Single pilot aeroplane (MOPSC 10-13) operations

Maximum operational passenger seating configuration (MOPSC) is the maximum passenger seating capacity of an individual aircraft, excluding crew stations, made for operational purposes.

We have implemented an exemption that allows operators conducting commercial passenger transport operations in aeroplanes of MOPSC of 10 to 13 inclusive to use those aeroplanes under Part 135 of CASR instead of Part 121 of CASR. The exemption is subject to conditions. See CASA EX74/24 – Part 121 – Single Pilot Aeroplane (MOPSC 10-13) Operations – Exemptions and Directions Instrument 2024.

Who the exemption applies to

Air transport operators who conduct VFR or IFR single-pilot operations:

• using single and multi-engine aeroplanes
• with a MOPSC of 10 to 13
• with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of no more than 8,618 kg
• under Part 135 of the CASR. This applies if operators satisfy safety mitigation conditions.

Requirements for operators

You must notify us before commencing operations under the exemption if you have:

• never operated under this exemption
• operated under this exemption, but you are using:
  • a new type of aeroplane that is not within the single-engine or multi-engine class
  • a new type of aeroplane that is within the single-engine or multi-engine class but you have not operated an aeroplane within that class.

In all cases, your notification must include a:

• statement that you are conducting operations under exemption EX74/24.
• the classes of aeroplanes you are using, if you are using aeroplanes within the single-engine class or multi-engine class
• the types of aeroplanes you are using, if you are using aeroplanes not in the single-engine class or multi-engine class.

In many cases, we consider operators introducing a new aeroplane as a significant change.

You can find further details about what changes are significant in:

• GM 119.020 entry in the Part 119 AMC/GM document
• Section 7 of CASA EX68/24 Part 119 of CASR – Supplementary Exemptions and Directions Instrument 2024.

How to notify us

How you notify us depends on the following.

If the aeroplane you will be using constitutes a significant change

We will accept your application for a significant change approval as your notification.

If the aeroplane you are using is not a significant change

You must notify us using the non-significant change form.

Confirming your submission

We will make sure your submission is complete and send you an acknowledgement email of your submission.