The procedural and guidance framework for commercial balloon operations generally, did not provide a high level of assurance in regard to the safe conduct of low flying.
Proposed regulatory framework changes will require operators to address low flying risks
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) advised that:
...the proposed Part 131 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) 1998, presently entering legal drafting at Attorney General’s Department, requires balloon AOC [Air Operator’s Certificate] holders to have a safety management system.
and that:
CASA expects that the new legislation will require operators to address all risks within their organisation (not just low flying risks) in an organised manner, and maintain an ongoing review of risk within the organisation.
The ATSB is satisfied that the proposed Part 131 of the CASR will, once in place, adequately address the safety issue.
