A convergence of several issues is contributing to delays processing requests at CASA according to Director of Aviation Safety and CEO Pip Spence.
Spence told the RotorTech conference last week that CASA was dealing with a significant backlog of applications across a range of areas, compounded by the implementation of the "six-pack" of flight operations regulations last year and the timing of setting up the centralised Guidance Delivery Centre (GDC).
"We’ve had the perfect storm with the introduction of the flight operations rules and the ramp up in activity following the end of COVID restrictions," Spence said.
"I know that this isn’t acceptable, and we’ve stood up a team–a type of concierge service–to allow people who are experiencing delays causing operational problems to get their application escalated.
"This is in addition to the Guidance Delivery Centre, which was set up to provide a nationally consistent response to queries and prevent people receiving differing answers from various parts of CASA."
The GDC was set-up to combat inconsistent and conflicting advice and oversight provided by CASA's regional offices, and when operating as intended, will act as a repository for answers to common regulatory questions. However, Spence told the conference that the centre was not yet up-to-speed.
"While there have been some teething problems, we believe this national model will ultimately facilitate clearer and better communication with you and other industry sectors," she said.
"While the GDC is the 'go to' for formal advice on specific questions, one thing we are not saying is don’t talk to your local CASA office. You can still talk to your local CASA people, particularly about straight-forward issues.
"I have made this point to CASA staff as well."
Spence told operators that if they were seeking approval for something complex, giving CASA some notice would help the regulator better deal with the query.