The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has released new safety requirements for aerodromes of all sizes across Australia.
The updates reflect changes in technology and best practice, and ensures Australia enhances its level of compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
The new measures are detailed in CASA’s updated Manual of Standards (MOS) Part 139.
The updates have drawn praise from the Australian Airports Association (AAA).
AAA Chief Executive Officer, Caroline Wilkie, said the review of MOS Part 139 was important to ensure airports are able to reasonably and practically meet required safety standards.
“Since 2014, the AAA has been closely involved in the Post Implementation Review of the MOS Part 139 for aerodromes and I would like to take this opportunity to thank CASA for their ongoing commitment to consultation and collaboration with industry throughout this process,” Ms Wilkie said.
Both CASA and the AAA are supporting industry through the transition to the new rules and a range of guidance material and templates are currently under development.
Once available, this material will provide support for aerodrome operators to develop or update any required documentation.
“The AAA will continue to work collaboratively with CASA to ensure our members remain informed of the key changes associated with the new standards and regulations, as well as the development of essential guidance material,” Ms Wilkie said.
Ms Wilkie also thanked the many industry members who were key to making the MOS 139 project a success, in particular Sydney Airport’s Ken Allcott, Cairns Airport’s Steve Willis, Northern Territory Airports’ Bob Calaby, Adelaide Airport’s Brett Eaton, ABD Safegate’s Jimmy Maitland, Airports Plus’ Tom Griffiths, University of the Sunshine Coast’s Greg White, Airport Lighting Services’ Mike Fisher and Australian Airport Pilots’ Association’s Brian Greeves.
A transition period for the revised rules will be provided from August 2020-2022.
To find out more about the rules and read the Part 139 change summary visit www.casa.gov.au.