Tag: CASA

Airservices Australia announces first round of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Service Suppliers

Airservices Announce UAS Suppliers

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Airservices Australia Announces First UAS Service Suppliers

Airservices Announce UAS Suppliers – Airservices Australia has taken a major step in integrating drones into national airspace. It has announced the first round of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Service Suppliers (USS) to connect with the new Flight Information Management System (FIMS). This system will allow drones and other uncrewed aircraft to operate safely alongside traditional aircraft.

Who Are the First Suppliers? Airservices Announce UAS Suppliers

Following a Request for Proposal in late 2024, Airservices has selected three suppliers to take part in the first phase of FIMS integration:

  • AvSoft – An Australian-owned and operated company.
  • Yarra Drones – Another Australian provider specialising in drone technology.
  • OneSky – A U.S.-based company offering airspace management solutions.

These companies will collaborate with Airservices to connect their platforms with FIMS and support the growth of safe, efficient airspace.

What is the FIMS? Flight Information Management System

FIMS is at the core of Australia’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Traffic Management (UTM) ecosystem. It enables real-time data sharing between:

  • Air traffic control
  • Traditional aircraft
  • Uncrewed airspace users

With an estimated 60 million drones expected to fly in Australian airspace by 2043, strong industry partnerships will be critical. The goal is to create a harmonised airspace where crewed and uncrewed aircraft can operate safely and efficiently.

Preparing for the Future

FIMS is set to go live in late 2025. In the lead-up, these partnerships will help shape digital UTM solutions for drone operators. As suppliers integrate their platforms with FIMS, they will contribute to the future of air traffic management.

The USS onboarding and integration process is supported by:

This process includes end-to-end testing to ensure that technical and regulatory requirements are met. It also empowers the growing uncrewed aviation sector to operate with confidence.

A Major Milestone for Australian Aviation

Luke Gumley, Head of Transformation, Uncrewed Services Integration at Airservices Australia, welcomed the first cohort of USS partners.

“We’re thrilled to be supporting the first UAS Service Suppliers. OneSky, AvSoft, and Yarra Drones bring invaluable expertise and experience,” Luke said.

“We look forward to welcoming more USS providers in the next onboarding rounds. The work we do now will pave the way for future integration.”

Australia is positioning itself as a leader in UTM innovation. With strong policies, regulatory frameworks, and industry collaboration, the country is building a future-ready airspace for drones and emerging aviation technologies.

For more information on Airservices’ work in UTM, visit their website.

Updated Plain English Guide for Excluded Category Drone Operations

Updated Excluded Category Guide

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Updated Plain English Guide for Excluded Category Drone Operations

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has released an updated version of the Micro and Excluded Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Operations – Plain English Guide. This revision, Version 2.2 (December 2024), includes important changes to improve clarity and align with evolving regulations.

What’s New in Version 2.2? Updated Excluded Category Guide

This update brings several amendments to terminology, airspace rules, and operational procedures. Key changes include:

Standardised Measurements

  • Removed all references to feet and nautical miles.
  • The guide now exclusively uses metric units.

Clarified Airspace Rules

  • Defined altitude as the vertical distance above mean sea level (AMSL).
  • Defined height as the vertical distance above ground level (AGL).
  • Introduced a no-fly zone around helicopter landing sites (HLS): 1.4 km radius and 120 m height.
  • Revised the no-fly zone definition for non-controlled aerodromes to match controlled aerodrome requirements.

Operational Guidance Updates

  • Excluded Category Operations: Removed the reference that operator accreditation holders need recreational accreditation.
  • Pre-flight Requirements: Removed a section on notification requirements.
  • Drone Safety Apps: Expanded terminology to include restricted areas and military operating areas.
  • Controlled Aerodromes: Micro RPA may now fly within 5.5 km of a controlled aerodrome’s measurement point, up to 45 m, with specific restrictions.
  • Restricted Airspace: Changed terminology from Prohibited Restricted Danger (PRD) to Special Use Airspace (SUA).
  • Emergency Procedures: Updated regulatory references from Part 99 to Part 92.

Enhanced Definitions and Graphics

  • Updated guidance on populous areas for better clarity.
  • Allowed subject tracking for autonomous RPA operations.
  • Adjusted graphics for aerodrome approach and departure paths.
  • Revised incident and accident reporting requirements. Reporting for micro and excluded RPA operators is now voluntary through the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).

Why This Matters

These changes improve the clarity and usability of the guide for drone operators. The shift to metric units ensures consistency with aviation standards. The updated airspace definitions and operational rules enhance safety and compliance, making it easier for drone pilots to understand their responsibilities.

Where to Access the Updated Guide: Updated Excluded Category Guide

Updated Plain English Guide for Excluded Category Drone Operations

You can download the latest version of the CASA Plain English Guide for Micro and Excluded RPA Operations here.

Staying informed on regulatory updates ensures safe and compliant drone operations. Be sure to review the latest changes before your next flight!

Fly Safe:- The Hover UAV Team

CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits

CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits

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CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits

Member’s access is required to view this recorded webinar. If you are not a member register your details on the link below or log in if already a member and you will be taken to the webinar. Membership is free.

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Chief Remote Pilot Professional Development Series – Session 3: CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits

Third Session of the Chief Remote Pilot Professional Development Series: CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits

Event: Third session in the Hover UAV, Chief Remote Pilot Professional Development Series

Target Audience: Current and aspiring RPAS Chief Remote Pilots (CRPs), Maintenance Controllers (MC), and Managers

Purpose: This webinar is perfect for:

  • Those moving into a CRP role from another position
  • Enhancing operational capabilities and compliance
  • Preparing for a BARS (Basic Aviation Risk Standard) audit
  • Those wanting to understand the auditing process of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)

Focus Areas:

  1. Health Checks: Learn the assessments needed for the health and compliance of your aviation operations.
  2. CASA Surveillance Events: Understand the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) surveillance methods and triggers.
  3. BARS Audits: Get detailed insights into the BARS audit process.

Benefits: This webinar provides essential knowledge and strategies. Prepare effectively for health checks, CASA surveillance, and BARS audits. Discover key components and proactive steps to ensure compliance and safety in your operations.

CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits Speakers:

  • Philip Grieve: Lead consultant at Hover UAV. Philip is an experienced professional with extensive Beyond Visual Line of Sight operational experience. He has worked in planning, instructing, and standardising RPAS operations within the Australian Army. Philip holds a Bachelor of General Studies (Education), Cert IV in Training and Assessment, Cert III in Aviation (Remote Pilot), and a remote pilot’s license. He also has military qualifications in Auditing and Assurance, Quality and Safety Management Systems, and Aviation Investigations.
  • Edward Morris: CASA team lead for RPAS.
  • David Anderson: Managing Director, Flight Safety Foundation– BARS Program. David has over 35 years in the aviation industry. He started as an apprentice mechanic in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). He then moved to aircraft maintenance and became a flight engineer with the RAAF and a major commercial air carrier. David holds a commercial pilot license and is a Lead Auditor with experience in BARS, IOSA, ISAGO, and QMS audit protocols. He has extensive training in safety and quality management systems, risk and project management, and audit standardization.

CASA Surveillance Events and BARS Audits Outcomes:

Viewers will gain valuable insights into CASA’s processes for conducting surveillance events on Operator Certificate holders, as well as important information for those seeking BARS accreditation.

 

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