CASA invites input on Australia's new flying training rules

CASA has released a draft of Part 141 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations which sets out the proposed flying training rules for recreational, private and commercial pilot licences, ratings and endorsements.

The proposed new rules covering flying training for single pilot operations will simplify administrative requirements and reduce compliance costs.

These rules will not cover training for air transport pilot licences, multi-crew pilot licences or multi-crew aircraft type ratings – this training will be covered by a separate regulatory part.

In a briefing document which sets out the key features of the proposed new Part 141, CASA says some compliance costs will be eliminated because flying training organisations would not be required to hold an air operator's certificate.

Instead, flying training organisations covered by the new rules would hold an authorisation to conduct training in aircraft or flight simulator training devices.

This change would also reduce the administrative burden for both training organisations and CASA.

The proposed new rules introduce a requirement for training organisations to have a safety management system or a quality system.

CASA will provide guidance material to assist in the implementation of these systems, which will promote the safety of aircraft operations and maintain the standard of flight training activities.

The aviation industry is being asked to comment on the Part 141 draft by 17 February 2012.