Air safety regulation

The Commonwealth Government through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is responsible for the safety regulation of aircraft, air transport providers and airports throughout Australia in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and its Regulations and Orders.

The South Australian Government has no responsibility in these areas.

CASA’s regulatory responsibilities include the

• certification of aircraft types in Australia
• registration and issuance of certificates of airworthiness to each aircraft operated in Australia
• certification of various categories of air and airport operators
• licensing of personnel.

Air traffic management

The management of Australian airspace and the provision of rescue and firefighting services are governed by the Air Services Act 1995 and associated Regulations, and carried out by Airservices Australia

This entire Commonwealth regulatory structure is enabled to act within South Australia by the Air Navigation Act 1937 (SA).

Transport SA contribution to aviation safety

Transport SA adds value to the process of Commonwealth aviation safety regulatory change by providing informed input, and ensuring that South Australian strategies related to air services and airport development take account of Commonwealth regulatory changes.

Transport SA also contributes to a program of regional airport inspections and training administered by the Local Government Association Mutual Liability Scheme. The program ensures that regional airports within the State operated by Councils, Progress Associations and State Government instrumentalities are maintained and operated to standards appropriate to their use.