CASA 206/09 – Direction – number of cabin attendants

Overview

The CASA 206/09 Direction, introduced under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988, was enacted to address the specific needs of Jetstar Airways in terms of the number of cabin attendants required on their Airbus A321-231 series aircraft with a maximum seating capacity of 220 passengers. This legislative instrument, prepared by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), commenced on 2 June 2009 and was subject to a duration until the end of 31 May 2011. The primary objective of this direction was to allow Jetstar Airways to operate the specified aircraft with a minimum of five cabin attendants, despite the standard requirement outlined in the Civil Aviation Order 20.16.3. This direction was applicable to the aircraft detailed in Schedule 1 of the instrument and was subject to specific conditions, as outlined in Schedule 2, which included requirements for passenger seating, emergency exit row occupancy, and evacuation procedures. The enactment of CASA 206/09 was intended to provide Jetstar Airways with flexibility in their cabin crew staffing, while ensuring passenger safety and adherence to CASA's operational standards. This legislative instrument was subject to amendments, as evidenced by CASA 250/09, which introduced changes to the original direction. The direction was designed to balance the operational requirements of the airline with the imperative to maintain high safety standards in air travel.

Scope and Application

The CASA 206/09 Direction regarding the number of cabin attendants applies specifically to aircraft operated by Jetstar Airways Pty Limited, identified by its Aviation Reference Number 510654. This legislation governs the operations of Australian registered Airbus A321-231 series aircraft with a maximum seating capacity of 220 passengers, which are engaged in regular public transport operations. The instrument modifies the requirements under subparagraph 6.1(b) of Civil Aviation Order 20.16.3, allowing Jetstar Airways to operate the specified aircraft with a minimum of five cabin attendants, despite the usual regulatory stipulations. This direction is temporally limited, commencing on 2 June 2009 and expiring on 31 May 2011. Various conditions, detailed in Schedule 2, must be adhered to, including ensuring that only physically competent individuals occupy seats in emergency exit rows, maintaining a minimum number of able-bodied persons in these seats during critical phases of flight, and conducting appropriate passenger briefings on emergency procedures. Additionally, the operator must ensure the aircraft can be evacuated within 90 seconds, and all seating and briefing procedures must align with the operator’s operations manual and be approved by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has issued Direction CASA 206/09, which modifies certain requirements for the number of cabin attendants on Airbus A321-231 series aircraft operated by Jetstar Airways. The direction specifically allows the operator to use fewer cabin attendants than what is typically required under the Civil Aviation Order (CAO 20.16.3). This direction applies to aircraft with a maximum seating capacity of 220 passengers, as detailed in Schedule 1. It is effective from 2 June 2009 and will cease to have effect on 31 May 2011. The direction permits the operator to operate these aircraft with a minimum of five cabin attendants, despite the general requirement under CAO 20.16.3. However, CAO 20.16.3 continues to apply in all other respects. Jetstar Airways, as the operator, has specific obligations under this direction. These include ensuring that all passengers seated in the emergency exit rows are physically competent and have received a CASA-acceptable briefing on the operation of emergency exits and subsequent emergency actions. The operator must also ensure that during take-off, landing, and in prepared emergencies, at least two physically competent individuals occupy the emergency exit row seats. Additionally, the operator is required to adhere to procedures in their operations manual for the seating and briefing of passengers, ensuring that the aircraft can be evacuated within 90 seconds. Failure to comply with the requirements of this direction can result in regulatory consequences. While specific penalties are not detailed in the direction, breaches of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 or associated orders and directions can lead to enforcement actions by CASA. These actions may include fines, warnings, or other regulatory measures. The exact penalties depend on the nature and severity of the breach, as outlined in the broader regulatory framework governing civil aviation in Australia.