned aircraft near a non‑controlled aerodrome—processing and consideration of application
HR
17.3
Approval to release small balloons—processing and consideration of application
HR
17.4
Approval of operation of a large RPA—processing and consideration of application
HR
17.5
Grant of a remote pilot licence—processing and consideration of application
HR
17.6
Certification of a person as an RPA operator—processing and consideration of application
HR
17.7
Permission to launch a rocket near an aerodrome—processing and consideration of application
HR
17.8
Approval of the use, in a firework display, of a projectile capable of reaching more than 400 feet above ground level—processing and consideration of application
HR
17.9
Approval to operate a firework display in or near a non‑controlled aerodrome—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 18
Aerodromes
Part 18—Aerodromes
Item
Service
Fee
18.1
Certification of an aerodrome—processing and consideration of application
HR
18.2
Approval under regulation 139.010 of CASR for the purposes of Part 139 of CASR—processing and consideration of application
HR
18.3
Certification of a person or an organisation as an ARFFS provider—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 19
Air traffic service training providers
Part 19—Air traffic service training providers
Item
Service
Fee
19.1
Approval as an ATS training provider—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 20
Aeronautical telecommunication service and radionavigation service providers
Part 20—Aeronautical telecommunication service and radionavigation service providers
Item
Service
Fee
20.1
Approval as a service provider—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 21
Air traffic service providers
Part 21—Air traffic service providers
Item
Service
Fee
21.1
Approval as an ATS provider—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 22
Instrument flight procedure design
Part 22—Instrument flight procedure design
Item
Service
Fee
22.1
Issue of a procedure design certificate—processing and consideration of application
HR
22.2
Validation of a terminal instrument flight procedure—processing and assessment of an application for the validation, and the provision of a pilot for the validation
HR
22.3
Approval of a person’s appointment as chief designer—processing and consideration of application
HR
22.4
Approval of a training course to qualify as a qualified designer—processing and consideration of application
HR
22.5
Issue of a procedure design authorisation—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 23
Exemptions
Part 23—Exemptions
Item
Service
Fee
23.1
Grant of an exemption from a provision of CAR for which no other fee is specified in this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
23.2
Grant of an exemption from a provision of CASR for which no other fee is specified in this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
23.3
Grant of an exemption, under a provision of the Civil Aviation Orders not elsewhere mentioned in this Schedule, from a provision of those Orders—processing and consideration of application
HR
Part 24
Other miscellaneous services
Part 24—Other miscellaneous services
Item
Service
Fee
24.1
Approval (under the Civil Aviation (Buildings Control) Regulations 1988) to construct a building or structure—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.2
Copying (otherwise than under the Freedom of Information Act 1982) or replacing a document issued by CASA and for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.3
Provision of a flight crew licence, except at CASA’s initiative, that updates an earlier version of the licence and for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
$25
24.4
Provision of a print‑out of the civil aviation examination record in relation to a person, for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
$25
24.5
Provision of a civil aviation record in relation to a person, for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.6
Grant of an authorisation under regulation 11.055 of CASR for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.7
Issue of an instrument of direction, instruction, notification, permission, approval or authority (other than for the purposes of a CASA approved trial) under a provision of the Civil Aviation Orders for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.8
Provision of a document, however described, that is issued administratively by CASA, and for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.9
Grant of a temporary acceptance of a maintenance training course and related examination to enable the crediting of successful candidates of the course for compliance with an examination requirement under paragraph 31(4)(e) of CAR—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.10
Approval to publish maps, charts and other aeronautical information—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.11
Provision of a service (however described) under or for CAR for which a person applies and for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.12
Provision of a service (however described) under or for a Manual of Standards for which a person applies and for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.13
Provision of a service (however described) under or for Part 42 of CASR for which a person applies and for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.14
Provision of a service (however described) under or for Part 66 of CASR for which a person applies and for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.15
Provision of a service (however described) under or for Part 145 of CASR for which a person applies and for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.16
Provision of a service (however described) under or for Part 147 of CASR for which a person applies and for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.17
Preparation and provision of advice, guidance, data, materials or programs on any matter related to aviation safety for which a person applies and for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.18
Approval under regulation 91.045 of CASR—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.19
Approval under Subpart 91.Y of CASR in respect of minimum equipment lists—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.20
Special flight authorisation under Subpart 91.Z of CASR—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.21
Approval under regulation 103.020 of CASR—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.22
Approval under regulation 119.025 of CASR—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.23
Approval under regulation 121.010 of CASR—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.24
Approval under regulation 131.035 of CASR—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.25
Approval under regulation 133.015 of CASR—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.26
Approval under regulation 135.020 of CASR—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.27
Approval under regulation 138.025 of CASR—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.28
Approval under regulation 119.095 of CASR of a significant change for an Australian air transport operator—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.29
Approval under regulation 131.105 of CASR of a significant change for a balloon transport operator—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.30
Approval under regulation 138.064 of CASR of a significant change for an aerial work operator—processing and consideration of application
HR
24.31
Provision of service (however described) under or for CASR for which a person applies and for which no other fee is payable under this Schedule—processing and consideration of application
HR
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
Part 1 Preliminary
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Name of Regulations
1 Name of Regulations
These Regulations are the Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995.
3 Definitions
3 Definitions
(1) In these Regulations:
Act means the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
ASIC means an aviation security identification card issued under Part 6 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.
CAR means the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.
CASR means the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.
(2) An expression that is used in these Regulations and in CAR or CASR has the same meaning in these Regulations as in CAR or CASR, as the case requires.
Part 2 Fees
Part 2—Fees
4 Fees for aviation regulatory services
4 Fees for aviation regulatory services
(1) For paragraphs 98(3)(u) and (v) of the Act, the fee for a service specified in an item in Schedule 1, is:
(a) the amount specified in the item; or
(b) if the item contains ‘HR’—for each provision of the service, the amount calculated by the formula:
(2) In the formula in subregulation (1):
Rate is:
(a) for:
(i) items 2.12, 2.12A, 2.13, 2.14, 2.16, 2.17 and 15.9 of Schedule 1—$130; and
(ii) items 24.2, 24.5 and 24.8 of Schedule 1—$100; or
(b) if the interests of the safety of air navigation require that the service be provided by a senior CASA officer, or by a CASA officer with particular experience or qualifications—$190; or
(c) in any other case—$160.
N is the total number of hours spent by CASA officers in the provision of the service.
Note: Example: For paragraphs (b) and (c), a service in a general aviation matter is likely to be charged for at $160 per hour, and a service provided by an air transport flying operations inspector at $190 per hour.
(3) For the purposes of applying the formula in paragraph (1)(b), if the total time spent by CASA officers in providing the relevant service in a particular case is not a whole number of quarter‑hours, the total time is to be rounded down to the next lower number of quarter‑hours.
(4) If:
(a) a fee is specified in Schedule 1 for the processing and consideration of an application for something; but
(b) no fee is specified in that Schedule for the processing and consideration of an application for its renewal or variation;
the fee referred to in paragraph (a) is payable for the processing and consideration of an application for the renewal or variation.
(5) In subregulation (4), a reference to a variation does not include a minor and merely formal change such as the recording of a change of postal address.
(6) If the provision of a service by CASA requires a CASA officer or a person on CASA’s behalf to travel outside Australia, there is an additional fee for the provision of the service equal to the reasonable cost of that travel and any reasonably necessary meals, accommodation and incidental expenses for the officer or person.
(6A) If a service is provided to or for a person outside Australia and, following the provision of the service, CASA:
(a) considers that it is necessary in the interests of the safety of air navigation to inspect, assess and report on the person’s premises, operations or activities; and
(b) requires a CASA officer or a person acting on CASA’s behalf to travel outside Australia;
the following fees are payable for the inspection, assessment and report:
(c) a fee equal to the reasonable cost of the travel, meals, accommodation and incidental expenses of the officer or person; and
(d) the amount calculated by the formula:
where
Rate is:
(a) if the interests of the safety of air navigation require that the service be provided by a senior CASA officer, or by a CASA officer with particular experience or qualifications—$190; or
(b) in any other case—$160.
N is the total number of hours spent by the CASA officer or person in the inspection, assessment and preparation of the report.
(7) If the provision of a service by CASA requires CASA to pay a fee or charge, there is an additional fee for the provision of the service equal to the fee or charge paid or payable by CASA.
Main concepts
Understanding the application of the Regulations requires a precise grasp of several core regulatory concepts, rates, and formulas:
Hourly Rate (HR) and the Multiplier Formula: When an item in Schedule 1 is designated as "HR", the payable fee is the mathematical product of the rate and "N", where "N" represents the total number of hours spent by CASA officers in providing the service. Under regulation 4(2), the standard rates are:
$130 per hour for specific maintenance licence variations, airworthiness authorities, welding authorities, and operational tests (such as items 2.12, 2.12A, 2.13, 2.14, 2.16, 2.17, and 15.9);
$100 per hour for administrative document reproduction, record searches, and administrative document provision (items 24.2, 24.5, and 24.8);
$190 per hour if the interests of the safety of air navigation require that the service be provided by a senior CASA officer, or by an officer with particular experience or qualifications (such as an air transport flying operations inspector); and
$160 per hour in all other standard cases, which typically covers general aviation matters.
The Quarter-Hour Rounding Rule: To avoid fractional disputes, regulation 4(3) stipulates that if the total time spent by CASA officers is not a whole number of quarter-hours, the total time must be rounded down to the next lower number of quarter-hours. This means, for example, that a task taking 50 minutes (which is 3.33 quarter-hours) is rounded down to 45 minutes (3 quarter-hours) for the final calculation.
Aviation Security Status Checks and ASIC Fees: Under regulation 5, CASA recovers the cost of processing and considering applications for Aviation Security Identification Cards (ASICs) and associated background checks. The fee structure is split between a fixed base regulatory charge of $54 and a full, variable pass-through of any amount CASA must pay to third-party organisations, such as the Australian Federal Police or intelligence agencies, to complete the identity, citizenship, and security background checks.
Post-Service Inspection Fees: Regulation 4(6A) introduces a mechanism where if CASA provides an overseas service and subsequently determines that safety requirements necessitate an inspection, assessment, and report on the foreign operator's premises, the applicant must pay the reasonable cost of CASA's travel and accommodation, plus an hourly charge ($190 for senior or specialized officers, or $160 for others) for the total hours spent conducting the inspection and preparing the report.
Who it affects
The financial impact of the Regulations is felt across every sector of civil aviation in Australia, altering the cost structure of both commercial operations and private aviation activities.
Commercial Air Transport Operators: Entities seeking or holding an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) or an operating certificate under Part 6 of Schedule 1 are subject to "HR" billing. This includes paying for the time spent by CASA inspectors assessing flight operations and, notably, paying for the cost of specific type training for CASA officers where CASA lacks the immediate internal expertise to assess a first-of-type aircraft in Australia (item 6.1).
Maintenance and Airworthiness Organisations: Organisations operating as Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations (CAMOs) under Part 42 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) or Part 145 Approved Maintenance Organisations must pay hourly fees for initial approvals and any significant changes to their operations (items 2.26, 2.27, 2.43, and 2.44).
Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (LAMEs): Individual engineers face fixed application fees for examinations (ranging from $50 for core subjects to $320 for specific type examinations under Part 2) and licence issuances, alongside hourly rates for licence variations (item 2.12).
Flight Crew and Training Providers: Pilots and flight engineers are subject to a dense schedule of flat fees for licence issuances, examinations, and certificates of validation under Part 5. Check flight engineers, flight test candidates, and chief flying instructors face hourly rate fees for their respective approvals and tests.
Unmanned Aircraft (RPA) and Rocket Operators: Commercial drone operators and organisations seeking approval for large Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operations, RPA operator certificates (ReOC), remote pilot licences (RePL), or rocket launches near aerodromes are billed on an hourly basis under Part 17 of Schedule 1.
Aerodrome Operators and Aviation Service Providers: Air traffic service providers, aerodrome certificators, dangerous goods training schools, and instrument flight procedure designers are subject to hourly billing for their organizational approvals and system certifications.
Key duties and rights
The Regulations impose strict financial obligations on applicants while reserving considerable discretionary powers and alternative commercial pathways for CASA.
Duties of Applicants
The primary duty of any applicant seeking an aviation regulatory service is to pay the prescribed fee. This includes several specific sub-duties:
The Travel Cost Indemnity: Under regulation 4(6), if a service requires a CASA officer to travel outside Australia, the applicant must pay an additional fee equal to the reasonable cost of travel, meals, accommodation, and incidental expenses.
Third-Party Cost Reimbursement: Under regulation 4(7), if CASA must pay a fee or charge to another entity to provide a requested service, the applicant is legally required to pay an additional fee equivalent to that cost.
The Variation/Renewal Default Rule: Under regulation 4(4), if a fee is specified for processing an initial application but the schedule is silent on variations or renewals, the applicant has a duty to pay the full initial application fee for any renewal or variation application, unless it qualifies as a minor and merely formal change under regulation 4(5).
Rights and Discretionary Remedies
While the fee schedules are highly prescriptive, the Regulations provide specific mechanisms that offer flexibility or alternative business structures:
The Right to Seek a Waiver: Under regulation 6, CASA possesses the discretionary power to waive a fee, or part of a fee, if it determines that "special circumstances exist" which make it inappropriate for the fee to be payable. The Regulations do not define "special circumstances", leaving this to administrative policy and case-by-case assessment.
The Right to Contract for Consultancy Services: Regulation 4B explicitly states that nothing in regulation 4 or Schedule 1 prevents CASA from providing commercial consultancy services under paragraph 9(3)(f) of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 on mutually agreed commercial terms. This allows operators to engage CASA for advisory services without being bound by the rigid billing formulas of the schedules.
The Right to Purchase Goods at Market Prices: Under regulation 4C, CASA retains the right to set reasonable prices for any physical or digital goods it offers for sale in the course of performing its statutory functions, independent of the fee regulations.
Penalties and enforcement
Because the Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995 are primarily a cost-recovery mechanism rather than a penal code, they do not contain traditional criminal offences, fines, or custodial penalties. Instead, the enforcement of these Regulations is built directly into the administrative machinery of the civil aviation safety regime.
The primary enforcement tool is the withholding of services. CASA operates on a fee-for-service basis. Under the broad framework of the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the operation of regulation 4, the payment of the relevant fee is a condition precedent to the processing, consideration, and ultimate grant of any licence, certificate, authorisation, or approval. If an applicant fails to pay an estimated fee, or refuses to pay outstanding hourly charges accrued during an assessment, CASA can halt the assessment process, refuse to issue the certificate or licence, or treat the application as abandoned.
Furthermore, under regulation 4A, there is a specific enforcement measure targeted at internal personnel. If a CASA officer is appointed as an authorised person or a delegate of CASA for any purpose outside their official duties, they are subject to the same fee payment duties as any third-party applicant. This prevents the avoidance of fees by internal staff acting in private capacities.
Additionally, unpaid fees constitute a debt due to the Commonwealth. CASA can pursue civil debt recovery action in courts of competent jurisdiction to recover outstanding hourly fees, travel expenses, or third-party costs that were lawfully incurred in processing an application, even if the application was ultimately refused.
How it interacts with other laws
The Regulations do not operate in isolation. They serve as the financial machinery supporting the primary safety legislation and must be read alongside several key statutory instruments:
The Civil Aviation Act 1988: The Regulations are made under the power granted by paragraphs 98(3)(u) and (v) of the Act, which permit the making of regulations prescribing fees for services, certificates, and licences. The Regulations also refer to section 9 of the Act, specifically paragraph 9(3)(f) regarding CASA's power to provide commercial consultancy services.
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) and Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR): The definition of terms in regulation 3(2) explicitly aligns the meaning of expressions in the Fees Regulations with their definitions in CAR and CASR. For example, concepts such as "Part 145 organisation", "Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation", "Remote Pilot Licence", and "Air Operator's Certificate" derive their legal definitions directly from those safety codes.
The Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 (ATS Regulations): Regulation 5 incorporates the definitions and procedural requirements of Part 6 and Division 6.7 of the ATS Regulations. The fee for identity and citizenship verification under regulation 5(3)(b) directly references the administrative tasks set out in paragraphs 6.57(1)(a) and (b) of the ATS Regulations.
The Freedom of Information Act 1982 (FOI Act): The Fees Regulations explicitly carve out FOI requests. Under item 24.2 of Schedule 1, the hourly fee for copying or replacing documents held by CASA is only applicable if the request is made "otherwise than under the Freedom of Information Act 1982". FOI requests remain governed by the separate statutory fee and disclosure regime set out in the FOI Act.
Amendment history
The Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995 have undergone a continuous process of amendment to mirror the structural reforms of Australia's broader civil aviation safety framework. The most significant historical shifts correspond to the progressive transition of regulatory concepts from the older Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR) to the modern Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR).
A key historical marker preserved in the text is the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations,Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021. This amendment overhauled the fee structures to match the commencement of the comprehensive CASR flight operations suite (which introduced Parts 91, 119, 121, 133, 135, and 138). Under Part 3 Division 1 regulation 7, a transitional saving provision was enacted. This provision states that the 2021 fee amendments do not apply to the processing or consideration of an application on or after 2 December 2021 if:
The application was made before 2 December 2021; and
Under Division 202.EAA.1 of CASR, the old safety regulations continued to apply to the application.
This transitional mechanism ensured that applicants who initiated complex, long-running certification processes under the pre-December 2021 regulatory landscape were not exposed to retroactive fee restructures, preserving their cost expectations under the "old Regulations". Other amendments are evident in the schedule itself, such as the introduction of fees for Part 145 maintenance approvals (items 2.43 and 2.44), Part 42 CAMO approvals (items 2.26 and 2.27), and modern unmanned aircraft (RPA) operator certifications (items 17.1 to 17.9), which replaced the legacy licensing fee models of the early 1990s.
Litigation history
As a machinery instrument designed to recover costs, the Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995 have not been the subject of high-profile, precedent-setting constitutional challenges or extensive reported judicial interpretation. The instrument contains no named judicial decisions within its text.
Instead, the legal disputes arising under these Regulations typically manifest as administrative law review applications before the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) or administrative challenges in the Federal Court of Australia. The primary legal battlegrounds in these disputes relate to:
Disputes over the Calculation of "N": Applicants have challenged CASA's calculation of the hours spent by its officers under the regulation 4(1)(b) formula. Legal arguments in this space focus on whether the hours claimed were genuinely "spent by CASA officers in the provision of the service", or whether they included unreasonable administrative delays, internal training time, or unrelated bureaucratic processing.
Challenges to the Refusal to Waive Fees: Under regulation 6, CASA has the discretion to waive fees if "special circumstances exist". While the Regulations do not define this term, general administrative law principles dictate that CASA must not fetter its discretion or apply rigid, unpublished policies that prevent a genuine assessment of an applicant's unique, extenuating financial or operational circumstances.
Classification of Variations: Disputes sometimes arise under regulation 4(4) and 4(5) regarding whether a change to a certificate or licence constitutes a "minor and merely formal change" (which is exempt from the full initial fee under regulation 4(5)) or a substantive variation requiring the payment of a full initial application fee.
Gotchas
A close analysis of the Regulations reveals several subtle traps, or "gotchas", that can lead to unexpected expenses and operational delays for unwary aviation businesses and their legal advisers.
The Default Variation Fee Trap
Under regulation 4(4), if a fee is specified in Schedule 1 for processing an application, but the schedule does not specify a separate fee for its renewal or variation, the variation or renewal defaults to the full, initial application fee. This means that minor amendments can trigger the entire original cost-recovery schedule. The only escape is regulation 4(5), which carves out "minor and merely formal" changes. However, this exception is defined narrowly (using the basic example of "the recording of a change of postal address"), giving CASA broad discretion to classify any operational amendment as a major variation requiring full payment.
The First-of-Type Training Indemnity
Item 6.1 of Schedule 1 contains an explicit note that can severely impact operators introducing new aircraft classes to Australia. If an operator applies for an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) or operating certificate for a specific aircraft type for which CASA does not have the immediate, internal expertise to conduct assessments, the applicant must pay the cost of specific type training for CASA's flying operations inspectors or similar officers. This represents an uncapped financial liability for early adopters of novel aircraft technology.
The Post-Service Overseas Inspection "Blank Cheque"
Under regulation 4(6A), if CASA provides a service to a person outside Australia, and subsequently decides "in the interests of the safety of air navigation" to inspect, assess, and report on the person's premises or operations, the operator is hit with a mandatory fee. This fee is a "blank cheque" consisting of:
The actual travel, accommodation, meal, and incidental costs of the CASA officers; plus
An hourly rate of $160 or $190 per hour for every hour spent by those officers on the inspection, assessment, and report preparation.
The operator has no legal mechanism under these Regulations to consent to or veto this subsequent inspection; it is triggered entirely by CASA's unilateral safety determination.
The ASIC Fee Double-Up
Under regulation 5(4), the fees for an aviation security status check or verification of identity and citizenship status are explicitly stated to be "in addition to any fee imposed by regulation 4 for the grant or issue of the authorisation". An applicant must budget for these as two entirely separate billing events rather than a bundled service.
How to comply
To manage costs and ensure compliance with the Regulations, operators and professionals should adopt a structured approach to all dealings with CASA.
Detailed Budgeting for "HR" Services
Before initiating any application designated with the "HR" fee type, applicants should formally request a written estimate of the total hours ("N") CASA expects to spend on the service. While an estimate is not a binding cap, it provides a baseline. Under regulation 4(2), applicants must verify which rate applies:
Budget for $190 per hour if the application is complex and requires a senior flying operations inspector or highly qualified specialist.
Budget for $160 per hour for standard general aviation or regional operations.
Note that any non-whole number of quarter-hours is rounded down under regulation 4(3), which should be checked against the final itemised invoice.
Separate Commercial Consultancy from Regulatory Assessments
If an operator requires guidance or advice on a complex safety system, they should avoid seeking this through a standard application process, which will be billed at standard hourly rates under regulation 4. Instead, they should explore negotiating a formal commercial consultancy agreement with CASA under regulation 4B and paragraph 9(3)(f) of the Act. This allows the parties to lock in fixed commercial terms and agreed pricing structures rather than facing open-ended hourly billing.
Documenting Fee Waiver Applications
If an applicant intends to seek a fee waiver or reduction under regulation 6, they must build a robust, evidence-backed submission demonstrating "special circumstances". To comply with administrative expectations, this submission should:
Detail why the standard fee is inappropriate in the specific case (such as natural disasters, public interest research, or systemic administrative errors on CASA's part);
Provide complete financial statements if claiming financial hardship; and
Submit the waiver request before the service is provided, as recovering fees already paid is administratively more complex than securing a waiver prior to assessment.
Audit International Travel Claims
For any service requiring CASA officers to travel outside Australia, the applicant should demand an itemised breakdown of travel costs. Under regulations 4(6) and 4(6A)(c), the applicant is only liable for the "reasonable cost" of travel, meals, accommodation, and incidentals. Any luxury travel expenses, excessive incidental claims, or unvouched costs should be disputed based on this statutory standard of reasonableness.
Despite anything in Part 1 of Schedule 1, if a CASA officer is appointed as an authorised person, or a delegate of CASA, for any purpose other than for his or her official duties, he or she must pay the fee specified in the relevant item for the appointment or delegation.
4B Consultancy services
4B Consultancy services
Nothing in regulation 4 or Schedule 1 prevents CASA from providing consultancy services under paragraph 9(3)(f) of the Act on any terms agreed between it and the person to whom the services are to be provided.
4C Sale of goods etc
4C Sale of goods etc
Nothing in regulation 4 or Schedule 1 prevents CASA from setting a reasonable price for goods that it offers for sale in the course of performing its functions.
5 Fees for aviation security status checks, ASICs and related matters
5 Fees for aviation security status checks, ASICs and related matters
Interpretation
(1) An expression used in this regulation and also in Part 6 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 (the ATS Regulations) has the same meaning in this regulation as in that Part.
Fees for aviation security status checks and related matters
(2) The fee for the processing and consideration of an application for any one or more of the things mentioned in subregulation (3) is the total of:
(a) $54; and
(b) if the processing and consideration would require CASA to pay an amount to another person or organisation—the amount required to be paid by CASA to the other person or organisation.
Note: Guidance as to the additional amounts that may be payable may be published on the CASA website at www.casa.gov.au.
(3) For subregulation (2), the things are the following:
(a) an aviation security status check for the holder of, or an applicant for, a security designated authorisation;
(b) verification of identity and citizenship status under paragraphs 6.57(1)(a) and (b) of the ATS Regulations for an applicant for a security designated authorisation;
(c) the issue, in connection with the carrying out of CASA’s functions under Division 6.7 of the ATS Regulations, of an identity document (however described), other than an ASIC;
(d) the replacement of an identity document mentioned in paragraph (c).
(4) A fee imposed by this regulation for the processing and consideration of an application for an aviation security status check, or verification of identity and citizenship, for an applicant for a security designated authorisation is in addition to any fee imposed by regulation 4 for the grant or issue of the authorisation.
Fees for ASICs
(5) The fee for the processing and consideration of an application for the issue or replacement of an ASIC is the total of:
(a) $54; and
(b) if the processing and consideration would require CASA to pay an amount to another person or organisation—the amount required to be paid by CASA to the other person or organisation.
6 Waiver of fees
6 Waiver of fees
CASA may waive a fee, or part of a fee, payable under these Regulations if CASA determines that special circumstances exist which make it inappropriate for the fee to be payable.
Part 3 Application, saving and transitional provisions
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Name of Regulations
These Regulations are the Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995.
3 Definitions
(1) In these Regulations:
Act means the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
ASIC means an aviation security identification card issued under Part 6 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005.
CAR means the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.
CASR means the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.
(2) An expression that is used in these Regulations and in CAR or CASR has the same meaning in these Regulations as in CAR or CASR, as the case requires.
Part 2—Fees
4 Fees for aviation regulatory services
(1) For paragraphs 98(3)(u) and (v) of the Act, the fee for a service specified in an item in Schedule 1, is:
(a) the amount specified in the item; or
(b) if the item contains ‘HR’—for each provision of the service, the amount calculated by the formula:
(2) In the formula in subregulation (1):
Rate is:
(a) for:
(i) items 2.12, 2.12A, 2.13, 2.14, 2.16, 2.17 and 15.9 of Schedule 1—$130; and
(ii) items 24.2, 24.5 and 24.8 of Schedule 1—$100; or
(b) if the interests of the safety of air navigation require that the service be provided by a senior CASA officer, or by a CASA officer with particular experience or qualifications—$190; or
(c) in any other case—$160.
N is the total number of hours spent by CASA officers in the provision of the service.
Note: Example: For paragraphs (b) and (c), a service in a general aviation matter is likely to be charged for at $160 per hour, and a service provided by an air transport flying operations inspector at $190 per hour.
(3) For the purposes of applying the formula in paragraph (1)(b), if the total time spent by CASA officers in providing the relevant service in a particular case is not a whole number of quarter‑hours, the total time is to be rounded down to the next lower number of quarter‑hours.
(4) If:
(a) a fee is specified in Schedule 1 for the processing and consideration of an application for something; but
(b) no fee is specified in that Schedule for the processing and consideration of an application for its renewal or variation;
the fee referred to in paragraph (a) is payable for the processing and consideration of an application for the renewal or variation.
(5) In subregulation (4), a reference to a variation does not include a minor and merely formal change such as the recording of a change of postal address.
(6) If the provision of a service by CASA requires a CASA officer or a person on CASA’s behalf to travel outside Australia, there is an additional fee for the provision of the service equal to the reasonable cost of that travel and any reasonably necessary meals, accommodation and incidental expenses for the officer or person.
(6A) If a service is provided to or for a person outside Australia and, following the provision of the service, CASA:
(a) considers that it is necessary in the interests of the safety of air navigation to inspect, assess and report on the person’s premises, operations or activities; and
(b) requires a CASA officer or a person acting on CASA’s behalf to travel outside Australia;
the following fees are payable for the inspection, assessment and report:
(c) a fee equal to the reasonable cost of the travel, meals, accommodation and incidental expenses of the officer or person; and
(d) the amount calculated by the formula:
where
Rate is:
(a) if the interests of the safety of air navigation require that the service be provided by a senior CASA officer, or by a CASA officer with particular experience or qualifications—$190; or
(b) in any other case—$160.
N is the total number of hours spent by the CASA officer or person in the inspection, assessment and preparation of the report.
(7) If the provision of a service by CASA requires CASA to pay a fee or charge, there is an additional fee for the provision of the service equal to the fee or charge paid or payable by CASA.
4A Effect of items in Part 1 of Schedule 1
Despite anything in Part 1 of Schedule 1, if a CASA officer is appointed as an authorised person, or a delegate of CASA, for any purpose other than for his or her official duties, he or she must pay the fee specified in the relevant item for the appointment or delegation.
4B Consultancy services
Nothing in regulation 4 or Schedule 1 prevents CASA from providing consultancy services under paragraph 9(3)(f) of the Act on any terms agreed between it and the person to whom the services are to be provided.
4C Sale of goods etc
Nothing in regulation 4 or Schedule 1 prevents CASA from setting a reasonable price for goods that it offers for sale in the course of performing its functions.
5 Fees for aviation security status checks, ASICs and related matters
Interpretation
(1) An expression used in this regulation and also in Part 6 of the Aviation Transport Security Regulations 2005 (the ATS Regulations) has the same meaning in this regulation as in that Part.
Fees for aviation security status checks and related matters
(2) The fee for the processing and consideration of an application for any one or more of the things mentioned in subregulation (3) is the total of:
(a) $54; and
(b) if the processing and consideration would require CASA to pay an amount to another person or organisation—the amount required to be paid by CASA to the other person or organisation.
Note: Guidance as to the additional amounts that may be payable may be published on the CASA website at www.casa.gov.au.
(3) For subregulation (2), the things are the following:
(a) an aviation security status check for the holder of, or an applicant for, a security designated authorisation;
(b) verification of identity and citizenship status under paragraphs 6.57(1)(a) and (b) of the ATS Regulations for an applicant for a security designated authorisation;
(c) the issue, in connection with the carrying out of CASA’s functions under Division 6.7 of the ATS Regulations, of an identity document (however described), other than an ASIC;
(d) the replacement of an identity document mentioned in paragraph (c).
(4) A fee imposed by this regulation for the processing and consideration of an application for an aviation security status check, or verification of identity and citizenship, for an applicant for a security designated authorisation is in addition to any fee imposed by regulation 4 for the grant or issue of the authorisation.
Fees for ASICs
(5) The fee for the processing and consideration of an application for the issue or replacement of an ASIC is the total of:
(a) $54; and
(b) if the processing and consideration would require CASA to pay an amount to another person or organisation—the amount required to be paid by CASA to the other person or organisation.
6 Waiver of fees
CASA may waive a fee, or part of a fee, payable under these Regulations if CASA determines that special circumstances exist which make it inappropriate for the fee to be payable.
Part 3—Application, saving and transitional provisions
Division 1—Amendments made by the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021
7 Amendments made by the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021
The amendments made by Division 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021 do not apply to processing or considering an application on or after 2 December 2021 if:
(a) the application was made before 2 December 2021; and
(b) under Division 202.EAA.1 of CASR, the old Regulations (within the meaning of that Division) continue to apply in relation to the application.
Division 1 Amendments made by the Civil Aviation Legislation Amendment (Flight Operations—Fees and Other Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2021
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Name of Regulations
These Regulations are the Civil Aviation (Fees) Regulations 1995.
3 Definitions
(1) In these Regulations:
Act means the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
ASIC means an aviat
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