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PilotSchool Knowledge Base

Rules for Special Flight Conditions

Conditions Relating to Flight in PRD Areas

Introduction

Prohibited, Restricted, and Danger (PRD) areas in Australian airspace have unique conditions for operations, managed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and the Office of Airspace Regulation (OAR).

Key Definitions and Classifications

  • Extraterritorial Airspace: Airspace managed by Australia beyond its territorial boundary of 12 nautical miles, often involved in PRD considerations.
  • Military Operating Areas (MOAs): Former restricted areas used for military exercises, indicated with an ‘M’ designator (e.g., M123) Extraterritorial Airspace | CASA.

Conditions for Aircraft Operations

  • Australian Aircraft: Required to obtain approval from the Administering Authority, as specified in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).
  • Foreign Registered Aircraft: Must obtain approval within territorial limits and are encouraged to comply with regulations outside these boundaries.

Drones and RPAs

Approval must be obtained from the Administering Authority, and operators should use CASA-verified drone safety apps Extraterritorial Airspace | CASA.

PRD Area Management

  • Administration: Managed by the OAR, which is responsible for the establishment, amendment, and disestablishment of PRD areas.
  • Operations and Safety: Aircraft operators and navigation service providers must ensure compliance, under OAR oversight.

Relevant Resources

  • Airspace Risk and Safety Management Guide (ARASMG): Provides guidelines for safety and risk management.
  • Legislative Context: Provided by the Airspace Act 2007 and Airspace Regulations 2007 Office of Airspace Regulation | CASA.

Aerodromes with Unrestricted Operations

Compliance with Regulations

Aerodromes must follow CASA’s Manual of Standards (MOS) Part 139 - Aerodromes.

  • Certification and Registration: Aerodromes should be certified or registered, meeting specific safety and operational criteria.
  • Safety Management Systems (SMS): Essential for managing safety risks per CASA guidelines. Components include safety policies, risk management, and safety assurance.

Operational Guidelines

  • Runway Safety: Regular inspections, maintenance, and compliance with CASA standards for signage and markings.
  • Communication Protocols: Implementation of Air Traffic Services (ATS) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) to inform pilots of operational changes or risks.

Additional Considerations

  • Environmental and Wildlife Management: Effective wildlife hazard management and adherence to environmental laws near sensitive areas.
  • Professional Development: Ongoing training and competency assessments for personnel.

Challenges and Recommendations

  • Resource Allocation and Technological Advances: Ensure resources and technology updates for improved safety and efficiency.

Carriage and Discharge of Firearms

  • Regulation 91.160 (CASR): Authorization required for carrying or possessing firearms on aircraft; non-compliance is a strict liability offense.
  • Regulation 91.165 (CASR): Prohibits discharge without explicit authorization from relevant authorities.

Aerial Work Operations

  • Regulation 138.432: Governs firearm use during aerial work, with compliance guidelines provided in the associated Manual of Standards (MOS).

Carriage of Ammunition

  • Includes provisions from the Aviation Transport Security Act 2004 and the Crimes (Aviation) Act 1991.

Sources

In summary, understanding and adherence to these regulations ensure safe and compliant operations within Australian aviation, encompassing PRD areas, unrestricted aerodromes, and firearm management on aircraft.