CASA said today that it will grant access to Classes C and D controlled airspace to sport and recreational pilots.
The new policy has been formed after consultation with the aviation community revealed only 7% of respondents opposed a proposal published in September.
Underpinning the policy is the need for the training, competencies and requirements for sport and recreational pilots to mirror those of PPLs, which means a Class 5 self-declared medical will be needed.
Under the new policy, pilots will need to meet CASA requirements for:
- pilot competencies in navigation, flight planning, emergency, weather and airways clearances
- minimum Class 5 medical standard
- radio competency when communicating with air traffic control
- English language proficiency.
Aircraft will also need to carry all equipment required to operate in CTA/R such as radio and surveillance equipment, and meet serviceability requirements.
The initiative has been on the cards for several years and is part of CASA's GA Workplan. It is not surprising to find that it had wide-spread support in the GA community.
Of the 356 respondents, 67% indicated support, 16% sat on the fence, 10% didn't provide an answer and 7% opposed the policy.
The impact on aviation safety was one of the major areas CASA was concerned about, but several respondents indicated they thought it would improve safety by raising general proficiency and allowing pilots to avoid flying over mountainous and remote terrain.
Detractors said that Part 61 competencies needed to be reviewed before ASAOs were permitted to administer that standard.
"The safety of air navigation is the most important consideration for CASA when performing its functions," CASA responded. "We appreciate all feedback received on the perceived safety benefits and potential safety impacts of the proposal.
"A key component of the proposed policy is the requirement for sport and recreation pilots to meet equivalent competency standards as those currently operating in controlled airspace.
"These standards are not negotiable; they are intended to ensure that every pilot, regardless of the type of aircraft they operate, can operate safely and competently. Ongoing competency will need to be maintained."
The ASAO that has done the most work to drive the new policy, and the organisation that stands to gain the most from it is Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus). Chief of Aviation Cody Calder said the new policy would stop members from being shut out of airspace.
"As airspace becomes more congested, and more controlled airspace or restricted airspace is implemented, the need for access to controlled airspace becomes greater," Calder said. "This is certainly the case along the J-curve where such access is essential for continued safe operations into the future.
"Such examples include additional airspace being taken by Defence (e.g. Williamtown), the establishment of MOAs, and the planned implementation of controlled airspace at Ballina.
"Furthermore, existing risks at locations where for years RAAus pilots have needed to transit over mountainous and inhospitable terrain to remain clear of controlled airspace, will also be greatly reduced by this proposal.
"This policy will also ensure that as more controlled airspace continues to be implemented in the interests of improving safety within congested airspace, that RAAus members are not required to relocate and can continue to operate from and support their local airports."
Significant support for sport and recreational pilot came from the Australian Air Line Pilots Association (AusALPA), whose members will be sharing Class C and D airspace with the newcomers.
"AusALPA supports the consultation policy theme of moving away from blanket restrictions preventing access for the sport and aviation sector to Class C and D airspace and towards a fair approach with equivalent risk management," said Safety and Technical Director Steve Cornell.
"If this intent is achieved, there should be no detrimental effect upon the operations our member pilots are associated with."
However, one respondent that preferred to remain anonymous was not happy with the proposal.
"… I think there is potential for dangerous situations developing when you have a small slow aircraft with a pilot that does not regularly navigate controlled airspace and a relatively fast twin converging," they told CASA.
"If the sport pilot gets confused about instructions or the like the results could be disastrous. As long as they keep their skills up problems should be minimal.
"Unfortunately that is not something that can be guaranteed."
"The policy would also be subject to monitoring and review," CASA said. "We will continue to seek engagement and feedback and will make adjustments where necessary to address issues that arise, either when finalising the policy to be included in the forthcoming Part 103 MOS or at a later date."
CASA has not yet announced a potential start date for the new policy.
A summary of consultation responses and published feedback is available on the CASA Consultation Hub.