New rules for rotary wing aerial work ops

CASA is moving forward with its development of new regulations for rotary wing aerial work operations.

As part of its plans to develop a dedicated set of operational regulations for rotorcraft conducting aerial work operations, CASA has set up a project to develop Part 138 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.

Operations to be covered by the proposed rules include the towing of objects, carrying sling loads, discharging objects or materials, search and rescue flights and emergency medical, police and fire fighting flights.

The proposed new rules will also cover operations that require the carriage of task specialists – people who have an assigned in-flight duty related to the specialised use of the aircraft, such as medical staff on an emergency service operation – on board helicopters.

CASA says the move follows acknowledgement by both itself and the aviation industry that specific rules are needed for specialised non-passenger carrying helicopter operations.

“The requirement for an air operator’s certificate for rotorcraft aerial work operations will depend on the risks associated with the type of activity being undertaken,” the regulator says. “Higher risk operations will need an air operator’s certificate that requires robust safety systems, while simple and low risk operations may not need a certificate. In these lower risk cases a registration system may apply.  

“Aerial work helicopter operators will be required to have an appropriate training and checking system for their pilots, with the ability to contract out this function with CASA approval. All crew and safety critical ground support personnel will have to be trained and checked to a level that reflects the size and complexity of their operation.  

“There will be the ability to carry passengers in certain aerial work operations.  Performance standards for helicopters will also be introduced, applicable to the risk associated with operations.”

To find out more about the development of rotorcraft aerial work regulations click here.