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Commonwealth legislation
What this legislation does:
This is the Part 138 Manual of Standards (MOS) — the detailed rulebook that governs aerial work operations in Australia. Aerial work covers specialised aviation activities like helicopter winching, firefighting, search and rescue, aerial mustering, banner towing, and carrying workers to remote job sites.
Who it affects:
Key things the rules cover:
| Area | What the rules do | |------|-----------------| | External loads | Define 5 classes of loads carried outside aircraft (A–E), including people (Class D). Strict requirements for winching, belly hooks, platforms, and rappelling. | | Flying low and close to objects | Prescribe when helicopters and planes can fly below normal minimum heights — essential for tasks like powerline inspection or rescue. | | Night vision (NVIS) | Detailed requirements for flying with night vision goggles, including crew qualifications, landing site standards, and weather limits. | | | Rules for when aerial work passengers can be carried (different limits for day/night, IFR/VFR, and number of passengers). | | | Mandatory systems for operators doing complex work — regular proficiency checks, emergency training, and qualified trainers. | | | Requirements to assess and mitigate risks before operations, especially in "aerial work zones" (AWZs) where aircraft fly low near people or property. | | | Strict rules for aerial shooting — training, safety plans, communication, and no-fly zones near populated areas. | | | New rules (2025) for transporting firefighters to bushfires — written consent, risk acknowledgment, and operational restrictions. |
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Direct links to the current provisions in Part 138 (Aerial Work Operations) Manual of Standards 2020.
Zoe has indexed the source text for search and analysis. Use the official register for the original document and download formats.
View on official registerSourced from the Federal Register of Legislation (legislation.gov.au), CC BY 4.0.
Why it matters: Aerial work is inherently risky — helicopters flying low near powerlines, planes dropping fire retardant at night, or winching rescue workers onto moving ships. These rules balance operational flexibility with safety, allowing critical work to happen while protecting crew, passengers, and people on the ground. The MOS is regularly updated (most recently July 2025) to address emerging risks like night vision technology and firefighting operations.