Part 131 (Balloons and Hot Air Airships) Manual of Standards 2024
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Commonwealth
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legislative instrument
Plain English Summary
8/10 complexity
This Manual of Standards sets detailed operating, equipment, training and reporting rules for balloons and hot‑air airships. It tells pilots, balloon transport operators, ASAOs, ground support and passengers what must be carried, checked, recorded and how flights must be planned (fuel, oxygen, communications, surveillance, passenger limits and emergency procedures). It matters because it converts technical standards, approvals and many conditional exceptions into day‑to‑day compliance obligations that create measurable costs, approval burdens and operational constraints for those who operate or certify these aircraft.
The Part 131 (Balloons and Hot Air Airships) Manual of Standards 2024 (the Part 131 MOS) is a prescriptive technical instrument made under the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 and the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, compiled 12 November 2024 and incorporating amendment F2024L01348 (see instrument identification and Table of Amendments at the end of the MOS). It operates as the MOS that gives detailed, enforceable standards and procedures for the operation, equipment, documentation and training of Part 131 aircraft, namely balloons, hot air airships and related lighter‑than‑air craft, and implements numerous prescriptions cross‑referenced to Part 131 of CASR and to other civil aviation instruments (see ss 1.01-1.06 and the definition notes in s 1.06).
Mechanically, the MOS does the following things for balloon and hot air airship operations:
Prescribes definitions and how to interpret external instruments and TSOs/ETSOs, including that references are to instruments "as in force from time to time" unless the MOS indicates otherwise (ss 1.04-1.06). That means equipment and document standards may follow subsequent versions of referenced standards unless a contrary intention appears.
Sets meteorological operating thresholds and VMC/special VFR criteria applicable to Part 131 flights (Divisions 2.1-2.2; ss 2.01-2.02 and Table 2.02(3)).
Lays out mandatory carriage of documents, journey log contents, passenger lists and record retention periods for different flight types (Chapters 5-6; ss 5.01-5.04; 6.02-6.04).
Prescribes pre‑flight checks, flight preparation including weather assessment windows, flight notification options (flight plan, SARTIME or flight note) and the responsible person criteria for leaving flight notes on the ground (Chapters 12-14 and 13; ss 12.02, 13.02-13.05, 14.02-14.04).
Current sections
Direct links to the current provisions in Part 131 (Balloons and Hot Air Airships) Manual of Standards 2024.
37
Part 131
(Balloons and Hot Air Airships) Manual of Standards 2024
Part 131 (Balloons and Hot Air Airships) Manual of Standards 2024
made under the
Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 and the Acts Interpretation Act 1901
Compilation No. 1
Compilation date: 12 November 2024
Includes amendments: F2024L01348
Prepared by the Legal Services Branch, Legal, International and Regulatory Affairs Division, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Canberra.
Contents
Note This Table of Contents is for guidance only. It is not a formal part of the Part 131 (Balloons and Hot Air Airships) Manual of Standards 2024. See subsection 1.03.
Page
CHAPTER 1 PRELIMINARY AND DEFINITIONS.............................1
29.02 Requirements — tethered gas balloon...............................78
Notes to Part 131 (Balloons and Hot Air Airships) Manual of Standards 2024.....79
Part 1
PRELIMINARY AND DEFINITIONS
CHAPTER 1 PRELIMINARY AND DEFINITIONS
Div 1
1 Preliminary
Division 1.1 Preliminary
1.01 Name of instrument
(1) This instrument is the Part 131 (Balloons and Hot Air Airships) Manual of Standards 2024.
(2) This instrument may be cited as the Part 131 MOS.
(3) Unless the contrary intention appears, references in this instrument to “the MOS” or “this MOS” are references to the Part 131 MOS.
1.03 Table of Contents
The Table of Contents for this MOS is not part of this instrument. It is for guidance only and may be modified or edited in any published version of this MOS.
Division 1.2 Definitions — general
1.04 References to instruments and documents
(1) In this MOS, unless a contrary intention appears, a reference to an instrument or any other document (however described) is a reference to the instrument or document, as in force or existing from time to time.
(2) In this MOS, unless a contrary intention appears, a reference to any legislative instrument is a reference to the instrument, as in force from time to time.
(3) If a provision of this MOS applies, adopts or incorporates any instrument or other document then, unless a contrary intention appears, the instrument or other document, is taken to have been applied, adopted or incorporated as in force or existing from time to time.
Note 1 This section applies to an AFM (which includes an AFM Supplement) because it is also a document.
Note 2 A reference to an instrument or other document, which only occurs in a Note to a provision, does not have the effect that the instrument or document is taken to be applied, adopted or incorporated for this MOS, unless a contrary intention appears. Such references in Notes are to documents which may be used as guidance or background information.
1.05 References to TSOs, ETSOs, (E)TSOs
(1) In this MOS, unless a contrary intention appears, a reference to a particular TSO is a reference to that TSO or a later version of that TSO.
(2) In this MOS, unless a contrary intention appears, a reference to a particular ETSO is a reference to that ETSO or a later version of that ETSO.
(3) In this MOS, unless a contrary intention appears, a reference to a particular (E)TSO is a reference to the relevant ETSO or TSO, or a later version of the relevant ETSO or TSO.
Note 1 The first versions of a TSO may have been issued with or without the notation “(0)” at the end (for example only, citations of TSO-C129 and TSO-129(0) would refer to the same document). Thus, for first version TSOs, either form is an acceptable citation for the other.
Note 2 TSO later versions are identified by an alphabetical letter (for example only, TSO-C129 (or TSO-C129(0) versus TSO-C129a). Unless the contrary intention appears, a reference to (for example only) TSO-C129 (or TSO-C129(0)) means that version or a later version. A reference to TSO-C129a means that version or a later version, but not the earlier version — unless a contrary intention appears.
1.06 Definitions, etc.
(1) Subject to subsection 1.06 (5), in this instrument words and phrases have the same meaning as in the CASR Dictionary, Part 131 of CASR or the Act, unless a contrary intention appears.
(2) In this MOS, a reference to a class of airspace means the volumes of airspace of that class, as determined by CASA in or under the Determination of Airspace and Controlled Aerodromes, Etc. (Designated Airspace Handbook) Instrument, as in force from time to time.
Note The Determination of Airspace and Controlled Aerodromes, Etc. (Designated Airspace Handbook) Instrument is a legislative instrument that is revised and reissued by CASA approximately every 6 months. Airspace details from the Determination in force at any particular time are also published by Airservices Australia in the Designated Airspace Handbook available free online at www.airservicesaustralia.com.
(3) In this MOS, any reference to a balloon being tethered is a reference to a balloon being tethered in a manner that conforms to the requirements of the AFM for the balloon.
(4) In this MOS, unless a contrary intention appears:
(a) mention of a provision with the prefix “131.” is a reference to that provision in Part 131 of CASR; and
(b) mention of a provision with the prefix “91.” is a reference to that provision in Part 91 of CASR.
(5) In this MOS:
Note The following definitions are particularly useful for this MOS. Other relevant words and phrases not included below may have been defined in the CASR Dictionary.
Act means the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
adult has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
Note Adult means a person who has turned 13.
Note: aerodrome has the meaning given by the Act.
AFM (short for aircraft flight manual) means the flight manual for a Part 131 aircraft.
Note Flight manual is defined in the CASR Dictionary. It includes AFM supplements that may be supplied by the original aircraft manufacturer, or by another person, in accordance with Subpart 21.M of CASR.
Note: AIP-ERSA means Aeronautical Information Publication — En Route Supplement of Australia.
air traffic service has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
Note The phrase air traffic service includes 1 or more of the following: a flight information service, an alerting service, an air traffic advisory service, an ATC service, an area control service, an approach control service or an aerodrome control service. Air Traffic Services has a different meaning: see under ATS.
AMSL means above mean sea level.
ASAO is short for approved self-administering organisation, and has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
Note See also Part 149 of CASR.
ATC means air traffic control.
ATS has the meaning given to Air Traffic Services in the CASR Dictionary.
authorised aeronautical information: see the CASR Dictionary.
authorised weather forecast has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
authorised weather report has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
ballast means fine sand carried by a gas balloon to facilitate altitude control through the release of the ballast.
balloon has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
balloon class endorsement has the same meaning as in Part 5 of CAR.
balloon flying training means any training given to a person during flight time in a balloon for the purpose of increasing the person’s skill in flying the balloon, including balloon flying training:
(a) for a prescribed purpose under paragraph 206 (a) of CAR, conducted in accordance with Part 5 of CAR; or
(b) that is a Part 131 recreational activity.
balloon recreational activity has the same meaning as in Part 131 of CASR.
balloon transport operation has the same meaning as in Part 131 of CASR.
balloon transport operator has the same meaning as in Part 131 of CASR.
CAO means Civil Aviation Order.
CAR means the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988.
CAR certificate of validation has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
CASR means the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.
CASR Dictionary means the Dictionary under regulation 1.004 of CASR.
child has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
Note Child means a person who has turned 2 but has not turned 13.
civil aviation legislation has the meaning given by section 3 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
class, for a balloon, has the same meaning as in Part 5 of CAR.
control area has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
controlled aerodrome has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
control zone has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
Note Controlled aerodromes, control areas and control zones are determined by CASA under the Airspace Regulations 2007.
cost-sharing, for this MOS only, has the same meaning as in the CASR Dictionary but as if paragraph (a) stated: “(a) the flight is conducted using a Part 131 aircraft and does not carry more than 6 persons; and”.
Note See also section 25.03.
crown, for a Part 131 aircraft, means the highest point of the aircraft AGL when its envelope is fully inflated.
CTAF means common traffic advisory frequency, being a designated frequency on which pilots make positional broadcasts when operating in the vicinity of a non‑controlled aerodrome.
EASA is short for European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
ETSO means a Technical Standard Order of EASA: see the CASR Dictionary.
(E)TSO, followed by an identifying letter and number, is a shorthand reference to both the TSO and the ETSO, each of which has the same identifying letter and number.
exposition has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
Note A provision of this MOS that prescribes exposition content is empowered by paragraph 131.195 (1) (n) of CASR as matter required to be included in the exposition under the regulations because the expression under the regulations is taken to include under the MOS: see Seaview Lord Howe Pty Ltd and Civil Aviation Authority (1995) 38 ALD 422; 21 AAR 506.
FAA means the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States.
final reserve fuel means the amount of usable fuel, expressed as a period of time, required to be remaining in the fuel tanks on completion of the final landing of a flight before ground handling.
FL, or flight level, has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
flight note has the same meaning as in Chapter 13 of this MOS.
flying in-company means that:
(a) a group of at least 2 aircraft occupy a specific 3-dimensional volume of airspace; and
(b) the aircraft within the group self-separate from each other while within that volume of airspace.
flying in formation has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
forecast QNH means QNH obtained from an authorised weather forecast.
ft means feet.
gas balloon has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
GNSS means the global navigation satellite system.
ground support personnel means 1 or more persons assigned by the operator of a Part 131 aircraft to perform duties on the ground related to the operation of the aircraft at any time during initial set up, inflation, take-off, flight, retrieval, landing and pack up.
Note 1 For example, a balloon transport operator may assign a ground support person for any duty specifically concerned with the safety of the passengers from arrival at the launch area to final departure from the landing area.
Note 2 See also operational safety-critical personnel.
hot air airship has the meaning given by the CASR dictionary.
hot air balloon means a manned free balloon that derives its lift from heated air.
hPa means hectopascals.
in-company, in relation to 2 or more Part 131 aircraft in flight, means such aircraft:
(a) that form a group and occupy a specific 3-dimensional volume of airspace; and
(b) each of whose pilots in command self-separates from the other group aircraft in the volume of airspace.
infant has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
Note Infant means a person who has not turned 2 years of age.
inoperative, for anything, has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
in the vicinity of a non-controlled aerodrome has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
JRCC means the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
km means kilometres.
kts means knots.
light sport balloon has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
lighter-than-air aircraft has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
m, for a distance, means metres.
manned free balloon has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
MBA means mandatory broadcast area.
MEL (short for minimum equipment list) has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
mixed balloon means a manned free balloon that derives its lift from a combination of heated air and non-flammable lighter than air gas.
MOS means Manual of Standards.
MTOW, or maximum take-off weight, has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
NAA, or national aviation authority, has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
NM means nautical miles.
NOTAM has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
operational safety-critical personnel has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
operative, for anything, means that the thing is not inoperative.
operator has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
Part 131 aircraft has the meaning given by regulation 131.005 of CASR.
Part 131 ASAO has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
Part 131 pilot authorisation has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
Part 131 recreational activity has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
public gathering has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
QNH is an atmospheric pressure adjusted to sea level and measured in hPa or millibars so that when QNH is set the altimeter will read altitude.
quick-donning mask means an oxygen mask that:
(a) is for a flight crew member’s personal use; and
(b) within 5 seconds of it being deployed and ready for use, the flight crew member can, with 1 hand, place over the face, secure and seal.
recognised country: see the CASR Dictionary.
Note Recognised countries include the following:
(a) Canada;
(b) France;
(c) Germany;
(d) Netherlands;
(e) New Zealand;
(f) United Kingdom;
(g) United States of America.
relevant endorsement has the meaning given by Civil Aviation Order 95.54 (Part 131 Recreational Activity and Specialised Balloon Operations) Instrument 2024.
relevant permit to operate has the meaning given by Civil Aviation Order 95.54 (Part 131 Recreational Activity and Specialised Balloon Operations) Instrument 2024.
SAR means search and rescue.
SARTIME means the time nominated by a pilot for the initiation of SAR action if a report has not been received by the nominated unit.
SARWATCH means the time for a SAR alert, based on:
(a) full position reporting procedures; or
(b) scheduled reporting times (SKEDS); or
(c) SARTIME.
SFIS means Surveillance Flight Information Service.
specialised balloon operation has the meaning given by regulation 131.020.
special VFR has the meaning given in section 2.01.
suitable landing area for a Part 131 aircraft means a place where, in the reasonable opinion of the pilot in command given the prevailing conditions, the aircraft can be safely landed without causing a hazard to persons or property on the ground or on the aircraft.
surveillance equipment: see Division 26.10 of this MOS.
tethered has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
the Regulations means CAR and CASR.
TSO means Technical Standard Order of the FAA.
VFR means the visual flight rules.
VHF means very high frequency.
VMC, or visual meteorological conditions, has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
VMC criteria has the meaning given by the CASR Dictionary.
Note See Division 2.2 of this MOS.
CHAPTER 2 PRESCRIPTIONS FOR CERTAIN DEFINITIONS IN THE CASR DICTIONARY
Note Relevant definitions to which these provisions refer were inserted in the CASR Dictionary by the Civil Aviation Safety Amendment (Operations Definitions) Regulations 2019.
Div 2
1 Definition of special VFR
Division 2.1 Definition of special VFR
2.01 Special VFR
(1) This section is for paragraph (b) of the definition of special VFR in the CASR Dictionary.
(2) For the definition of special VFR, the VFR in subsection (3) are prescribed.
(3) To operate under the special VFR, the pilot in command must:
(a) be authorised by ATC; and
(b) operate by day; and
(c) conduct the flight clear of cloud; and
(d) maintain flight visibility of at least:
(i) 1 600 m — for a height at or above 500 ft AGL; and
(ii) 100 m — for a height below 500 ft AGL.
Division 2.2 Definition of VMC criteria
2.02 VMC criteria
(1) This section is for paragraph (b) of the definition of VMC criteria in the CASR Dictionary.
(2) VMC criteria means meteorological conditions expressed in terms of the flight visibility and distance from cloud (horizontal and vertical) prescribed in this section.
(3) For Table 2.02 (3), for a class of airspace mentioned in column 1 of an item, at a height mentioned in column 2 of the same item, the VMC criteria are those mentioned in columns 3, 4 and 5 of the same item.
Table 2.02 (3)
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Column 4
Column 5
Item
Class of airspace
Height
Flight visibility
Distance from cloud
Operational requirements
1
A, B, C, E or G
At or above 10 000 ft AMSL
8 000 m
1 500 m horizontal1 000 ft vertical
2
A, B, C, E or G
Below 10 000 ft AMSL
5 000 m
1 500 m horizontal1 000 ft vertical
3
D
All heights
5 000 m
600 m horizontal1 000 ft vertical above cloud500 ft vertical below cloud
4
G
At or below whichever is the higher of:3 000 ft AMSL; or1 000 ft AGL
5 000 m
Clear of cloud
In sight of ground or water
5
G
Below 1 500 ft above ground or water
5 000 m
No vertical clearance from cloud below the Part 131 aircraft is required provided the top of the cloud is at or below 500 ft above ground or water
The Part 131 aircraft must be at least 10 NM from an aerodrome with an approved instrument approach procedure
6
G
Below 500 ft above ground or water
100 m
Not applicable
Day operation only provided the Part 131 aircraft is at least 10 NM from an aerodrome with an approved instrument approach procedure
Note 1 Subject to ATC clearance, operation under the special VFR may be available within a control zone.
Note 2 Refer to regulation 91.285 for restrictions on VFR flight in Class A airspace.
CHAPTER 3 OTHER PRESCRIPTIONS FOR DEFINITIONS FOR PART 131 OF CASR
3.01 Specialised balloon operation
(1) For subparagraph 131.020 (c) (v), an operation is a specialised balloon operation if it:
(a) complies with paragraphs 131.020 (a) and (b); and
(b) involves an activity mentioned in this subsection (2).
(2) RESERVED
Note No requirements are currently prescribed. This section has been reserved to preserve the MOS structure for any future provisions that would be appropriate following consultation.
3.02 Part 131 recreational activity
For subregulation 131.025 (2), a Part 131 recreational activity does not include operating a Part 131 aircraft in the following circumstances:
RESERVED
Note No requirements are currently prescribed. This section has been reserved to preserve the MOS structure for any future provisions that would be appropriate following consultation.
Part 4
PERSONNEL FATIGUE MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 4 PERSONNEL FATIGUE MANAGEMENT
4.01 Purpose
For regulation 131.190, this Chapter prescribes the requirements for a balloon transport operator’s system for managing flight crew fatigue.
4.02 Personnel fatigue management
RESERVED
Note Civil Aviation Order 48.1 Instrument 2019 applies to the holder of a balloon transport AOC. This section is reserved to provide for CASA to eventually move the requirements of the CAO into the MOS.
Part 5
FLIGHT RELATED DOCUMENTS
CHAPTER 5 FLIGHT RELATED DOCUMENTS
5.01 Carriage of documents — all flights
(1) For subregulation 131.275 (1), the following documents are prescribed for carriage on all flights of a Part 131 aircraft, whether or not the flight begins or ends inside or outside Australian territory:
(a) the aircraft flight manual instructions for the aircraft;
(b) the MEL (if any) for the aircraft;
Note There are no operations under Part 131 that are required to have an MEL. However, an operator does have the ability to have an MEL approved under Subpart 91.Y of CASR. If an MEL were to be approved for an operator then it would have to be carried on the aircraft.
(c) for each flight crew member, the following:
(i) if the member is required to hold a medical certificate — the certificate;
(ii) whichever of the following is required for the member to operate the aircraft for the flight:
(A) a CP(B)L;
(B) a certificate of validation issued under Part 5 of CAR;
(C) a relevant permit to operate the aircraft, including the relevant endorsements applicable for the flight;
(iii) either of the following:
(A) a photographic identification document issued by a Commonwealth, State or Territory authority or agency;
Note Some examples of photographic identification documents include an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC), an Aviation Identification (AVID) or a driver’s licence.
(B) the member’s passport;
(d) suitable scale maps and aeronautical charts for the proposed area of operation, which show the following:
(i) certified aerodromes;
(ii) non-controlled aerodromes identified in the authorised aeronautical information;
(iii) the lateral and vertical limits of any of the following:
(A) controlled airspace;
(B) prohibited, restricted, and danger areas (if any);
(iv) topographical information to enable the pilot in command to navigate to a suitable landing area.
(2) Despite paragraph (1) (a), if:
(a) the information and instructions that are required under the relevant airworthiness standards for the Part 131 aircraft to be included in the aircraft’s flight manual are contained in another document; and
(b) the other document is carried on board the aircraft; and
(c) that document does not alter, or contain anything that would conflict with, the information or instructions mentioned in paragraph (a);
then the document may be carried on board the aircraft in place of the aircraft flight manual.
Note An exposition that meets the requirements in subsection (2) could be carried on board instead of the flight manual.
(3) Also, despite paragraph (1) (a), if:
(a) a checklist of the Part 131 aircraft’s normal, abnormal and emergency procedures mentioned in paragraph (b) of the definition of aircraft flight manual instructions in the CASR Dictionary is contained in another document; and
(b) the other document is carried on board the aircraft; and
(c) that document does not alter, or contain anything that would conflict with, the information or instructions in the checklist;
then the document may be carried on board the aircraft in place of the checklist.
5.02 Carriage of documents — flights that begin or end, or are conducted entirely, outside Australian territory
(1) For subregulation 131.275 (1), the additional documents mentioned in subsection (2) are prescribed for carriage on a flight of a Part 131 aircraft that:
(a) either:
(i) begins or ends outside Australian territory; or
(ii) is conducted entirely outside Australian territory; and
(b) is involved in:
(i) a Part 131 recreational activity; or
(ii) a specialised balloon operation.
(2) For subsection (1), the additional documents are the following:
(a) the aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness and certificate of registration;
(b) if the aircraft has a radio station licence —a copy of the licence;
(c) a list including the name, place of embarkation and place of destination of each passenger on the aircraft;
(d) if the aircraft is carrying cargo (other than passenger baggage) — a manifest and detailed declaration of the cargo;
(e) the journey log for the flight containing the information required by section 5.03;
(f) if the operator or pilot in command of the aircraft holds an approval under regulation 131.035 or holds another civil aviation authorisation that is relevant to the flight — a copy of the approval or authorisation.
5.03 Journey logs
(1) For paragraph 5.02 (2) (e), the information mentioned in subsection (2) must be recorded in the journey log before the flight begins.
(2) The information is the following:
(a) the aircraft registration mark and flight number (if any);
(b) the date of the flight;
(c) for each crew member assigned to the flight:
(i) the crew member’s name or another means to identify the crew member; and
(ii) the duties assigned to the crew member for the flight;
(d) the place of departure for the flight.
(3) For paragraph 5.02 (2) (e), the information mentioned in subsection (4) must be recorded in the journey log as soon as practicable after the flight ends.
(4) The information is the following:
(a) the place of arrival;
(b) the time the flight began;
(c) the time the flight ended;
(d) the duration of the flight;
(e) incidents and observations (if any) that may have been relevant in any way to the safety of the flight.
5.04 Documents kept with a person on the ground
For regulation 131.280, the following document is prescribed, namely, a passenger list that meets the requirements of section 6.02.
Note 1 Regulation 131.280 applies only to balloon transport operators.
Note 2 Documents that, for flights within Australian territory, must be carried on the flight or left with a person on the ground, may be electronic copies: see regulation 131.265.
Note 3 Whether carriage of required documents in electronic form is permitted for flights within foreign territory is a matter for the relevant foreign law.
Note 4 Chapter 13 of this MOS also requires that, during a flight, certain kinds of flight notifications must be kept by certain persons on the ground.
Part 6
REPORTING AND RECORDING INFORMATION
CHAPTER 6 REPORTING AND RECORDING INFORMATION
6.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.285 (1), this Chapter prescribes the requirements relating to recording, retaining and reporting information for a Part 131 aircraft flight.
6.02 Passenger lists
(1) This section applies to a flight of a Part 131 aircraft that is any of the following:
(a) a balloon transport operation;
(b) training conducted as a prescribed activity under paragraph 206 (a) of CAR;
(c) a specialised balloon operation.
Note Paragraph 206 (a) of CAR requires certain balloon flying training activities to be conducted by the holder of an AOC.
(2) For a flight, a passenger list must be prepared before the flight that records the following information:
(a) the aircraft’s registration mark or flight number;
(b) the name of each passenger;
(c) the date, the estimated time of departure, and the location, of the flight, such that the individual flight can be identified.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if, at the time it is required to be recorded, the information mentioned in the subsection is:
(a) recorded in another document kept by the operator; or
(b) readily available to the operator from another source.
(4) The information required under subsection (2) (and subsection (3), where applicable) must be kept by the operator of a flight for at least 3 months after the end of the flight.
6.03 Recording loading weights and fuel usage
(1) This section applies to the operator of a flight of a Part 131 aircraft that is any of the following:
(a) a balloon transport operation;
(b) training conducted as a prescribed activity under paragraph 206 (a) of CAR.
(2) The operator must record for each flight, and keep for 3 months after the end of the flight:
(a) the loading weights calculated in accordance with Chapter 24; and
(b) the fuel used if fuelling was from a metered supply.
Note Examples of sources for a metered supply include an LPG supply at a service station, and an operator’s bulk LPG tank fitted with a supply meter.
6.04 Other information to be recorded or retained
(1) For a flight of a Part 131 aircraft, the following information must be recorded as soon as practicable after each flight:
(a) the flight time of the pilot in command;
(b) the flight time of any other pilot who is permitted under the civil aviation legislation to operate the aircraft during the flight;
(c) details of any incident relating to the flight that endangered, or could have endangered, the safe operation of the aircraft;
(d) for a flight that includes balloon flying training — the flight report of the training activity.
Note 1 See Part 4B of CAR for defect reporting.
Note 2 See also the AIP for Immediately and Routine Reportable Matters.
(2) The information mentioned in subsection (1) must be kept by the operator for the flight:
(a) in the case of a flight that is not a Part 131 recreational activity — for at least 3 months after the end of the flight; and
(b) in the case of a flight that is a Part 131 recreational activity — in accordance with pilot logbook or Part 131 ASAO requirements, as applicable.
(3) For a flight of a Part 131 aircraft, the following information must be recorded in the document used by the operator of the aircraft to record the maintenance status of the aircraft as soon as practicable after the flight but no later than before the aircraft is next operated for another flight:
(a) details of any defect that occurs during the operation of the aircraft for the flight, including:
(i) any abnormal instrument indication; and
(ii) any abnormal behaviour by the aircraft;
(b) any instance of an operating limit specified in the aircraft’s flight manual being exceeded during the flight.
Note See regulation 51 of CAR, and Advisory Circular AC 131-01, for further guidance.
Part 7
EMERGENCY AND SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
CHAPTER 7 EMERGENCY AND SURVIVAL EQUIPMENT INFORMATION
7.01 Information about emergency and survival equipment
For the purposes of subregulation 131.295 (1) of CASR, if equipment listed in column 1 of an item of Table 7.01 is carried on the flight, the information mentioned in column 2 of the item is prescribed for the equipment.
Note Regulation 131.295 only applies to balloon transport operations.
CHAPTER 8 FLIGHTS OVER POPULOUS AREAS, PUBLIC GATHERINGS AND OTHER AREAS
8.01 Purpose
For paragraph 131.305 (1) (b), this Chapter prescribes requirements for flight of a Part 131 aircraft over a populous area or a public gathering.
Note While this Chapter does not presently prescribe requirements related to flights other than over populous areas or public gatherings, regulation 91.055 (aircraft not to be operated in manner that creates a hazard) applies at all times to a Part 131 aircraft.
8.02 Minimum height for Part 131 aircraft — populous area or public gathering
(1) Subject to subsection (2), for flight over a populous area or a public gathering, a Part 131 aircraft must be flown at a minimum height of at least 1 000 ft above the highest feature or obstacle within a horizontal radius of 100 m of the point on the ground or water immediately below the aircraft.
(2) The minimum height prescribed in subsection (1) does not apply if any of the following apply:
(a) the Part 131 aircraft is taking-off, or is conducting manoeuvres necessary to achieve a safe landing;
(b) the Part 131 aircraft is participating in an air display that is the subject of an approval for the purposes of regulation 91.180 (air displays in Australian territory);
(c) the Part 131 aircraft is engaged in a procedure to determine the suitability of a landing area for a landing;
(d) the Part 131 aircraft is conducting flight in order to navigate to a planned landing area.
Part 9
DROPPING THINGS FROM AIRCRAFT
CHAPTER 9 DROPPING THINGS FROM AIRCRAFT
9.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.310 (2), this Chapter prescribes the kinds of things (including a parachutist) that may be dropped from a Part 131 aircraft.
Note Regulation 91.055 (aircraft not to be operated in manner that creates a hazard) applies to a Part 131 aircraft.
9.02 What may be dropped
(1) Subject to subsection (2), the following things may be dropped from a Part 131 aircraft:
(a) ballast in the form of fine sand or water;
(b) competition markers and wind indicators;
(c) a parachutist, when dropped in accordance with the requirements of Part 105 — Parachuting from aircraft, of CASR;
(d) substances or objects in accordance with subsection (2).
(2) For paragraph (1) (d), the substance or object to be dropped or released:
(a) must be carried:
(i) inside the aircraft; or
(ii) in a manner specified in the AFM; or
(iii) in a manner specified in an engineering order issued under Part 21 of CASR; or
(iv) in a manner set out in the operator’s exposition or operations manual; and
(b) when dropped, must not:
(i) damage any part of the aircraft; or
(ii) affect the operation of any part of the aircraft; and
(c) for objects only — must be such that the size to weight ratio of each individual object to be dropped ensures that, when released, the object immediately drops away from the aircraft.
Part 10
USE OF SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN EQUIPMENT, ETC.
CHAPTER 10 USE OF SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN EQUIPMENT, ETC.
10.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.320 (3), this Chapter prescribes requirements about the use, by a person on board a Part 131 aircraft for a flight, of equipment to supply supplemental oxygen during the flight.
10.02 Requirements about the use of equipment to supply supplemental oxygen
(1) This section applies to the operator and the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft in a flight that is flown above 10 000 ft AMSL.
Note 1 Under subregulation 131.320 (1), the operator of a balloon transport operation that is flown above 10 000 ft AMSL must hold a CASA approval under regulation 131.035.
Note 2 See section 26.14 for requirements relating to the equipment that stores and supplies supplemental oxygen.
Note 3 Under regulation 91.285, CASA approval is required for VFR flights in Class A airspace.
(2) When the pressure altitude has been between FL125 and FL140 for longer than 30 minutes, each flight crew member engaged in performing duties essential to the safe operation of a Part 131 aircraft must use supplemental oxygen continuously.
(3) When the pressure altitude is above FL140:
(a) each flight crew member engaged in the operation of a Part 131 aircraft (performing duties) must use supplemental oxygen continuously; and
(b) supplemental oxygen must be available for the use of each flight crew member not performing duties.
(4) When the pressure altitude is above FL125, supplemental oxygen must be available for the use of each person on board a Part 131 aircraft.
(5) During the flight of a Part 131 aircraft that is conducting a balloon transport operation, when the pressure altitude is above 10 000 ft AMSL, a flight crew member must use supplemental oxygen continuously if the flight crew member considers that lack of oxygen may result in the impairment of the flight crew member’s faculties.
Note Flight crew member includes the pilot in command.
(6) During the flight of a Part 131 aircraft that is conducting a balloon transport operation, when the pressure altitude is above 10 000 ft AMSL, supplemental oxygen must be available to each passenger on board a Part 131 aircraft if the lack of oxygen may result in the impairment of the passenger’s faculties.
Note The following Table is a guide to some of section 10.02 but is not intended to alter the meaning of the section in any way.
Table 10.02 — Requirements for supplemental oxygen above 10 000 ft
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Column 4
Altitude
Above 10 000 ft AMSL (balloon transport operation only)
Between FL125 and FL140
FL140
Each flight crew member
Must use supplemental oxygen continuously if impairment considered possible
After 30 minutes, must use supplemental oxygen continuously if engaged in essential duty
Must use supplemental oxygen continuously if engaged in essential duty. Otherwise, must have supplemental oxygen available
Each passenger
Must have supplemental oxygen available if impairment considered possible
Must have supplemental oxygen available
Must have supplemental oxygen available
CHAPTER 11 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIALISED BALLOON OPERATIONS
11.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.330 (1), this Chapter prescribes additional requirements about the use of equipment carried or installed on a Part 131 aircraft conducting a specialised balloon operation.
11.02 RESERVED
Note No requirements are currently prescribed. This section has been reserved to preserve the MOS structure for any future provisions that would be appropriate following consultation.
Part 12
FLIGHT PREPARATION
CHAPTER 12 FLIGHT PREPARATION
12.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.340 (1), this Chapter prescribes requirements relating to flight preparation and weather assessments for a Part 131 aircraft (the flight preparation (weather assessments) requirements).
(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the pilot in command must study:
(a) authorised weather forecasts and authorised weather reports (including any expected changes to surface conditions and forecast winds) that apply for the period from commencement of the flight until 2 hours after the planned landing time; and
(b) any other reasonably available weather information that is relevant to the intended operation.
(2) If the information mentioned in paragraph (1) (a) is studied more than 2 hours before commencing the flight, the pilot in command must obtain, and review, an update to that information before the flight begins.
(3) The pilot in command must study the materials mentioned in subsections (1) and (2) as they apply to:
(a) the planned flying area; and
(b) for a flight in controlled airspace — any relevant aerodrome within 10 NM of the planned flying area.
Part 13
FLIGHT NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 13 FLIGHT NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
13.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.345 (1), this Chapter prescribes requirements relating to balloon flight notifications for flights of a Part 131 aircraft (the flight notification requirements).
13.02 Flight notification requirements
(1) Subject to subsection (2), if the flight of a Part 131 aircraft is 1 of the following:
(a) a flight conducting a balloon transport operation;
(b) a flight over water where, in the event of an emergency, a landing or ditching in the water may occur;
(c) a flight in a designated remote area;
(d) a flight conducted in whole, or in part, at night;
then the pilot in command must ensure that, in accordance with procedures published in authorised aeronautical information, 1 of the following has occurred:
(e) the submission of a flight plan;
(f) the nomination of a SARTIME for arrival;
(g) the leaving of a flight note with a responsible person.
Note See section 13.05 for responsible person.
(2) If the flight of a Part 131 aircraft is a flight in Class C or D airspace then the pilot in command must ensure that a flight plan is submitted or a SARTIME for arrival is nominated, in accordance with procedures published in the authorised aeronautical information.
Note The authorised aeronautical information describes the circumstances under which ATS may accept the submission of a flight plan or a SARTIME for arrival via radio.
13.03 Changes to flight plans and SARTIME nominations
(1) A pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft for a flight where a flight plan has been submitted must ensure that ATS is notified of any changes to the following before the flight begins:
(a) the aircraft call sign or registration;
(b) the serviceability of the equipment that, as stated in the flight plan, is carried on board;
(c) the ETD (but only if changed by more than 30 minutes);
(d) the planned maximum altitude of the flight.
(2) A pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft for a fight where a flight plan has been submitted must ensure that ATS is notified if, before or during the flight, a change is made to:
(a) the route and landing areas; or
(b) the number of passengers on board.
Note The number of passengers may change during a flight due to skydiving operations.
(3) A pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft for a flight where a SARTIME is nominated must ensure that ATS is notified of changes in any of the following:
(a) the aircraft call sign or registration;
(b) the ETD (but only if changed by more than 30 minutes);
(c) the route and landing points;
(d) the SARTIME.
13.04 Cancelling SARTIME
A pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft for a flight where a SARTIME has been nominated must ensure that the SARTIME is cancelled not later than the time nominated.
13.05 Responsible persons for receipt of a flight note
(1) In this Chapter, a responsible person for the receipt of a flight note must meet the requirements mentioned in subsection (2).
(2) For subsection (1), the responsible person must:
(a) be over the age of 18 years; and
(b) have access to at least 2 operative and appropriate means of communicating with a SAR service; and
Note For example, 2 telephones or a telephone and a radio transmitter, etc.
(c) satisfy the pilot in command that the person:
(i) knows how to contact JRCC Australia; and
(ii) will immediately do so in the event that the pilot in command’s flight is overdue.
Part 14
MATTERS TO BE CHECKED BEFORE TAKE-OFF
CHAPTER 14 MATTERS TO BE CHECKED BEFORE TAKE-OFF
14.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.350 (1), this Chapter prescribes the checks to be carried out before take-off.
14.02 Pre-flight checks
The prescribed checks are the following:
(a) a check of the NOTAMs relevant to the flight;
Note Amongst Head Office, FIR and location specific NOTAMs, this would also include NOTAMs relating to airspace activation and any anticipated military low flying.
(b) a check to confirm that:
(i) equipment required to be fitted to, or carried on, the aircraft by Part 131 or this MOS is fitted or carried, and functioning properly; and
(ii) the emergency and survival equipment carried on the aircraft is readily accessible;
(c) a check to confirm that each flight crew member and each other operational support person (if any) required for the flight by Part 131 or this MOS is fit to perform his or her duties;
(d) if the aircraft is an Australian aircraft — a check to confirm that there is:
(i) a certificate of release to service for the most recent maintenance carried out on the aircraft; and
(ii) no defects have been recorded in the document used by the operator to record the maintenance status of the aircraft that would affect the airworthiness of the aircraft;
(e) a check to confirm that the aircraft’s flight controls have been tested and are functioning correctly;
(f) for each system fitted to, or carried on, the aircraft for measuring and displaying pressure altitude, a check of the system’s accuracy in accordance with the procedures mentioned in section 14.03, as applicable;
(g) if carriage of supplemental oxygen is required for a flight in accordance with Part 131 and this MOS — checks to ensure that:
(i) the required amount of supplemental oxygen is carried; and
(ii) the approved oxygen delivery system is functioning properly; and
(iii) quick-donning masks are available if required by the approved oxygen delivery system; and
(iv) if the oxygen masks are adjustable — the masks fit each flight crew member, and any other person for whom supplementary oxygen must be available.
14.03 Checking systems for measuring and displaying pressure altitude — general
(1) For paragraph 14.02 (f), this section sets out the requirements for checking aircraft systems for measuring and displaying pressure altitude (pressure altitude systems).
(2) If:
(a) an aircraft is at a known elevation (the site elevation); and
(b) an accurate QNH is available;
then, before take-off, the pilot in command of the aircraft must check the accuracy of each of the aircraft’s pressure altitude systems in accordance with this section.
Note For accurate QNH and site elevation — see section 14.04.
(3) A pressure altitude system with an accurate QNH is operative for a VFR flight only if the system reads site elevation to within:
(a) 100 ft; or
(b) at test sites above 3 300 ft — 110 ft.
14.04 Accurate QNH and site elevation
(1) In this Chapter, a QNH is to be considered accurate only if it is provided by 1 of the following:
(a) AAIS;
(b) ATC;
(c) ATIS;
(d) AWIS;
(e) CA/GRS;
(f) WATIR.
(2) QNH contained in an authorised weather forecast must not be used for checking the accuracy of a pressure altitude system.
(3) Site elevation must be derived from aerodrome survey data that is:
(a) authorised in writing (as the case requires):
(i) by CASA; or
(ii) by an NAA; or
(b) supplied in writing by the relevant aerodrome operator.
Part 15
AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES — PRESCRIBED REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 15 AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES — PRESCRIBED REQUIREMENTS
Division 15.1 Use of a class of airspace
15.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.353 (1), this Division prescribes requirements in relation to the use by a Part 131 aircraft of a class of airspace or a portion of a class of airspace.
15.02 Transition altitude, transition layer and transition level
(1) This section applies to a flight using any class of airspace, whether controlled or uncontrolled, that is within an Australian FIR.
(2) The transition altitude is 10 000 ft.
(3) The transition level is as set out in Table 15.02 (3), so that for an area QNH mentioned in an item of column 1, the transition level is that mentioned in the same item of column 2.
Table 15.02 (3) — Transition level
Column 1
Column 2
Item
Area QNH
Transition level
1
Equal to, or greater than, 1 013.2 hPa
FL110
2
At least 997 hPa but less than 1 013.2 hPa
FL115
3
At least 980 hPa but less than 997 hPa
FL120
4
At least 963 hPa but less than 980 hPa
FL125
5
Less than 963 hPa
FL130
Note The intention is to retain a minimum buffer of 1 000 ft above the transition altitude.
(4) The pilot in command must not cruise or drift within the transition layer.
(5) For an operation at or below the transition altitude, the pilot in command must use the following altimeter setting:
(a) the current local QNH (either an accurate QNH as defined in section 14.04 or a forecast QNH) of a station along the route within 100 NM of the aircraft;
(b) if the current local QNH is not known — the current area forecast QNH.
(6) For an operation above the transition altitude, the pilot in command must use an altimeter setting of 1 013.2 hPa.
(7) On climb, the pilot in command must change between QNH and 1 013.2 hPa after passing 10 000 ft and before levelling off.
(8) On descent, the pilot in command must change between 1 013.2 hPa and the QNH before entering the transition layer.
15.03 Australian domestic airspace — inoperative radio requirements
(1) This section applies to a flight of a Part 131 aircraft within any class of airspace, whether controlled or uncontrolled, that is within an Australian FIR and is not specified in the AIP as an oceanic control area.
Note At the commencement of this instrument, the AIP document specifying the geographic boundaries of oceanic control areas is the Designated Airspace Handbook.
(2) If the radiocommunication system becomes inoperative during an operation in any Australian domestic airspace, the pilot in command must do the following:
(a) if operating in Class E or G airspace:
(i) select code 7600 on the aircraft transponder (if fitted); and
(ii) remain outside controlled airspace; and
(iii) assume the radiocommunication system is functioning and broadcast position and intentions on the frequency appropriate to the area of operation; and
(iv) as soon as practicable, descend below 5 000 ft to continue flight under the VFR;
(b) if operating in Class A, B, C or D airspace or in a restricted area:
(i) select code 7600 on the aircraft transponder (if fitted); and
(ii) assume the radiocommunication system is functioning and broadcast position and intentions on the frequency prescribed in the authorised aeronautical information; and
(iii) attempt to contact ATS by telephone; and
(iv) commence descent in preparation for landing; and
(v) land as soon as practicable.
Note See subsection 26.23 (7) for requirements relating to Mode A transponder emergency codes.
15.04 Mandatory broadcast area requirements
(1) This section applies to the pilot in command of a flight in an MBA mentioned in subsection (2).
(2) A volume of Class G airspace within the Australian FIR is an MBA if it is so specified in the AIP, as in force from time to time.
Note 1 At the commencement of this instrument, the AIP specifies which broadcast areas are mandatory broadcast areas and also the lateral and vertical boundaries of each MBA.
Note 2 This section contains MBA requirements other than those for the specific radio broadcasts or reports required to be made in relation to an MBA, or the radio carriage or fitment requirements for flight within an MBA. Radio broadcast and report requirements for an MBA are contained in section 16.06. Radio carriage or fitment requirements for an MBA are contained in section 26.07.
(3) For an MBA mentioned in an item of column 1 of Table 15.04 (3), the pilot in command must comply with the requirements mentioned in column 2 of the same item.
Table 15.04 (3) — Mandatory broadcast area requirements
Column 1
Column 2
Item
Mandatory broadcast area
Requirements
1
Ayers Rock MBA
Nil
2
Ballina/Byron Gateway MBA
When an SFIS is active for this MBA, operations in the MBA, or immediately before entering the MBA, must be conducted in accordance with the AIP
3
Port Hedland MBA
Nil
Division 15.2 Control zones, control areas, controlled aerodromes and classes of airspace
15.05 Purpose
For subregulation 131.353 (1), this Division prescribes requirements in relation to the use by a Part 131 aircraft of a control zone, a control area, a controlled aerodrome or a class of airspace.
15.06 Controlled aerodromes
(1) A Part 131 aircraft must not be operated at a controlled aerodrome unless the pilot in command holds 1 of the following:
(a) a current commercial pilot (balloon) licence;
(c) an authorisation (however described) that is issued by a relevant Part 131 ASAO to the pilot in command to operate a Part 131 aircraft at a controlled aerodrome.
Note 1 Under the Part 149 MOS, a relevant ASAO must have the approved aviation administration function of issuing pilot authorisations that include the privileges of operating in controlled airspace or at controlled aerodromes.
Note 2 A similar kind of authorisation is mentioned in paragraph 15.08 (1) (c). Nothing in this MOS requires the 2 kinds of authorisations to be separately issued to pilots by an ASAO. An ASAO could issue a combined authorisation covering both circumstances.
(2) Part 131 aircraft operations at a controlled aerodrome must be conducted in accordance with the authorised aeronautical information.
(3) Subject to subsection (5), the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft operating at a controlled aerodrome must obtain ATC clearance to take-off or land.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft that is, or is about to become, part of aerodrome traffic at a controlled aerodrome must:
(a) maintain a watch for instructions given visually by the ATC service for the aerodrome using standard visual signals; and
Note Standard visual signals are described in Division 2.3 of the Part 91 MOS.
(b) if a continuous listening watch for communications with ATC for the aerodrome can be maintained on the frequency specified in the authorised aeronautical information for the flight — maintain such a watch.
(5) Subsections (3) and (4) do not apply when an ATC service is not in operation for the aerodrome.
15.07 Control zones and areas — entry into Class A, B, C or D airspace
(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft must not enter a control zone or a control area that is Class A, B, C or D airspace without ATC clearance (a clearance).
(2) Despite subsection (1), VFR flights do not require clearance to enter Class E airspace.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply when an ATC service is not in operation for a control zone or a control area.
15.08 Control zones and control areas — operating within
(1) A Part 131 aircraft must not be operated within a control zone or a control area unless the pilot in command holds 1 of the following:
(a) a current commercial pilot (balloon) licence;
(c) an authorisation (however described) that is issued by a relevant Part 131 ASAO to the pilot in command to operate a Part 131 aircraft within a control zone or a control area.
Note 1 Under the Part 149 MOS, a relevant ASAO must have the approved aviation administration function of issuing pilot authorisations that include the privileges of operating in controlled airspace or at controlled aerodromes.
Note 2 A similar kind of authorisation is mentioned in paragraph 15.06 (1) (c). Nothing in this MOS requires the 2 kinds of authorisations to be separately issued to pilots by an ASAO. An ASAO could issue a combined authorisation covering both circumstances.
(2) Part 131 aircraft operations in a control zone or a control area must be conducted in accordance with the authorised aeronautical information.
(3) The pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft operating in a control zone or a control area must:
(a) notify ATC of any deviation from an ATC clearance (a clearance) given under section 15.07; and
(b) take positive action to comply with the clearance as soon as a deviation is recognised.
Note Regulation 91.257 also applies to a Part 131 aircraft.
15.09 Readback of ATC clearances and instructions
(1) This section applies to the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft in relation to the use by the aircraft of a control zone, a control area, or a controlled aerodrome.
(2) The pilot in command must ensure that they personally, or another member of the flight crew (if any), read back to an air traffic controller the safety-related parts of any ATC clearance or instruction which the controller has transmitted by voice (a relevant ATC clearance or instruction).
(3) Without affecting subsection (2), the following parts of a relevant ATC clearance or instruction must always be read back to the air traffic controller:
(a) ATC route clearances, including any amendments;
Note ATC route clearances include departure, en route, arrival and approach clearances.
(b) clearances, conditional clearances and instructions to wait, take off from, or land;
(c) the assigned altimeter settings, Mode A transponder codes, altitude instructions, operating area instructions;
(d) radio frequency instructions.
Division 15.3 Prohibited, restricted and danger areas
15.10 Purpose
For paragraphs 131.353 (1) (a), (b) and (c), respectively, this Division prescribes requirements in relation to the use by an aircraft of a prohibited area, a restricted area or a danger area.
15.11 Prohibited areas
Note For prohibited areas, see CASA’s OAR 6-monthly Declarations and Directions in relation to Prohibited, Restricted and Danger Areas, Etc – Permanent Instrument and the relevant Designated Airspace Handbooks, as each exists, or is in force, from time to time. Entry or flight in a prohibited area is an offence under regulations 6, 15 and 16 of the Airspace Regulations 2007 and regulation 91.260 of Part 91 of CASR.
15.12 Restricted areas
Note For restricted areas, see CASA’s OAR 6-monthly Declarations and Directions in relation to Prohibited, Restricted and Danger Areas, Etc. – Permanent Instrument and the relevant Designated Airspace Handbooks, as each exists, or is in force, from time to time. Unauthorised entry or flight in an active restricted area is an offence under regulations 6, 15 and 16 of the Airspace Regulations 2007 and regulation 91.260 of Part 91 of CASR.
15.13 Danger areas
The pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft may fly within or across a danger area provided that:
(a) before the flight, the pilot in command is demonstrably aware of the specific activity which causes the area to be a danger area; and
(b) before and during the flight, the pilot in command takes appropriate precautions against any safety risks that could arise from the flight.
Note For danger areas, see CASA’s OAR 6-monthly Declarations and Directions in relation to Prohibited, Restricted and Danger Areas, Etc. – Permanent Instrument and the relevant Designated Airspace Handbooks, as each exists, or is in force, from time to time. It is an offence under subregulation 131.353 (2) to not comply with the section 15.13 requirements for a danger area.
Part 16
USE OF RADIO — BROADCASTS AND REPORTS
CHAPTER 16 USE OF RADIO — BROADCASTS AND REPORTS
16.01 Purpose
For paragraph 131.354 (1) (b), this Chapter prescribes broadcasts and reports relating to a flight that the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft must ensure are made during the flight.
Note Regulation 91.675 (Pilot in command to report hazards to air navigation) also requires the pilot in command to make certain reports to different persons (ATS or aerodrome operators) including, for example, meteorological conditions that are hazardous to flight or defects in airways facilities or at aerodromes.
16.02 Prescribed broadcasts and reports — general
The broadcasts and reports required under this Chapter must be made on the relevant published radio frequency unless the air traffic service agrees to the use of a different frequency for special flight circumstances.
Note For example, descent from controlled to uncontrolled airspace, formation flights, SAR operations, and police and security operations. The pilot in command may initiate a request for an air traffic service to agree to a changed radio frequency for special flight circumstances.
(1) The pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft must ensure that broadcasts on the CTAF are made for a non-controlled aerodrome in accordance with Table 16.03 (1) if:
(a) the aircraft is operating at or in the vicinity of a non-controlled aerodrome (including a certified or military aerodrome when non-controlled); and
(b) the aircraft is equipped with an operative VHF radio; and
(c) the pilot is qualified to use the radio.
Note 1 For the definition of in the vicinity of a non-controlled aerodrome — see subsection 1.06 (5).
Note 2 For a pilot to be authorised and qualified to use the radio — see regulation 91.625.
Note 3 For an aircraft that must be equipped with an operative VHF radio — see Chapter 26.
Note 4 Additional requirements apply for a non-controlled aerodrome in an MBA — see section 16.06.
(2) For Table 16.03 (1), for an item in the Table, the pilot in command in the situation mentioned for the item in column 1 must ensure that the broadcast mentioned for the item in column 2 is made.
When the pilot in command considers it reasonably necessary to broadcast to avoid the risk of a collision with another aircraft
Broadcast
16.04 Controlled aerodromes and controlled airspace — prescribed reports
(1) The pilot in command of 1 of the following:
(a) a Part 131 aircraft on the ground at a controlled aerodrome;
(b) a Part 131 aircraft in Class A, B, C or D airspace;
must ensure that:
(c) reports to the ATC service are made in accordance with Table 16.04 (1); and
(d) reports and broadcasts are made in accordance with the other applicable provisions of this Chapter.
(2) For Table 16.04 (1), for an item in the Table, the pilot in command in the situation mentioned for the item in column 1 must make the report mentioned for the item in column 2.
(3) Despite paragraph (1) (c) and subsection (2), for item 8 of Table 16.04 (1), the required report must be made to the air traffic service for the Class G airspace volume that the Part 131 aircraft will descend into after the controlled airspace.
Note This is to ensure that separation with any aircraft operating near the base of controlled airspace is not compromised.
Table 16.04 (1) – Class A, B, C or D airspace – reports
Column 1
Column 2
Item
Situation
Report
1
Ready to launch
Report the situation
2
Airborne
Report the situation
3
Position report when required by the ATC service or the route reporting requirements of the authorised aeronautical information
Report the situation
4
Previously reported position estimate is more than 2 minutes in error
Corrected position estimate
5
Aircraft performance degraded below:(a) the level required for the airspace in which it is operating; or(b) the capability of the aircraft reported in the aircraft’s flight notification
Report the situation
6
Leaving a level or reaching an assigned level
Report the situation
7
Unable to comply with ATC clearances or instructions
Report the situation
8
Before leaving controlled airspace on descent
Report the situation
9
Landed
If cancelling SARWATCH — report cancellation
Note Item 5 pertains to degradation of aircraft performance as a result of failure or degradation of navigation, communications, altimetry (including transponders), flight control or other systems.
16.05 Class E or G airspace — prescribed reports
(1) The pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft in Class E or G airspace must ensure that:
(a) a report is made to the air traffic service for the airspace in accordance with Table 16.05 (1); and
(b) reports and broadcasts are made in accordance with the other applicable provisions of this Chapter.
(2) For Table 16.05 (1), for an item of the Table, the pilot in command in the situation mentioned for the item in column 1 must ensure that the report mentioned for the item in column 2 is made.
Table 16.05 (1) – Classes E and G airspace – reports
Column 1
Column 2
Item
Situation
Report
1
Requiring clearance into controlled airspace
Report the situation
2
Before, and on completion of, over‑water stage
Report in accordance with SAR reporting schedules if arranged before the over-water stage
16.06 Flights in a mandatory broadcast area — prescribed broadcasts and reports
(1) The pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft intending to operate in an MBA must:
(a) make broadcasts and reports in accordance with:
(i) if an SFIS is not active for the MBA — Table 16.06 (1); and
(ii) if an SFIS is active for the MBA — the requirements specified in the AIP, as in force from time to time for the SFIS; and
(b) ensure that, when making a broadcast or report required by paragraph (a), the broadcast or report contains the following information, in the following order:
(i) the name of the relevant aerodrome followed by the word TRAFFIC;
(ii) the aircraft type and call sign;
(iii) for an MBA where an SFIS is not active immediately before entering the MBA:
(A) the aircraft’s present altitude (where appropriate); and
(B) the situation-based information required by Table 16.06 (1);
(iv) for an MBA where an SFIS is active immediately before entering the MBA — the information required by the AIP for the SFIS;
(v) the name of the relevant aerodrome; and
(c) ensure that reports and broadcasts are made in accordance with the other applicable provisions of this Chapter.
Note Certain other operational requirements for MBA are contained in section 15.04. The requirement to have a radio in an MBA is contained in section 26.07.
(2) For Table 16.06 (1), for an item of the Table, the pilot in command in the situation mentioned in column 1 of an item, must ensure that the broadcast mentioned in column 2 of the same item is made.
Table 16.06 (1) – Broadcasts – in relation to an MBA
Column 1
Column 2
Item
Situation
Broadcast
1
Prior to, or immediately after entering an MBA
Broadcast the pilot’s intended use of the MBA
2
Entering the circuit area
Broadcast the situation, and indicate the position of the aircraft relative to the aerodrome
3
Commencing a missed approach
Broadcast the situation
4
After landing and clear of the active runway(s)
Broadcast the situation
5
Immediately before launching
Broadcast the situation and the following information:(a) either:(i) the planned destination aerodrome for the flight; or(ii) the direction in which the pilot intends to fly from the aerodrome; or(iii) the nature of operation (e.g. circuits);(b) the runway (if any) proposed to be used for take‑off.
6
Immediately before entering, or being moved onto, a runway to be used for launching
Broadcast the following:(a) a statement that the aircraft is entering, or being moved onto, the runway;(b) the runway identifier.
Part 17
OPERATIONS AT NON-CONTROLLED AERODROMES
CHAPTER 17 OPERATIONS AT NON-CONTROLLED AERODROMES
17.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.360 (1), this Chapter prescribes requirements in relation to the operation of a Part 131 aircraft at, or in the vicinity of, a non-controlled aerodrome.
Note 1 For the meaning of in the vicinity of a non-controlled aerodrome, the CASR Dictionary references regulation 91.360 which indicates that such vicinity is in uncontrolled airspace, within 10 NM of the aerodrome and at a height above the aerodrome that could result in conflicting operations.
Note 2 The give way rules under regulations 91.325, 91.330 and 91.340 apply to a Part 131 aircraft.
Note 3 Regulation 91.055, requiring pilots to not operate an aircraft in a manner that is hazardous to another aircraft, person or property, also applies to Part 131 aircraft. Aircraft operations that are otherwise conducted in accordance with the civil aviation legislation are not taken to create a hazard.
17.02 Operating within 3 NM of a non-controlled aerodrome
(1) When within 3 NM of a non-controlled aerodrome, the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft who does not hold a qualification mentioned in subsection (3):
(a) must not land or take off; and
(b) if overflying the aerodrome must maintain at a height of at least 2 000 ft AGL.
(2) When within 3 NM of a non-controlled aerodrome, the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft who holds a qualification mentioned in subsection (3) may take off, or conduct manoeuvres necessary to achieve a safe landing.
(3) For subsections (1) and (2), the qualification referred to is 1 of the following:
(a) a current commercial pilot (balloon) licence (CP(B)L);
(c) a current authorisation from a Part 131 ASAO that:
(i) authorises the holder to operate a Part 131 aircraft; and
(ii) is endorsed for flight within 3 NM of a non-controlled aerodrome.
Part 18
FLIGHTS OVER WATER
CHAPTER 18 FLIGHTS OVER WATER
18.01 Purpose
For subregulations 131.365 (1) and (2), this Chapter prescribes the requirements for the flight of a Part 131 aircraft over water.
18.02 Definition
In this section:
risk considerations means the following considerations:
(a) the potential for exposure of any crew member for the flight, or passenger on the flight, to injury because of the operation;
Note The potential for exposure to injury includes the chances of survival in the water of the persons on board the aircraft in the event of the aircraft descending, or ditching, into the water. A person’s chances of survival may be affected by their swimming and other physical abilities.
(b) the surface condition of the area of water, including the wave height, wind conditions and swell;
(c) the water temperature and air temperatures;
(d) the distance the Part 131 aircraft would be, at any time while over the water, from land that was suitable for a landing;
(e) the availability of SAR facilities, and the time it would likely take for a successful SAR operation to be completed;
(f) the emergency and survival equipment carried on the aircraft.
18.03 Requirements for Part 131 aircraft flights over water
(1) This section applies to the flight of a Part 131 aircraft:
(a) if it is planned to fly the aircraft over water where, in the event of an emergency, a landing or ditching in the water may occur; or
(b) if the planned flight is in an area, or under circumstances, in which:
(i) there is a reasonable possibility that the aircraft may unintentionally fly over water; and
(ii) in the event of an emergency, a landing or ditching in the water may occur.
Note Water would include, for example, the sea, a lake, a bay or an estuary.
(2) Before take-off, the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft must use the risk considerations to identify the risks to survival of persons carried on board in the event of ditching.
Note Pilots in command have responsibility for the safety of persons on board an aircraft: see regulation 91.215 of CASR. Operators holding an AOC must at all times take all reasonable steps to ensure that every activity covered by the AOC, and everything done in connection with such an activity, is done with a reasonable degree of care and diligence: see subsection 28BE (1) of the Civil Aviation Act 1988.
(3) Based on the risks identified under subsection (2), the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft must decide whether to carry any or none of the following:
(a) a life jacket or equivalent flotation device for each person on board the aircraft;
(b) an emergency locator transmitter;
(c) signalling equipment for making distress signals;
(d) other emergency equipment.
Note 1 Examples of other emergency equipment include personal locator transmitters, warm or waterproof clothing, food and drink, lighting equipment.
Note 2 Division 26.7 contains requirements that apply to emergency locator transmitters, and Division 26.9 contains requirements that apply to life jackets.
(4) Based on operational circumstances during a flight, the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft must decide if and when any of the items mentioned in subsection (3) must be worn or deployed (as applicable).
(5) A balloon transport operator must ensure that their exposition contains the procedures to be followed by a pilot in command when meeting the requirements specified in subsections (2), (3) and (4).
(6) In determining the following:
(a) the risks to the aircraft of a flight over water;
(b) the chances of survival in the water of persons on the aircraft in the event of the aircraft descending or ditching into the water;
the operator and the pilot in command assume responsibility for the lives of the persons on board the aircraft.
Part 19
VISUAL FLIGHT RULES
CHAPTER 19 VISUAL FLIGHT RULES
19.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.367 (1), this Chapter prescribes requirements relating to the operation of a Part 131 aircraft for a VFR flight.
19.02 VFR flight requirements
(1) The pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft must ensure that during VFR flight, the aircraft is flown in accordance with:
(a) the VMC criteria for the airspace in which the flight is conducted; or
(b) the special VFR — but only if ATC has authorised the pilot in command to so conduct the flight.
(2) When navigating by visual reference to the ground or water, the pilot in command must, at intervals of not more than 30 minutes, positively fix the aircraft’s position by visual reference to features marked on topographical maps or charts.
(3) For subsection (2), when navigating by visual reference over the sea, visual reference features may include rocks, reefs and fixed man-made objects that are:
(a) marked on topographical charts appropriate for the flight; and
(b) readily identifiable from the air.
(4) The pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft conducting a flight at night under the VFR must:
(a) for a balloon transport operation:
(i) not take off earlier than 1 hour before first light; and
(ii) plan to land the aircraft after first light; and
(iii) ensure that the aircraft does not land at night other than in an emergency; and
(b) for a flight that is not a balloon transport operation:
(i) plan not to land the aircraft at night; and
(ii) ensure that the aircraft does not land at night other than in an emergency or as a precautionary manoeuvre.
(5) In this section:
precautionary manoeuvre means to land at night when to proceed with the flight and land later would be likely to increase the risk of injury or damage to any persons or property.
Note For example, a precautionary manoeuvre would be to land at night if continuing the flight would be likely to carry the balloon out over the sea, or over inhospitable terrain, or over heavily built-up areas, where a landing would have consequential risks to any persons or property, including the persons on board the Part 131 aircraft, and the aircraft itself.
CHAPTER 20 OPERATION OF TETHERED PART 131 AIRCRAFT OTHER THAN A SUBPART 131.Z TETHERED GAS BALLOON
20.01 Purpose
(1) Subject to subsection (2), for subregulation 131.375 (1), this Chapter prescribes requirements relating to the flight of a Part 131 aircraft that is tethered to the ground for the flight (tethered flight).
(2) This Chapter does not apply to a flight of the following:
(a) a Subpart 131.Z tethered gas balloon;
(b) a Part 131 aircraft that is tethered to the ground for the flight by a launch restraint.
(3) In this Chapter:
launch restraint means the temporary restraint of a free balloon for the purpose of initiating a free flight.
20.02 Requirements for tethered flight
(1) The pilot in command must not operate a Part 131 aircraft in tethered flight in such a manner that the crown of the aircraft exceeds 400 ft AGL unless the operator holds an approval under regulation 131.035 for this subsection.
(2) The pilot in command must not operate a Part 131 aircraft in tethered flight:
(a) on the movement area or the runway of a controlled aerodrome; or
(b) anywhere within the control zone of such an aerodrome;
unless the operator has the approval (however described) of ATC.
Note ATC approval may take the form of, for example, a direct authorisation from the ATC tower, or an enduring permission from Airservices Australia as the ATS provider for the aerodrome. If the ATC tower closes and no air traffic control service is provided for the aerodrome (as distinct from an approach control service or area control service for certain airspace above and in the vicinity of the aerodrome) then the aerodrome is no longer a controlled aerodrome and subsection (3) would apply in such circumstances.
(3) The pilot in command must not operate a Part 131 aircraft in tethered flight:
(a) on the movement area or the runway of a relevant aerodrome; or
(b) within 2 NM of such an aerodrome;
unless the operator holds, for the purposes of this subsection:
(c) a CASA approval under regulation 131.035; or
(d) the written permission or approval of the operator of the relevant aerodrome.
(4) For subsection (3), relevant aerodrome means a non-controlled aerodrome listed in the AIP-ERSA.
Note A non-controlled aerodrome includes an aerodrome that at times has ATC but where the ATC service is not operating.
(5) A person must not operate a Part 131 aircraft in tethered flight in such a manner as to create an obstruction to an aircraft taking off from, or approaching for landing at, the following areas of any aerodrome:
(a) a marked rotorcraft landing area;
(b) a rotorcraft landing area identified as such in the authorised aeronautical information;
(c) a runway.
Part 21
FUEL AND BALLAST REQUIREMENTS
CHAPTER 21 FUEL AND BALLAST REQUIREMENTS
21.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.385 (1), this Chapter prescribes requirements relating to fuel and ballast for a Part 131 aircraft, whether or not it is conducting a balloon transport operation.
Note Fuel, in the form of liquid petroleum gas, is used in hot air balloons, hot air airships and mixed balloons to control altitude by heating the air inside the envelope. Ballast (as defined in subsection 1.06 (5)) is used in a gas balloon to control altitude by initiating ascent and controlling descent through the progressive release of the ballast. A gas balloon flight must terminate when the ballast is exhausted.
21.02 Definitions for this Chapter
In this Chapter:
final reserve fuel means the calculated amount of usable fuel, expressed as a period of time, required to be remaining in the fuel tanks on completion of the final landing of a flight before ground handling.
night operations fuel for a hot air balloon or hot air airship means the amount of fuel required to enable an aircraft, that is conducting a flight under the VFR at night, to remain airborne until conducting a landing by day.
trip fuel means the amount of fuel required to enable a hot air balloon or hot air airship to fly from any point along a route until landing at a suitable landing area.
unforeseen factors means factors that could have an influence on an aircraft’s fuel consumption to a suitable landing area, including the following:
(a) the aircraft’s deviation from the expected fuel consumption data for the aircraft;
(b) extended deviations from planned routings or altitudes.
21.03 General requirements
Gas balloon
(1) For a gas balloon that exclusively uses ballast to control the altitude of the aircraft, the pilot in command for the flight of an aircraft must, after taking into account the matters required by this Chapter to be considered in relation to amounts of fuel, ensure that the aircraft is carrying on board at least the amount of ballast that would achieve an equivalent outcome to the fuel requirements specified by this Chapter.
Mixed balloon
(2) For a mixed balloon, the pilot in command for the flight of an aircraft must, after taking into account the matters required by this Chapter to be considered in relation to amounts of fuel, ensure that the aircraft is carrying on board at least the amount of fuel that would achieve an equivalent outcome to the fuel requirements specified by this Chapter.
Fuel consumption data
(3) When determining the amount of usable fuel required under this Chapter for a flight of a hot air balloon or hot air airship, the pilot in command must use 1 of the following fuel consumption data sources:
(a) the most recent aircraft specific fuel consumption data derived from the fuel consumption monitoring system used by the operator of the aircraft (if available);
(b) the aircraft manufacturer’s data for the aircraft.
Operational requirements, etc.
(4) In determining the amount of usable fuel required under this Chapter, the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft must take the following matters into account:
(a) the operating conditions for the proposed flight, including the following:
(i) the total loaded weight of the aircraft at take-off;
(ii) relevant NOTAMs;
(iii) relevant authorised weather forecasts and authorised weather reports;
(iv) relevant air traffic service procedures, restrictions and possible delays;
(v) the terrain to be flown over, and the suitable landing area opportunities it presents;
(vi) the planned duration of the flight;
(b) the potential for deviations from the planned flight because of unforeseen factors.
21.04 Amount of fuel that must be carried for a flight
(1) The pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft must ensure that, when a flight of the aircraft commences, the aircraft is carrying on board at least the following amounts of usable fuel:
(a) trip fuel;
(b) night operations fuel (if applicable);
(c) for a flight that is a balloon transport operation — final reserve fuel of 20 minutes.
(2) Without affecting subsection (1), the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft must not commence a flight unless the aircraft is carrying on board at least the following amounts of usable fuel:
(a) subject to paragraph (b) — an amount equivalent to at least 30 minutes of flight time;
(b) for a hot air balloon that is equipped with only a single fuel tank, and that is not conducting a balloon transport operation — an amount equivalent to at least 15 minutes of flight time.
(3) The pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft must ensure that the aircraft is carrying on board at least the following amounts of usable fuel, required at any time (that time) to safely continue the flight:
(a) trip fuel from that time;
(b) night operations fuel from that time (if applicable);
(c) for a flight that is a balloon transport operation — a final reserve fuel of 20 minutes.
(4) If, after commencement of the flight, fuel is used for a purpose other than that originally intended during pre-flight planning, the pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft must reanalyse the planned use of fuel for the remainder of the flight, and adjust the parameters of the flight insofar as is necessary to remain in compliance with the requirements of this Chapter.
21.05 Procedures for determining fuel before flight and fuel monitoring during a flight
(1) The pilot in command of a Part 131 aircraft for a flight must ensure that the amount of usable fuel on board the aircraft is determined before the flight commences.
(2) The pilot in command must ensure that the amount of fuel is checked at regular intervals throughout the flight, and that the usable fuel remaining is evaluated to:
(a) compare planned fuel or ballast consumption with actual fuel or ballast consumption (as applicable); and
(b) determine the amount of usable fuel remaining; and
(c) determine whether the remaining usable fuel is sufficient to satisfy the requirements of subsection 21.04 (3); and
(d) determine the amount of usable fuel expected to be remaining when the aircraft lands at a suitable landing area.
21.06 Procedures if fuel reaches specified amounts
If, at any time during a flight of a Part 131 aircraft, the amount of usable fuel remaining in the aircraft on landing at a planned landing area will be, or is likely to be, less than the fuel required under subsection 21.04 (3), then the pilot in command must make a precautionary landing at a suitable landing area that enables the pilot in command to continue to meet the requirements in section 21.04.
21.07 Operational variations — procedures and requirements
(1) Despite section 21.04, a balloon transport operator may use an operational variation, specified in the operator’s exposition for the purpose of this section, that relates to the calculation of any of the following, if the requirements in subsections (2) and (4) are met:
(a) trip fuel;
(b) night operations fuel.
(2) At least 28 days before using an operational variation, a balloon transport operator must submit to CASA:
(a) evidence of at least 1 of the following that demonstrates how the operational variation will maintain or improve aviation safety:
(i) documented in-service experience;
(ii) the results of a specific safety risk assessment conducted by the relevant operator that meets the requirements of subsection (3); and
(b) a copy of the relevant operator’s procedures proposed for inclusion in the exposition, in relation to using the operational variation.
Note Under regulation 131.115 of CASR (as applicable), CASA may direct a balloon transport operator to remove or revise an operational variation if CASA were to find there was insufficient evidence that it would maintain or improve aviation safety.
(3) For subparagraph (2) (a) (ii), a specific safety risk assessment must include at least the following:
(a) flight fuel calculations;
(b) the capabilities of the relevant operator, including:
(i) a data-driven method that includes a fuel consumption monitoring program; and
(ii) the use of sophisticated techniques for determining the suitability of alternate landing areas; and
(iii) specific risk mitigating measures; and
(iv) the quality and reliability of meteorological information.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (1), the balloon transport operator’s exposition must include procedures in relation to the use of the operational variation.
Part 22
CARRIAGE OF PERSONS REQUIRING ASSISTANCE
CHAPTER 22 CARRIAGE OF PERSONS REQUIRING ASSISTANCE
22.01 Purpose
For paragraph 131.405 (1) (b), this Chapter prescribes requirements relating to carriage on a flight of a Part 131 aircraft of a person who is likely to require assistance.
22.02 Requirements – persons requiring assistance – any Part 131 aircraft
(1) A Part 131 aircraft must not carry on a flight a person who requires assistance due to sickness, injury or disability (the passenger) unless the requirements of this section are complied with.
(2) The pilot in command must be satisfied that the passenger can be safely accommodated on the flight without causing a hazard to any other passenger or person on the aircraft.
(3) The passenger must be positioned in the basket or gondola of the aircraft so as to not impede the exit of any other passenger or person on board the aircraft in the event of an emergency.
(4) A person who requires the use of a wheelchair may only be carried:
(a) in a basket that is constructed and equipped, in accordance with the AFM, for the safe carriage of such a person (a suitable basket); and
(b) in accordance with the procedures for carriage of such a person specified in the AFM.
(5) If the suitable basket has been constructed with a door to allow passenger ingress and egress, the pilot in command must ensure that:
(a) a crew member closes and secures the door before flight, in accordance with the procedures in the AFM; and
(b) except in an emergency on the ground, only a crew member may open the door.
Note Subsection 23.02 (6) also contains safety briefing requirements for persons requiring assistance.
22.03 Requirements — balloon transport operators
Without affecting section 22.02, the exposition of a balloon transport operator must contain procedures for the following:
(a) the risk assessment and management of a passenger who requires assistance due to sickness, injury or disability (the passenger);
(b) the carriage of a passenger who requires the use of a wheelchair, in a basket of a kind mentioned in paragraph 22.02 (4) (a);
(c) the operation and securing of a door mentioned in subsection 22.02 (5);
(d) the assessment of flight weather conditions;
(e) the assessment of any other flight conditions that may affect the safety of the balloon transport operation.
Part 23
PASSENGERS — SAFETY BRIEFINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
CHAPTER 23 PASSENGERS — SAFETY BRIEFINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS
23.01 Purpose
(1) For subregulation 131.410 (1), this Chapter prescribes the matters that must be included in the safety briefing and instructions for a passenger before a Part 131 aircraft takes off for a flight.
(2) For subregulation 131.410 (2), this Chapter prescribes:
(a) the circumstances during the flight in which a safety briefing and instructions must be given to a passenger; and
(b) the matters that must be included in the safety briefing and instructions for the circumstances.
23.02 Safety briefing and instructions before take-off
(1) For paragraph 131.410 (2) (a), a safety briefing or instructions mentioned in this section must be given to a passenger before the Part 131 aircraft takes off for a flight.
(2) The safety briefing or instructions must:
(a) take the form of a verbal briefing and related demonstration about safety matters for the flight; and
(b) be given in a way that ensures the information is easily retained and applied during the stage of the flight relevant to each aspect of the safety briefing or instructions.
Note Stages of flight in the context of this paragraph would include take-off, cruise, landing and emergencies.
(3) For passengers who may not speak English, the briefing must be supplemented by any relevant video, pictorial, or graphic, material or instructions, in the passengers’ language, unless the verbal briefing is given in that language.
(4) Subject to subsection (5), the safety briefing and related demonstration must be conducted by:
(a) the pilot in command; or
(b) another pilot for the flight who is designated by the pilot in command to conduct the briefing and demonstration.
(5) For a balloon transport operation, the safety briefing and related demonstration must be conducted by:
(a) the pilot in command; or
(b) by another person who is:
(i) designated by the operator to deliver passenger safety briefings and instructions; and
(ii) qualified for the purpose in accordance with the operator’s exposition.
(6) A specific safety briefing must be provided directly to any passenger requiring assistance on the flight, and any person accompanying or assisting the passenger (the accompanying person), and the safety briefing must:
(a) include what to do if an emergency landing of the aircraft is necessary; and
(b) be given in a form appropriate to the passenger and an accompanying person.
(7) A specific safety briefing must:
(a) be provided directly to any passenger responsible for an infant on the flight; and
(b) explain how the infant must be restrained in normal operations and in an emergency.
Note Regulation 131.400 requires a balloon transport operator to hold an approval under regulation 131.035 to carry an infant on a flight.
(8) If life jackets are carried on the aircraft, the safety briefing must include a demonstration of the method of donning and inflating a life jacket.
(9) The safety briefing and instructions must cover at least each of the following matters:
(a) safety in relation to ground equipment, including any envelope inflation fans;
(b) safety in relation to any restricted access areas in the launch area;
(c) the role and authority of ground support personnel and the pilot in preserving safety, including through giving instructions;
Note For example, passengers must stow personal belongings and baggage, and assume the landing position, on the pilot’s instructions.
(d) the wearing of suitable clothing (with an indication of what is unsuitable);
(e) smoking prohibitions around, and on board, the aircraft, including in relation to the use of e-cigarettes;
(f) procedures for boarding the aircraft;
(g) the in-flight use and stowage of personal belongings and baggage;
(h) instructions that the aircraft controls and equipment must not be interfered with;
(i) the timing and posture for the landing position to be adopted for landing, as appropriate to the aircraft type design;
(j) the landing position for an emergency;
(k) a practice session for each passenger in adopting the correct landing position and the brace position;
(l) the importance of remaining on board the aircraft until instructed otherwise, particularly after landing;
(m) instructions on the location and use of any emergency equipment (including life jackets and oxygen equipment) that is provided for individual passenger use;
(n) general instructions on any possibility of emergency situations and how to respond.
23.03 Safety briefing and instructions before landing
(1) For paragraph 131.410 (2) (a), a prescribed circumstance is a time, before the landing of the Part 131 aircraft, at which the passenger could be reasonably expected to remember, before the flight ends, the safety briefing and instructions contained in this section.
(2) The pilot in command must give a safety briefing that reminds the passengers of the landing position.
(3) The pilot in command must give the passengers a safety instruction that:
(a) they must stow personal belongings and baggage; and
(b) they must assume the landing position; and
(c) they must remain on board the aircraft until instructed to disembark.
23.04 Operator’s exposition
(a) the procedures and requirements for passenger safety briefings and instructions; and
(b) details of when safety briefings and instructions must be given; and
(c) a description of the role and qualifications of the persons, other than the pilot in command, who may give safety briefings and instructions.
Part 24
LOADING WEIGHTS
CHAPTER 24 LOADING WEIGHTS
Div 24
1 Maximum loading weights
Division 24.1 Maximum loading weights
24.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.445 (2), this Division prescribes the circumstances and the method for calculating the maximum weight of a Part 131 aircraft for a flight.
24.02 Circumstances and methods for calculating maximum weight
(1) For paragraph 131.445 (2) (a), the circumstances are before the Part 131 aircraft takes off for the flight.
Note Under regulation 131.450, a balloon transport operator’s exposition must include procedures for loading a Part 131 aircraft for a flight.
(2) For paragraph 131.445 (2) (b), the method used to calculate the maximum weight of the Part 131 aircraft for the flight is this: the maximum weight is calculated by considering, and then taking into account, the following factors in order to arrive at the maximum weight:
(a) any aircraft loading system specified by the aircraft manufacturer;
(b) the ambient temperature and altitude at the launch site and planned landing sites;
(c) the planned maximum altitude for the flight;
(d) the combined weight of all persons on board;
(e) the weight of fuel or ballast on board;
(f) the weight of any equipment or cargo carried on board.
Note CAO 100.96 places requirements on pilots and operators relating to the initial and subsequent establishment of the empty weight of certain Part 131 aircraft.
(3) For paragraph (2) (d), the combined weight of all persons on board may be determined by using 1 of the following:
(a) for a passenger or a crew member — the actual clothed-body weight of the person, as measured by a crew member, or as declared by the person;
Note Operators are reminded that under paragraph 131.445 (1) (a) of CASR, the aircraft must not be overloaded. Therefore, operators using declared weights must have procedures to ensure the aircraft will not be overloaded.
(b) the standard weights set out in section 24.03;
(c) for a flight that is a balloon transport operation — an exposition-derived weight, being the passenger weight calculated using procedures described in the balloon transport operator’s exposition, as in force or existing from time to time.
Note For guidance on the use of exposition-derived weight see Multi-Part Advisory Circular AC 121‑05, AC 133-04 and AC 135-08, as existing from time to time and freely available on the CASA website.
24.03 Standard weights
(1) This section prescribes standard weights for the purposes of paragraph 24.02 (3) (b).
(2) If a Part 131 aircraft for a flight has an operational capacity mentioned in an item of column 1 of Table 24.03 (2), the standard weight for a passenger or crew member described in column 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 is the amount set out for the person in the item, measured in kilograms.
(3) Despite subsection (2):
(a) the standard weight for an infant is taken to be the weight set out in column 5 of Table 24.03 (2), if the operator chooses to substitute standard weights for infants with that of children, for the purposes of loading the aircraft; and
(b) the standard weight for an adolescent female is taken to be the weight set out in column 3 of the Table, if the operator chooses to substitute standard weights for adolescents with that of adults, for the purposes of loading the aircraft; and
(c) the standard weight for an adolescent male is taken to be the weight set out in column 2 of the Table, if the operator chooses to substitute standard weights for adolescents with that of adults, for the purposes of loading the aircraft.
(5) A weight set out in column 2 of Table 24.03 (2) is taken to apply to a person whose gender is indeterminate, intersex or unspecified.
(6) In this section:
adolescent means a person who has turned 13 but has not turned 16.
adult means a person who has turned 16.
Note An infant is defined as a person who has not turned 2, and a child is a person who has turned 2 but has not turned 13: see the definitions of child and infant in the CASR Dictionary.
Table 24.03 (2) — Standard weights for passengers and crew
Column 1
Column 2
Column 3
Column 4
Column 5
Column 6
Column 7
Item
Maximum operational capacity
Adult male or a person mentioned in ss 24.03 (5)
Adult female
Infant
Child
Adolescent male
Adolescent female
1
7-9
86
71
17
44
65
58
2
10-14
86
70
16
43
64
58
3
15-19
85
69
16
43
63
57
4
20-39
84
69
16
42
63
57
Division 24.2 Minimum loading weights
24.04 Purpose
For subregulation 131.445 (4), this Division prescribes the method for calculating the minimum loading weight of a Part 131 aircraft for a flight.
24.05 Circumstances and methods for calculating minimum loading weight
(1) For paragraph 131.445 (4) (a), the circumstances before the Part 131 aircraft takes off for the flight.
(2) For paragraph 131.445 (4) (b), the method used to calculate the minimum weight of the Part 131 aircraft for the flight is this: the minimum weight is calculated by considering, and then taking into account, the following factors in order to arrive at the minimum weight:
(a) any aircraft loading system specified by the manufacturer;
(b) the combined weight of all persons on board, including any changes to the combined weight that might arise due to planned reductions in the persons on board during the flight (for example, the dropping of 1 or more parachutists from the aircraft in flight);
(c) the weight of fuel or ballast on board, including any expected reductions in the weight of fuel or ballast during a flight;
(d) the weight of any equipment or cargo carried on board, including any changes to the weight that might arise due to planned reductions in this weight during a flight (for example, the dropping of equipment or cargo from the aircraft in flight).
Note CAO 100.96 places requirements on pilots and operators relating to the initial and subsequent establishment of the empty weight of certain Part 131 aircraft.
(3) For paragraph (2) (b), the combined weight of all persons on board may be determined by using 1 of the following:
(a) for a passenger or a crew member — the actual clothed-body weight of the person, as measured by a crew member, or as declared by the person;
(b) the standard weights set out in section 24.03;
(c) for a flight that is a balloon transport operation — an exposition-derived weight, being the passenger weight calculated using procedures described in the balloon transport operator’s exposition, as in force or existing from time to time.
Note For guidance on the use of exposition-derived weight see Multi-Part Advisory Circular AC 121‑05, AC 133-04 and AC 135-08, as existing from time to time and freely available on the CASA website.
Part 25
CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS
CHAPTER 25 CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS
25.01 Purpose
For subregulation 131.455 (1), this Chapter prescribes requirements relating to the carriage of passengers on a flight of a Part 131 aircraft, including:
(a) the maximum number of passengers that may be carried for the flight of a Part 131 aircraft; and
(b) the location of passengers on the Part 131 aircraft for the flight.
25.02 Application
This Chapter applies to the carriage of passengers on a Part 131 aircraft engaged in 1 of the following (a passenger operation):
(a) balloon transport operations;
(b) specialised balloon operations;
(c) a Part 131 recreational activity;
(d) balloon flying training.
25.03 Maximum number of passengers
The maximum number of passengers that may be carried is as follows:
(a) for a balloon transport operation or a Part 131 recreational activity — 24;
(b) for a Part 131 recreational activity that is a cost-sharing flight — 5;
Note This paragraph, along with the definition of cost-sharing in subsection 1.06 (5), is intended to have, for a Part 131 aircraft, the same effect as the definition of cost-sharing in the CASR Dictionary has for other aircraft — namely, that only up to 6 persons, including the pilot, may be carried.
(c) for balloon flying training conducted under Part 5 of CAR — 6;
(d) if the operator of a specialised balloon operation holds an approval for the operation under regulation 131.035 for subregulation 131.325 (2) — the number or passengers specified by CASA in the approval.
25.04 Pilot in command communications with passengers
If the Part 131 aircraft has more than 2 passenger compartments, the pilot in command must be able to effectively communicate with all passenger compartments from the control position for the aircraft.
25.05 Location of passengers
(1) Each passenger must be located in a position from which it is possible to hear any instructions given by the pilot in command.
(2) If the Part 131 aircraft has multiple passenger compartments, then:
(a) an approximately equal weight of passengers must be located in each passenger compartment; but
(b) the number of passengers located in any single passenger compartment must not exceed the applicable number specified in the aircraft flight manual.
25.06 Carriage of children as passengers
A child must be accompanied by an adult.
Note In the CASR Dictionary, child means a person who has turned 2 but has not turned 13; and infant means a person who has not turned 2. Under regulation 131.400, an infant must not be carried on a Part 131 aircraft if the operator does not hold a CASA approval under regulation 131.035 to carry the infant.
25.07 On board equipment for passengers
(1) Each passenger in a Part 131 aircraft that has a basket must have his or her own handhold.
(2) Each passenger in a Part 131 aircraft that is a hot air airship must:
(a) have his or her own seat; and
(b) if the airship is fitted with seatbelts or safety harnesses — wear the seatbelt or safety harness.
25.08 Exposition requirements
A balloon transport operator’s exposition must contain procedures to be followed to ensure that the requirements of this Chapter are complied with, including:
(a) a description of the duties and responsibilities of the pilot in command in communicating with, and controlling, passengers in normal and emergency situations during an operation; and
(b) a description of the duties and the responsibilities of ground crew members:
(i) in assisting with the safe launching of the Part 131 balloon; and
(ii) in ensuring that passengers are loaded and unloaded safely, and are not exposed to unnecessary hazards on the ground or in during normal or emergency situations.
Part 26
EQUIPMENT
CHAPTER 26 EQUIPMENT
More sections below
Source text: opening excerpt
Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
1 Part 131 (Balloons and Hot Air Airships) Manual of Standards 2024
Part 131 (Balloons and Hot Air Airships) Manual of Standards 2024
made under the
Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 and the Acts Interpretation Act 1901
Compilation No. 1
Compilation date: 12 November 2024
Includes amendments: F2024L01348
Prepared by the Legal Services Branch, Legal, International and Regulatory Affairs Division, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, Canberra.
Contents
Note This Table of Contents is for guidance only. It is not a formal part of the Part 131 (Balloons and Hot Air Airships) Manual of Standards 2024. See subsection 1.03.
Page
CHAPTER 1 PRELIMINARY AND DEFINITIONS.............................1
CHAPTER 5 FLIGHT RELATED DOCUMENTS..............................11
5.01 Carriage of documents — all flights.................................11
Part 131 (Balloons and Hot Air Airships) Manual of Standards 2024 | Zoe
Specifies minimum heights over populous areas/public gatherings, prohibited dropping activities, tethering limits and tethered gas balloon requirements (Chapters 8-9; 20 and 29; ss 8.02, 9.02, 20.02, 29.02).
Sets detailed requirements for fuel and ballast planning, minimum fuels at commencement and in‑flight monitoring and procedures for operational variations (Chapter 21; ss 21.03-21.07).
Prescribes passenger carriage limits, safety briefing content and exposition content for balloon transport operators (Chapters 23 and 25; ss 23.02-23.04; 25.03-25.08).
Provides extensive equipment standards covering flight instruments, radiocommunications, search and survival equipment, life jackets, extinguishers, oxygen equipment, and a detailed regime for surveillance equipment (Chapters 26 and Division 26.10; ss 26.01-26.30 and 26.19-26.29).
Specifies mandatory training, checking and experience requirements for pilots and ground support personnel for balloon transport operations, including induction, emergency competency and recurrent training cycles (Chapters 27-28; ss 27.02-27.14; 28.01-28.07).
Prescribes survival/emergency equipment information that must be recorded if such equipment is carried on a balloon transport operation (Chapter 7; s 7.01).
The MOS repeatedly ties operator obligations to the content of an operator’s exposition (see notes and provisions across the MOS; for example, ss 18.03(5), 21.07(4), 23.04, 25.08, 27.14, 28.05). It also provides conditional flexibility: for example, provisions allow operational variations subject to CASA approval and evidence (s 21.07), and provide limited pathways for non‑TSO surveillance equipment where the equipment configuration provides equivalent capability and a manufacturer statement of conformance is held (s 26.19). The MOS preserves certain reserved sections for future rules (e.g. ss 3.01-3.02, 4.02, 11.02), indicating the current instrument is a combination of immediate prescriptive material and placeholders for later additions.
In short, the 2024 Part 131 MOS turns the high‑level regulatory text in Part 131 of CASR and related Acts into detailed operational prescriptions covering equipment, crew qualifications, documentation, flight planning, safety briefings, fuel and survival decisions, and surveillance/transponder carriage and operation.
Main concepts
The MOS is structured around a set of recurring legal and operational building blocks. It defines how core terms are to be read and then attaches prescriptive content to those concepts. The principal concepts with operational effect are:
Definitions as baseline. Section 1.06 imports meanings from the CASR Dictionary, Part 131 of CASR and the Act unless a contrary intention appears. It also defines MOS‑specific terms (for example ballast, AFM, crown, trip fuel, final reserve fuel). The MOS therefore uses a layered interpretation approach: default to CASR Dictionary and Part 131 CASR, and then MOS‑specific definitions supplement that baseline (s 1.06(1)-(5)). The notes make clear that ASOs, AIP/ERSA material and external documents are to be treated as sources of background guidance (s 1.04 note; s 1.06 note).
VFR/VMC/special VFR. The MOS specifies the VMC criteria in measurable terms (visibility and cloud distances) by reference to airspace class and height (s 2.02 and Table 2.02(3)). Special VFR is conditionally allowed during day operations with ATC authorisation and specific visibility minimums (s 2.01).
Operator exposition as the control point. Multiple provisions require a balloon transport operator’s exposition to contain procedures for compliance (e.g. passenger briefings s 23.04; fuel operational variations s 21.07; emergency procedures s 27.14; survival procedures s 18.03(5)). The exposition is the document through which CASA and operators operationalise MOS requirements for particular operators.
Equipment standards and approval pathways. Chapter 26 distinguishes equipment that must be approved under CASR Part 21 or Part 31 (26.02(1)) from a defined list of smaller or portable items excluded from Part 21 approval (26.02(2)). A detailed surveillance equipment regime (Div 26.10, ss 26.19-26.30) prescribes when ADS‑B, Mode S transponders, EC devices or integrated TABS devices are required, and the thresholds by class of airspace and operation type (s 26.21 and Table 26.21(3)). There are conditional exceptions to (E)TSO/NAA authorisation if the configuration provides equivalent capability with a manufacturer statement (s 26.19).
Pilot in command discretion and duty. The MOS repeatedly makes the pilot in command the person with decision authority for safety‑sensitive choices: whether to carry life jackets for an over‑water flight (s 18.03(3)-(4)); determining fuel sufficiency in flight and making precautionary landings if fuel conditions require (ss 21.05-21.06); and ensuring pre‑flight weather and NOTAM checks (ss 12.02; 14.02).
Surveillance and transponder operation rules. The MOS prescribes Mode A standard codes, emergency transponder codes and the requirement to continuously operate required surveillance equipment when flying in specified airspace (ss 26.23, 26.24, Table 26.23). It ties ADS‑B/Mode S carriage to particular airspace and altitude bands (Table 26.21(3)), and limits transmitting of non‑approved ADS‑B equipment unless deactivated or with minimal diagnostic values (s 26.24(6)-(7)).
Recordkeeping and reporting. Passenger lists, journey logs and records of weights and fuel usage must be created and retained for specified periods (ss 5.03; 6.02-6.04). Pilots must make prescribed broadcasts and reports on specified frequencies and use authorised aeronautical information for procedures (Chapters 13, 16; ss 13.02; 16.02-16.06).
These concepts are organised to allocate day‑to‑day choices to the pilot in command and recurring institutional responsibilities to the operator and CASA (via approvals, expositions, and the requirement to submit evidence for operational variations). The MOS relies on dynamic references to other instruments and the AIP, which makes compliance dependent on staying current with multiple external documents (ss 1.04-1.05; notes in multiple chapters).
Who it affects
The MOS allocates obligations and duties across identifiable actors. The primary affected parties, and the sections that place obligations on them, are:
Pilots in command (PIC). Many duties are placed directly on the PIC: pre‑flight checks (s 14.02), weather study for the period from take‑off until two hours after planned landing (s 12.02(1)(a)), carriage and checking of fuel (Chapter 21, esp. ss 21.03-21.06), surveillance equipment operation (ss 26.21-26.24; 26.23), flight notifications (s 13.02), passenger briefings and landing reminders (ss 23.02-23.03), and decision making about emergency/survival equipment for over‑water flights (ss 18.02-18.03). The PIC must also ensure compliance with controlled‑airspace requirements (e.g. obtain ATC clearance where required: ss 15.06(3), 15.07).
Balloon transport operators (AOC holders). Operators must produce and maintain an exposition containing numerous procedures and must implement training, ground support, fuel procedures and operational variations processes (e.g. ss 18.03(5), 21.07(4), 23.04, 25.08, 27.14, 28.05). They are responsible for ensuring their operations meet CASR and MOS requirements and must submit evidence to CASA for operational variations (s 21.07).
Part 131 ASAOs and other ASAO entities. ASAOs may issue authorisations to pilots to operate in controlled aerodromes and controlled airspace (ss 15.06(1)(c); 15.08(1)(c)). The MOS treats ASAO authorisations as relevant permissions that substitute for CASA licences in certain contexts.
Ground support personnel. Training, checking and minimum numbers for ground support are prescribed for balloon transport operations (Chapter 28; ss 28.02-28.07). Ground support personnel who are operational safety‑critical must complete induction and competency checks and be certified (s 28.02).
Equipment manufacturers and approval bodies. Equipment must be compliant with Part 21/31 approval or otherwise meet (E)TSO/EASA/FAA standards, and manufacturers may provide statements of conformance permitting alternative conformity arrangements for surveillance equipment (s 26.02(1), 26.19).
Foreign‑registered aircraft/NAAs. When a foreign‑registered Part 131 aircraft flies in Australian airspace, the aircraft’s equipment must be approved by the NAA of the State of registry (s 26.02(3)), and relevant aviation technical standards (ETSOs, TSOs) or equivalent NAA approvals are referenced (Div 26.10).
Air Traffic Services (ATS) and JRCC. The MOS requires interaction with ATS for flight plans, changes, and inoperative equipment notifications (ss 13.02-13.04; 15.03; 26.30(c)). For SARTIME and SARWATCH, JRCC requirements and SAR reporting are referenced (s 13.05; s 16.05(2) note).
Passengers and persons requiring assistance. The MOS requires specific briefings, positioning, and equipment for passengers, including special handling for passengers requiring assistance, infants and children (Chapters 22-25; ss 22.02-22.03; 23.02; 25.06-25.07). Operators must ensure safe accommodation of persons requiring assistance (s 22.02).
Who pays and who decides: operators pay for exposition preparation, training, equipment upgrades (ADS‑B/Mode S, oxygen systems), recordkeeping systems and ground support staffing. Pilots make numerous in‑flight decisions with safety and regulatory consequences (fuel, survival equipment, broadcasting). CASA decides on operational variations, approvals under regulation 131.035, and may direct removal or revision of operational variations (s 21.07 note). ATC/ATS functions decide clearances and may deny operations where equipment is inoperative or non‑compliant (ss 15.06-15.08; 26.30).
Key duties and rights
This section summarises the MOS’s principal enforceable duties and the conditional rights or exceptions it creates. Each requirement below is grounded in the cited MOS provisions.
Principal duties placed on pilots and operators
Document carriage and availability. Pilots must carry the aircraft flight manual instructions (or an equivalent document in specified circumstances), MEL if any, medical and licensing documents for crew, photographic ID/passport and suitable charts for the area of operation (s 5.01(1)-(3)). For flights beginning/ending outside Australian territory, additional documents such as certificate of airworthiness, registration, radio station licence and journey log are required (s 5.02).
Flight preparation and weather assessment. The PIC must study authorised weather forecasts/reports applicable for the period from flight commencement until two hours after planned landing and obtain updates if forecasts studied earlier than two hours before start (s 12.02(1)-(2)). Flight prep must cover planned flying area and , for controlled airspace flights , relevant aerodromes within 10 NM (s 12.02(3)).
Pre‑flight checks. Before take‑off PIC must check NOTAMs, ensure required equipment is fitted and functioning, check emergency equipment accessibility, verify crew fitness, check maintenance status (cert of release to service), test flight controls, pressure altitude systems accuracy and oxygen systems where required (ss 14.02(a)-(g); 14.03).
Flight notifications. For flights that are balloon transport operations, over water with possible ditching, in designated remote areas or night flights, PIC must submit a flight plan, nominate a SARTIME or leave a flight note with a responsible person in accordance with authorised aeronautical information (s 13.02). SARTIMEs must be cancelled by nominated time (s 13.04); specific rules for changes to flight plans/SARTIME nominations apply (s 13.03).
Fuel and ballast. PIC must use approved fuel consumption data (operator monitoring or manufacturer data), account for operational conditions and unforeseen deviations when calculating fuel (s 21.03(3)-(4)). Minimum fuel at commencement includes trip fuel, night operations fuel if applicable, and for balloon transport operations a 20‑minute final reserve (s 21.04(1)). PIC must ensure a minimum of 30 minutes of flight time fuel or 15 minutes for certain single‑tank non‑transport balloons (s 21.04(2)). In flight, fuel must be monitored and a precautionary landing made if fuel remaining will be less than required (ss 21.05-21.06).
Passenger safety briefings and positioning. Operators/pilots must provide verbal briefings and demonstrations before take‑off and reminders before landing; briefings must be accessible to non‑English speakers and specific briefings are required for persons requiring assistance and for infants (ss 23.02-23.03; 25.06). Passengers must be able to hear instructions and be located so as not to impede emergency egress (ss 25.05-25.06).
Surveillance equipment and transponder operation. Where required by operation/airspace, aircraft must be fitted with approved ADS‑B OUT, Mode S with ADS‑B or approved transponders or an approved integrated TABS device; specific requirements for Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth are set (ss 26.21-26.24 and Table 26.21(3); s 26.21(2)). Surveillance equipment required by s 26.21 must be continuously operated in the relevant circumstances (s 26.23(1)). Mode A standard and emergency codes are mandated (Table 26.23(7)-(8)).
Records and reporting. Passenger lists and certain operational records must be made before flight and retained for at least three months (s 6.02(2), (4)); journey logs must record specified items (ss 5.03(1)-(4); 6.04). Incident reports and maintenance defect entries must be recorded promptly (s 6.04(1)-(3)).
Conditional rights, exceptions and procedural rights
Equipment approval exceptions. Surveillance equipment need not comply with a particular TSO/ETSO where the configuration provides equivalent capability and the pilot/operator holds a manufacturer statement of conformance (s 26.19(1)). Similarly, an integrated TABS device need not be NAA authorised if equivalent capability and a statement are held (s 26.19(2)).
Operational variations. Balloon transport operators may use exposition‑specified operational variations for trip fuel and night fuel if they submit evidence to CASA at least 28 days in advance demonstrating safety equivalence or improvement, supported by a safety risk assessment and procedures in the exposition (s 21.07(1)-(4)). CASA may direct removal or revision if insufficient evidence exists (note to s 21.07(2)).
Inoperative equipment allowances. Equipment required by the Chapter may be inoperative at the beginning of a flight if no repair facility is available at the point of departure, the flight ends within 72 hours of the discovery and ATS is notified before flight commencement (s 26.30(a)-(c)). For radiocommunications, a non‑transport flight may begin in controlled airspace with inoperative radio subject to ATS notification and clearance and multiple further conditions (s 26.08).
ASAO authorisations and substitution. A pilot may operate at controlled aerodromes or within controlled airspace if they hold a CP(B)L, CAR validation or an ASAO‑issued authorisation (ss 15.06(1); 15.08(1)).
Statutory cross‑linkage and delegated judgment: the MOS frequently delegates the specific operational content to expositions, ATS/AIP procedures and manufacturer documentation (for example AFM/supplements). Those delegated materials define the practical implementation and give operators procedural discretion subject to CASA oversight (notes to ss 1.04-1.06; various exposition requirement sections).
Penalties and enforcement
The MOS mainly prescribes standards and procedural obligations; it references statutory offences and CASA’s supervisory powers rather than setting standalone criminal penalties within the MOS text. The enforcement architecture and potential legal consequences derive from cross‑referenced statutes and regulations. Key enforcement touchpoints in the MOS are as follows:
Cross‑references to offence provisions. The MOS informs operators that entry into prohibited or active restricted areas is an offence under the Airspace Regulations 2007 and regulation 91.260 of Part 91 of CASR (see notes under ss 15.11-15.12). The MOS also references general duties and offences under regulation 91.055 (aircraft not to be operated in a manner that creates a hazard) in several chapters (see notes in Chapters 8 and 9).
CASA oversight of operational variations and expositions. The MOS requires balloon transport operators to submit evidence for operational variations at least 28 days before use (s 21.07(2)). The MOS notes that under regulation 131.115 of CASR, CASA may direct an operator to remove or revise an operational variation if CASA finds insufficient evidence that it maintains or improves aviation safety (s 21.07 note). That reflects a regulatory enforcement tool: CASA can require revisions to an operator’s exposition and operational procedures.
ATS/ATC operational control. ATC may deny clearance for operations where equipment is inoperative or where the pilot lacks required qualifications; the MOS requires pilots to obtain ATC clearances to enter Class A-D airspace and to operate at controlled aerodromes unless an ATC service is not operating (ss 15.06-15.08). Non‑compliance with ATC clearances is subject to regulation 91.257 and other statutory obligations referenced in the MOS.
Reporting and records retention obligations. Failure to create and retain passenger lists, journey logs, fuel records or incident records could expose operators to enforcement under CASR or CAR provisions; the MOS sets periods (e.g. three months for passenger lists and fuel/weights records , ss 6.02(4), 6.03(2)). The MOS points to Part 4B of CAR for defect reporting (s 6.04 note 1), indicating statutory reporting obligations.
Operational limits and in‑flight decision duties. The MOS imposes clear duties on PICs to act (e.g. make a precautionary landing if fuel becomes insufficient , s 21.06). Failure to follow these operational duties would be assessed under the civil aviation legislation’s safety and offence framework, with CASA and ATS able to take action.
Surveillance equipment non‑compliance. The MOS ties access to certain airspace to carriage and operation of approved surveillance equipment (s 26.21 and Table 26.21(3); s 26.24(4)-(6)). An aircraft fitted with incompatible or incorrectly transmitting ADS‑B/Mode S equipment may be excluded from such airspace until remedied; the MOS provides technical criteria and prohibits flight with non‑compliant transmitting equipment except where deactivated or set to minimal diagnostic values (s 26.24(6)-(7)). ATS may refuse clearance accordingly.
Notices of prohibition or directives. The MOS contemplates CASA issuing directions relating to prohibited/restricted/danger areas via OAR and the Designated Airspace Handbooks (s 15.11 note). CASA may also remove EC device models from an endorsed list if safety concerns arise (s 26.29(10)(e)).
The MOS itself does not list monetary penalties or imprisonment terms; those reside in the parent statutes and regulations (CASR, CAR, Airspace Regulations 2007 and the Civil Aviation Act 1988). Practically, enforcement will be a mixture of CASA administrative action (directions, removal/revision of expositions or operational variations, enforcement notices), ATS operational refusal of clearance or instructions, and criminal/regulatory prosecution where applicable offences are engaged by conduct contrary to the civil aviation legislation referenced in MOS notes.
How it interacts with other laws
The MOS is designed as a standards instrument that operates in close interplay with several other instruments and legal sources. The MOS itself expressly adopts and imports other instruments as in force from time to time (s 1.04). The main interactions are:
CASR and Part 131. The MOS is made under CASR and prescribes the substance necessary to give effect to Part 131 of CASR. Section 1.06 confirms that, unless a contrary intention appears, words and phrases have the same meaning as in the CASR Dictionary, Part 131 of CASR or the Act (s 1.06(1)). Many MOS provisions are explicitly stated as "for" particular subregulations of Part 131 (e.g. Chapter 4 for regulation 131.190).
Civil Aviation Act 1988. The MOS references the Act in definitions (s 1.06 note) and the legislative basis for CASA's regulatory architecture flows from the Act. The MOS notes the Act in the definition section and relies on the Act’s delegation of standard‑making power.
Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR) and CAOs. The MOS cross‑references CAR (Part 5 training and operations, certificate validation) and CAOs (e.g. balloon class endorsement, night VFR ratings). Examples: balloon class endorsement requirements refer to CAO 40.7 and regulation 5.01 of CAR (s 27.05); the MOS notes CAO 48.1 applies to fatigue management for AOC holders (s 4.02 note). MOS exposition requirements are linked to paragraph 131.195(1)(n) of CASR via CAO jurisprudence (s 1.06 note citing Seaview Lord Howe Pty Ltd and Civil Aviation Authority (1995) 38 ALD 422; 21 AAR 506).
Airspace Regulations 2007 and Designated Airspace Handbook. For control of prohibited/restricted/danger areas and determination of controlled aerodromes and control zones, the MOS relies on the Airspace Regulations and the Designated Airspace Handbook (s 1.06(2) note; s 15.11-15.13 notes). The MOS indicates that entry into prohibited/restricted areas is an offence under the Airspace Regulations 2007 (s 15.11-15.12 notes).
International technical standards and TSOs/ETSOs/NAA approvals. Surveillance equipment and ADS‑B/Mode S requirements reference FAA TSOs, EASA ETSOs and recognised NAA approvals (Div 26.10, ss 26.19-26.29). The MOS allows use of NAA approvals of recognised countries and identifies relevant (E)TSOs (s 26.20).
AIP, ATC/ATS procedures and aeronautical information. The MOS requires pilots to use "authorised aeronautical information" and AIP/ERSA materials for procedures, MBAs and SFIS requirements (ss 1.06 note; 15.04 notes; 16.02; 16.06). Those documents are dynamic and in force outside the MOS; the MOS requires compliance with them.
Part 21/31 CASR and approvals. Equipment that must be fitted or carried is generally required to comply with Part 21 or Part 31 approvals (s 26.02(1)), subject to enumerated exceptions (s 26.02(2)). The MOS also refers to MMEL/MEL approval frameworks (s 26.04 note).
Search and rescue and maritime SAR regimes. For SARTIME, SARWATCH and JRCC interaction, the MOS references JRCC Australia and AMSA SAR arrangements (s 1.06; s 13.05 and notes). That implicates cross‑agency coordination in emergencies.
Part 91 MOS and advisory materials. The MOS explicitly cross‑refers to the Part 91 MOS for matters such as immediate and routine reportable matters, remote area definitions, pressure‑altitude checking references and other procedural guidance (see notes across Chapters 6, 14, 26 and 18).
Because the MOS repeatedly refers to external, dynamically revised instruments (TSOs/ETSOs, AIP, Designated Airspace Handbook, Part 21 approvals), compliance requires active monitoring of multiple sources and applying those external standards "as in force from time to time" (s 1.04-1.05). The MOS also embeds delegated content: operator expositions and ASAO authorisations are the operational vehicles for many MOS requirements and interact with CASA approval, making the exposition a primary compliance document (multiple exposition requirements, e.g. ss 21.07(4), 23.04, 27.14).
Amendment history
The MOS is presented as a compilation with a declared compilation date of 12 November 2024 (Compilation No. 1) and includes amendment F2024L01348. The internal Table of Manuals of Standards shows the Part 131 MOS registered on 11 January 2024 with commencement 12 November 2024 and an amendment instrument (Part 131 MOS Amendment Instrument 2024) registered 23 October 2024 and commencing 12 November 2024 (see “Table of Manuals of Standards” and the Table of Amendments in the Notes section of the MOS).
The Table of Amendments identifies the specific provisions affected by the F2024L01348 amendment. According to that Table, the following sections were amended by F2024L01348:
s 1.06 , amended (F2024L01348)
s 5.01 , amended (F2024L01348)
s 12.02 , amended (F2024L01348)
s 26.23 , amended (F2024L01348)
s 27.11 , amended (F2024L01348)
s 28.02 , amended (F2024L01348)
s 28.03 , amended (F2024L01348)
The Table also records that s 1.02 was repealed (Legislation Act 2003, s 48D) and that other sections have been added or substituted as indicated by the revision history. The compilation note makes clear the MOS was prepared by CASA’s Legal Services Branch and that the Table of Contents is not a formal part of the MOS (ss 1.01, 1.03 notes).
Several sections of the MOS are explicitly reserved (for example ss 3.01(2), 3.02, 4.02, 11.02 and 27.13, 28.04), indicating those parts of the MOS may be populated by later amendments. The MOS therefore is presented as a partly modular document that has been updated in late 2024 and is structured to receive further amendments.
Litigation history
The MOS itself contains only one direct case citation. In the notes to s 1.06, the MOS cites Seaview Lord Howe Pty Ltd and Civil Aviation Authority (1995) 38 ALD 422; 21 AAR 506 as authority for the proposition that a provision of an MOS prescribing exposition content is empowered by paragraph 131.195(1)(n) of CASR as matter required to be included in the exposition under the regulations, because the expression under the regulations is taken to include under the MOS. That is the single judicial authority named in the MOS text.
No other judicial decisions, civil or administrative tribunal determinations, or appellate cases are cited in the MOS. Where the MOS references offences or powers in other instruments (for example the Airspace Regulations 2007 or CAR), it notes those statutory provisions but does not cite further litigation on them. Any enforcement or challenge to MOS provisions would therefore proceed against the statutory framework (CASR/CAR/Civil Aviation Act) and would involve the usual administrative law, statutory interpretation and merits review avenues available under the civil aviation legislation, guided by the one cited authority on exposition content.
Gotchas
The MOS contains a number of detail‑level traps and implementation points that practitioners and operators must note precisely because compliance depends on many linked documents and conditional exceptions. The following are concrete "gotchas" with the MOS text as the source.
Dynamic external references increase compliance workload. Sections 1.04-1.05 provide that references to instruments, TSOs and ETSOs are to be taken "as in force or existing from time to time", and s 1.06(2) ties airspace classes to CASA determinations and the Designated Airspace Handbook. That means an operator must monitor multiple external instruments (TSOs, ETSOs, AIP/ERSA, Designated Airspace Handbook) for changes that can alter equipment or operational obligations without MOS amendment. The MOS therefore creates an ongoing compliance monitoring cost.
Exposition as the compliance hinge. Many obligations are satisfied through the operator’s exposition (e.g. fuel operational variations s 21.07, passenger briefing procedures s 23.04, induction and training s 27.14). If an operator’s exposition lacks necessary procedures or is inconsistent with MOS requirements, CASA may direct corrective action. Operators must ensure exposition content is comprehensive and aligned to MOS text; gaps are a compliance risk.
Surveillance equipment complexity and access limitation. The surveillance equipment matrix (ss 26.19-26.29 and Table 26.21(3)) ties carriage and operation of ADS‑B/Mode S to altitude and airspace. The MOS also requires continuous operation when required (s 26.23(1)). Non‑compliant or incorrectly transmitting equipment (e.g. insufficient SIL/NACp/NUCp values or legacy equipment) can prevent access to controlled airspace or to operations above certain flight levels (s 26.24(6)-(7); s 26.28(3)-(4)). There is a specific prohibition on flying in Australian territory with non‑approved ADS‑B OUT equipment transmitting non‑zero diagnostic values unless deactivated (s 26.24(6)). The practical effect can be that small operators must upgrade avionics to maintain access to certain aerodromes (s 26.21(2) for Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth).
Manufacturer statement of conformance is a fragile right. The MOS permits deviations from particular TSOs/ETSOs for surveillance equipment where the configuration provides equivalent capability and the pilot/operator holds a statement of conformance from the manufacturer (s 26.19(1)-(2)). That reliance shifts compliance risk to the manufacturer’s documentation and declarations; if a manufacturer withdraws a statement or it is later found insufficient, the operator may lose the compliance pathway.
Fuel planning burdens and evidentiary threshold for operational variations. The MOS sets fuel minima and monitoring duties (ss 21.03-21.06) and permits operational variations only after submission to CASA with documented in‑service experience or a safety risk assessment meeting listed criteria (s 21.07(2)-(3)). The 28‑day submission period and detail required (data‑driven monitoring programs, safety risk assessment including capabilities and risk mitigation) impose a non‑trivial administrative and data burden on operators wishing to rely on operational variations.
Ambiguities arising from "reasonable opinion" standards. Several MOS provisions require judgments based on the PIC’s reasonable opinion (e.g. suitable landing area definition in s 1.06(5); PIC satisfaction regarding carriage of persons requiring assistance s 22.02(2)). Those standards are fact‑sensitive and create potential exposure to post‑incident scrutiny about whether the PIC’s assessment was reasonable given the circumstances.
Interplay between VMC criteria and MBAs/Mandatory broadcast areas. The MOS sets VMC criteria in Table 2.02(3) and mandates MBA broadcast/report content and procedures (s 16.06). Pilots must simultaneously meet meteorological minima, ATC authorisations (special VFR s 2.01), and MBA broadcast norms. Failure in any of these overlapping regimes may restrict flight options, especially near aerodromes or in MBAs.
Retention and proof requirements. The MOS mandates record retention times (e.g. passenger lists and loading/fuel records for 3 months , ss 6.02(4), 6.03(2)) and requires the PIC or operator to carry or make available declarations for EC devices (s 26.29(10)). Recordkeeping must be auditable and immediately accessible on request; poor systems can lead to compliance failure.
Tethered flight limitations and approvals. Operators must obtain CASA approval under regulation 131.035 to operate tethered flights with crown >400 ft AGL (s 20.02(1)) and need ATC permission to tether on movement areas or within control zones (s 20.02(2)-(3)). Local aerodrome operator permissions may also be required. Operators planning tethered events must coordinate multi‑agency approvals.
Reserved provisions indicate future changes. The MOS contains reserved sections (e.g. ss 3.01(2), 3.02, 4.02, 11.02) that could be populated after consultation. This creates regulatory uncertainty because new future obligations may be slotted into those placeholders.
These "gotchas" are not speculative policy criticisms; they are implementation features that produce compliance costs, monitoring needs and decision points for pilots and operators that follow directly from the MOS text.
How to comply
The MOS sets specific checklists and procedural steps. Below is a practical, source‑grounded compliance map for operators and pilots broken into preparatory, in‑flight and operator administrative tasks, with references to the MOS sections that establish the requirement.
Operational and documentation baseline (operator level)
Exposition review and update:
Ensure the operator’s exposition contains procedures required by the MOS: fuel procedures and operational variation processes (s 21.07(4)), passenger briefing procedures and timing (s 23.04), survival and over‑water procedures (s 18.03(5)), induction and recurrent training content for pilots and ground support (ss 27.14; 28.05), and procedures for carriage of persons requiring assistance (s 22.03). Update exposition to reflect any operational variation evidence submitted to CASA (s 21.07(2)-(4)).
Keep exposition aligned to CASA guidance and be ready to revise if CASA directs removal/revision under regulation 131.115 as noted in s 21.07.
Equipment approvals and fitment:
Verify that equipment required by Chapter 26 is approved under Part 21 or Part 31 where applicable (s 26.02(1)); for excluded items (s 26.02(2)) maintain a record of supplier/manufacturer details.
For surveillance equipment: map each route/aerodrome/airspace used against Table 26.21(3) to determine whether ADS‑B OUT, Mode S with Class B TABS position source, approved transponder or integrated TABS device is required (s 26.21 and Table 26.21(3)). For operations in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne or Perth, ensure at least an approved Mode S transponder with ADS‑B capability is fitted/carryed (s 26.21(2)).
If relying on manufacturer statements of conformance in lieu of TSO/NAA authorisation for surveillance equipment, obtain and retain the statement and confirm the configuration provides equivalent capability (s 26.19(1)-(2)). Keep the statement on board if the EC device declaration requirement applies (s 26.29(10)(b)).
Training regime and records:
For balloon transport operations, implement induction training, area familiarisation and emergency competency checks per ss 27.08-27.11. Maintain recurrent checks within the recurrence intervals (s 27.11(2)-(4)). For ground support personnel, follow ss 28.02-28.03 and keep competency records for employment period plus 12 months after (s 28.02(5)).
Ensure trainers and checkers meet qualifications in s 27.12 and s 28.03.
Pre‑flight and pilot responsibilities (pilot in command checklist)
Documentation to carry:
Carry AFM or equivalent (s 5.01(1)(a)-(2)); MEL if any (s 5.01(1)(b)); crew licences/medical certificates and ID/passport (s 5.01(1)(c)); suitable maps and charts (s 5.01(1)(d)). For international flights carry certificate of airworthiness, registration and radio licence, manifest, journey log and copy of any approvals relevant to flight (ss 5.02; 5.03).
Weather and flight preparation:
Study authorised weather forecasts and reports applicable from flight start until two hours after planned landing; if more than two hours before take‑off obtain an update before flight (s 12.02(1)-(2)). Include planned flying area and, for controlled airspace flights, any aerodrome within 10 NM (s 12.02(3)).
Pre‑take‑off checks:
Perform NOTAM checks (s 14.02(a)). Confirm required equipment fitted and functioning, emergency/survival equipment readily accessible, crew fitness, maintenance release and no airworthiness‑affecting defects (s 14.02(b)-(d)). Test flight controls and pressure altitude systems per s 14.03; use accurate QNH sources listed in s 14.04(1). If oxygen required, ensure oxygen supply, quick‑donning masks and fit for crew (s 14.02(g)).
Passenger briefings and positioning:
Provide verbal briefings and demonstrations covering the specified list in s 23.02(9) before take‑off; provide specific briefings for persons requiring assistance and for those responsible for infants (ss 23.02(6)-(7)). Remind passengers of landing position and stowage before landing (s 23.03).
Flight notifications:
For balloon transport operations, over‑water flights with possible ditching, flights in designated remote areas or night flights, ensure submission of a flight plan, nomination of a SARTIME or leaving of a flight note consistent with authorised aeronautical information (s 13.02). For flight plan changes or SARTIME changes, notify ATS per s 13.03; cancel SARTIME by nominated time (s 13.04). Nominate a responsible person with two means of communication and JRCC contact knowledge (s 13.05).
Fuel and ballast compliance:
Use approved fuel consumption data (s 21.03(3)), account for operating conditions and potential deviations (s 21.03(4)). Ensure on take‑off the aircraft has trip fuel, night fuel if applicable and for balloon transport a 20‑minute final reserve (s 21.04(1)). Do not commence unless minimum time-based fuel is aboard (s 21.04(2)). Monitor fuel at regular intervals (s 21.05), reanalyse if fuel used for unexpected purposes (s 21.04(4)), and make precautionary landing if projected fuel on arrival is below required minima (s 21.06).
Surveillance equipment operation:
In‑flight decision points and contingencies
Inoperative equipment notification and continuation. If required surveillance equipment is inoperative at departure when no repair facility exists, ensure the flight will end within 72 hours and inform ATS prior to departure (s 26.30). For inoperative radio in certain non‑transport flights, obtain ATS clearance and satisfy the conditions in s 26.08 before commencing.
Over‑water survival measures. Before take‑off for a flight where ditching in water is possible, use the risk considerations list to assess survival risk (s 18.02) and decide whether to carry life jackets, ELTs, signalling and other survival items and when they must be worn or deployed (s 18.03(2)-(4)). Ensure the operator’s exposition contains the necessary procedures (s 18.03(5)).
Tethering operations. If planning tethered flight with crown above 400 ft AGL, obtain CASA approval under regulation 131.035 (s 20.02(1)). If tethering within control zones or movement areas, obtain ATC permission and aerodrome operator written permission where required (s 20.02(2)-(3)). Avoid positioning tethered operations so as to obstruct rotorcraft landing areas or runways (s 20.02(5)).
Administrative housekeeping
Records retention. Retain passenger lists, loading/fuel records and flight time/incident records for at least three months as specified (ss 6.02(4); 6.03(2); 6.04(2)(a)-(b)). Maintain ground support competency records for the employment period and 12 months after (s 28.02(5)).
Operational variation filings. If seeking to use an operational variation for trip/night fuel, prepare evidence (in‑service experience or a safety risk assessment) and submit to CASA at least 28 days prior to use; include exposition procedures (s 21.07(1)-(4)).
EC device declarations and listing. If using an EC device, carry the manufacturer declaration on board (s 26.29(10)(b)), and ensure the model is listed on CASA’s website as required (s 26.29(10)(c)-(d)).
Practical compliance checklist for a single flight (PIC immediate actions before flight)
Confirm valid AFM/MEL and required crew licences/medical certificates are on board (s 5.01).
Check NOTAMs and authorised aeronautical information; review authorised weather forecasts/reports for period required (ss 14.02(a); 12.02(1)).
Verify required equipment and emergency/survival equipment fitted and operative, including oxygen delivery if applicable (ss 14.02(b); 26.14(1)).
Perform pressure altitude system accuracy checks using an accurate QNH source (s 14.03-14.04).
Ensure passenger briefings will be delivered in compliance with s 23.02 and specific briefings for assistance/infants delivered as required (ss 23.02(6)-(7)).
Confirm surveillance/transponder settings and operation as per s 26.23-26.24 and assigned Mode A code (Table 26.23).
Plan fuel using approved data and confirm minima for trip, night and final reserve; if margins tight, identify suitable precautionary landing areas (ss 21.03-21.06).
If flight requires flight plan/SARTIME/flight note, ensure filing or responsible person arrangements are completed (ss 13.02-13.05).
Retain or leave required passenger lists and journey logs in accordance with ss 5.03 and 6.02.
This compliance map follows the MOS text and places primary operational decision authority with the PIC within the compliance and approval framework that operators and CASA maintain.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SPECIALISED BALLOON OPERATIONS 21
This is an opening excerpt, not the complete document.
Operate required surveillance equipment continuously in the circumstances of s 26.21 and s 26.22; set Mode A code to ATS assignment or standard codes per Table 26.23(7) (s 26.23(6)-(7)). For emergency conditions, set emergency Mode A codes per Table 26.23(8) unless maintaining the existing code is safer (s 26.23(8)-(9)). For Mode S transponders and ADS‑B, ensure assigned aircraft address and flight identification entered as required (s 26.24(1)-(2)).