We regulate the firefighting sector under either:
- CASR Part 137 (Aerial Application Operations other than rotorcraft)
- CASR Part 138 Aerial Work Operations.
CASR Part 137 contains the rules for operating and equipment maintenance requirements for aerial application operations (other than rotorcraft).
Aeroplane operators may choose to conduct dispensing operations under Part 138 or Part 137 of CASR Aerial application operations. Requirements for the dropping or releasing of any substance overlap for Part 138 and Part 137.
Please note: Part 137 only applies to aeroplanes.
CASR Part 137 includes:
- documentation requirements
- operational procedures including flight preparation, night operations and firefighting operations
- fuel, instrument, and system requirements
- performance and weight and balance requirements
- equipment requirements
- flight duty time limitations and rest requirements.
We don’t define the regulatory controls for safety management systems in Part 137 like they are in Part 138.
CASA Part 138 sets out the rules for operators conducting aerial work operations including external load, dispensing and task specialist operations. Aeroplane operators may choose whether to conduct dispensing operations under Part 138 or Part 137 of CASR Aerial application operations.
CASR Part 138 includes:
- qualifications for key personnel
- training and checking systems
- safety management systems
- operational procedures including flight preparation and planning, and rules for dispensing operations and task specialist operation
- performance and weight and balance requirements.
All operators and pilots also need to comply with Part 91 of CASR General operating and flight rules.