Aerodromes

Rules and Regulations for aerodrome owners

This page describes some of the aviation-related regulations that directly affect aerodrome owners. It does not represent a complete listing of all applicable regulations. There are many other aspects to owning and maintaining an aerodrome other than the aviation aspects.

Civil Aviation Act 1988

The Act does not have any sections directly related to aerodromes but it does form the basis of the regulations and CASA’s role in enforcing the regulations.

Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR)

CASR Part 139 - Aerodromes took effect on 2 May 2003. Aerodrome operators have a three year transition period to comply with the new rules.

The CASRs are divided into a number of parts. Each Part may have the following supporting documents:

• Manual of Standards (MOS) comprises specifications (Standards) prescribed by CASA, of uniform application, determined to be necessary for the safety of air navigation.
  • A complete version (9 Mb) of the CASR Part 139 Manual of Standards is available to download or print. (Hyperlinks within this file do not work.)
• Advisory Circulars (ACs) are intended to provide recommendations and guidance to illustrate a means, but are not necessarily the only means, of complying with the Regulations. ACs may explain certain regulatory requirements by providing interpretive and explanatory material.

Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR)

The CARs are gradually being replaced by the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR). Until they are completely replaced, you will need to refer to both sets of legislation.

The CARs are supported by a number of other documents:

• Civil Aviation Orders (CAOs) are published by CASA. The CARs require you to comply with the relevant CAOs. Relevant CAOs for aeodromes are:
  • Part 20.3 Air Service Operations - Marshalling and Parking of Aircraft
  • Part 20.9 Air Service Operations - Precautions in Refuelling, Engine and Ground Radar Operations
• Civil Aviation Advisory Publications (CAAPs) provide guidance and information in a designated subject area, or show a method acceptable to an authorised person or CASA for complying with a related Civil Aviation Regulation. CAAPs should always be read in conjunction with the referenced regulations.
• Rules and Practices for Aerodromes (RPA) sets the standards that aerodrome operators must meet in order to comply with the CARs and CAOs.

Other Acts and Regulations

Other aviation-related acts and regulations are available through the links on the Aviation legislation page of the CASA web site.