Foreign operator need to apply for several permissions if they want to operate a foreign registered aircraft in Australian territory.
Non-scheduled and other flight permissions
A non-scheduled flight is a flight over or into Australian territory that is not under the authority of an international airline licence.
Operator has nationality of a contracting state
If a foreign registered aircraft has the nationality of a contracting state and conducts a non-scheduled flight into Australian territory, they must not take on or discharge passengers, cargo or mail for reward without our permission.
Operator does not have nationality of a contracting state
If a foreign operator does not have the nationality of a contracting state, they must not make a non-scheduled flight over or into Australian territory. This is unless they have our permission.
Operators must adhere to the conditions listed in the permission.
Operators wishing to conduct more than 8 non-scheduled flights in one 12 month period may be required by us to obtain a Foreign Aircraft Air Operator’s Certificate.
National Aviation Authority approval
We won't consider a proposed operation unless the operator has approval from their own state authority.
Section 27(A) permissions
Under Section 27(A) of the Civil Aviation Act (1988), we can provide permission to operate a foreign registered aircraft on a regulated domestic flight. We can grant this permission where FATAOC does not authorise domestic operations.
The use of Section 27(A) is limited by Section 27(A)(3) to no more than 7 days.
Applying for non-scheduled and other flight permissions
Applying for non-scheduled flight permission
To apply for permission to conduct a non-scheduled flight, you need to:
- complete and return Form 94 Application for non-scheduled flight permission
- provide any supporting documentation listed in the form
- pay the fee.
You should allow 5 working days from when we receive your complete and correct application.
If your non-scheduled flight includes some flights within Australia, you will also need to apply for a Section 27(A) permission.
Applying for a Section 27(A) permission
To apply for permission under Section 27(A):
- complete and return Form 88 Section 27A permission request
- provide any supporting documentation listed on the form
- pay the fee.
You should allow 5 working days from when we receive your complete and accurate application.
Fees
You must pay an application fee when you apply for a non-scheduled flight permission or Section 27(A) permission.
We will email you the fee estimate letter once you lodge the application.
We will not start assessing your application until you pay the fee.
Please see our service standards and fees for more details.
Additional requirements
There are some additional requirements you may need to know about. These are on the front page of the application forms.
Get fitted to protect against 5G
Operators who fly prescribed instrument approach procedures within Australia must upgrade their radio altimeter (radalt) equipment before 31 March 2026.
This includes all aircraft – both Australian and foreign-registered. Find out more about 5G and aviation safety.
18 Dec 2024