The RPAS and AAM Strategic Regulatory Roadmap

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) was among the first regulators to recognise that the development of remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) would have a significant impact on aviation.

We brought in RPAS legislation ahead of many other countries and we continued to sharpen our focus on emerging technology over the years.

The RPAS and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Strategic Regulatory Roadmap (the roadmap) is a logical extension of that approach.

We are committed to advancing these pioneering technologies and see this roadmap as a priority as we frame the future of Australian aviation.

The roadmap outlines our expectation that RPAS will have expansive access to lower-level airspace by 2026 and acknowledges the emergence of advanced technologies such as electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

We know that the pace of change means no one organisation can solve all the complex issues that need to be addressed.

However, we wanted to provide a plan that outlined the long-term vision for the Australian RPAS and AAM regulatory regime as well as the integration of these technologies into the civil aviation system.

The document that was developed and strongly informed by industry feedback is intended to provide clarity about CASA’s regulatory and safety approach in the next 5 to 15 years.

It aims to demystify regulations and ensure they are appropriate while promoting streamlined digital processes and stimulating innovation and research.

From operations to infrastructure and training, our aim is to support the industry as it undergoes a technological renaissance.

We are facing a fascinating journey that we know will not be without its challenges.

This roadmap marks an important milestone in that journey and I commend it not just to RPAS and AAM operators, but to everyone who uses our skies.

It is important to recognise that the roadmap is a live document that will be updated to reflect the needs of industry and technology developments as they mature.

Pip Spence PSM, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety