CASA EX05/11 – Exemption – use of radiocommunication systems in firefighting operations (New South Wales Rural Fire Service) (Cth)

Instrument number CASA EX05/11

I, JOHN FRANCIS McCORMICK, Directorof aviation Safety, on behalf of CASA, make this instrument under regulation 308 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR 1988).

[Signed John F. McCormick]

John F. McCormick
Director of Aviation Safety

24 January 2011

Exemption — use of radiocommunication systems in firefighting operations (New South Wales Rural Fire Service)

1          Duration

                 This instrument:

(a)   commences on the day after it is registered; and

(b)   stops having effect at the end of January 2013.

2          Revocation

                 Instrument CASA EX95/08 is revoked.

3          Application

                 This instrument applies to:

(a) the pilot in command of an Australian aircraft in which a radiocommunication system approved under subregulation 82 (1) of CAR 1988 is installed (the pilot); and

(b)   members and staff of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS); and

(c)   aviation radio operators who are members or staff of the NSW RFS (the operators).

4          Exemption

(1) The pilot is exempt from compliance with paragraphs 83 (1) (c) and (e) of CAR 1988 when engaged in firefighting operations involving the NSW RFS.

(2) Members and staff of the NSW RFS are exempt from compliance with paragraph 83 (2) (b) of CAR 1988.

(3) The operators are exempt from compliance with subregulation 83 (3) of CAR 1988 in the course of their duties when operating a radiocommunication system.

5          Conditions

                 The exemption is subject to the conditions mentioned in Schedule 1.

Schedule 1          Conditions

              Members or staff of the NSW RFS who, in the course of their duties, operate a radiocommunication system to which this exemption applies must:

(a)   have completed the NSW RFS training course for use of aviation radiocommunication systems; and

(b)   have been assessed as competent by the person holding or acting in the position of the Executive Director, Operations, of the NSW RFS, or his or her delegate; and

(c)   only use the aviation bandwidth VHF AM frequencies allocated to the NSW RFS by Airservices Australia and the Australian Communications and Media Authority for use during firefighting activities; and

(d)   only use the allocated aviation bandwidth VHF AM frequencies for tactical aircraft-to-aircraft and air-to-ground communications during fire suppression and prevention operations or training for such operations.