Documents

• NPC 139/04 - Proposed Amendments to Manual of Standards (MOS) Part 139 - Aerodromes (Chapter 1 - Introduction, and Chapter 9 - Visual Aids Provided by Aerodrome Lighting)
• Annex A - Proposed Amendments to Chapter 1 and Chapter 9 of the Manual of Standards (MOS) Part 139 – Aerodromes

Providing comments

• Comments closed 6 March 2008
• Options for response
• Additional information

Notice of Proposed Change – NPC 139/04
Proposed Amendments to Manual of Standards (MOS) Part 139 - Aerodromes (Chapter 1 - Introduction, and Chapter 9 - Visual Aids Provided by Aerodrome Lighting)

Background

Part 139 of the current Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) prescribes the rules and procedures for aerodromes that are used for air transport operations. The regulations, which came into effect in May 2003, are supported by the Manual of Standards (MOS) Part 139 – Aerodromes which sets out the applicable safety standards for aerodromes.

MOS Part 139 sets out the broad requirements for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of aerodromes engaged in air transport operations. MOS Part 139 was first published in May 2003 to coincide with the making of CASR Part 139. The standards in MOS Part 139 are generally based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practices. MOS Part 139 applies to new aerodrome facilities that are brought into operation and to exist aerodrome facilities that are being replaced or upgraded.

The first major amendment to MOS Part 139 was made in September 2004. CASR Part 139 allowed operators of aerodromes, to which the new regulations applied, three years to transition from the previous aerodrome licensing regime and aerodrome standards under the Rules and Practices for Aerodromes to the new CASR Part 139 and MOS Part 139 standards documentation.

By May 2006 operators of all newly certified and registered aerodromes were required to fully comply with the new CASR Part 139.

As part of the Post Implementation Review of CASR Part 139 the Australian Airports Association (AAA) recommended with the initiative of reviewing MOS Part 139. The first and by far major area to be reviewed was the aerodrome lighting standards set out in Chapter 9 of the standards document. In mid 2006 AAA provided CASA with their review of Chapter 9. CASA responded to the comments and agreed areas of change were subsequently established.

MOS Part 139 needs updating and the changes agreed to for Chapter 9 means CASA can now proceed with the proposed amendment to ensure the standards document is kept up to date. This will be the first in a series of proposed amendments to be made to MOS Part 139.

This Notice of Proposed Change (NPC) proposes to amend various standards in Chapter 9 of MOS Part 139. Reference to visibility in Chapter 9 has prompted CASA to update the definition of Visibility (V), Chapter 1 of MOS Part 139, to align with the current ICAO definition.

How to respond

Comment period now closed

• Online response form (preferred method)
• Fax Regulatory Documentation Coordinator 1800 653 897 (free call) or international +612 6217 1691
• Post (no stamp required in Australia)
  Reply Paid 2005
  Regulatory Documentation Coordinator
  CASA’s Regulatory Development Management Branch
  Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
• email (use the response format in the NPRM) npc139_04@casa.gov.au

Additional information

Contact Frank Leonardi, CASR Part 139 Project Leader
email frank.leonardi@casa.gov.au