Aerodrome certification and categories

If you want to apply to certify your aerodrome you need to contact us to put you in touch with an aerodrome inspector in your area.

There is a fee to apply for certifying your aerodrome. We can provide an estimate after you have spoken to an aerodrome inspector.

Aerodrome categories and requirements

Certain aerodromes require to be certified consistent with Part 139 of CASR. These are aerodromes with terminal instrument flight procedures.

Other aerodromes can opt to become certified. Aircraft landing areas are uncertified aerodromes.

Aerodrome certification requirements

• Certified aerodromes: If there is a terminal instrument flight procedure (TIFP) for the aerodrome and the procedure is not only for use in a specialised helicopter operation
• Aircraft landing areas (uncertified aerodromes): Not applicable

Person responsible for certification

• Certified aerodromes: CASA and the operator
• Aircraft landing areas (uncertified aerodromes): Unregulated facility – it is an operator's and/or the pilot’s responsibility to determine suitability of the facility for use.

Defined standards

• Certified aerodromes: Part 139 MOS
• Aircraft landing areas (uncertified aerodromes): For non-air transport operations, guidance for:
  • aeroplanes is in AC 91-02 Guidelines for aeroplanes with MTOW not exceeding 5 700 kg - suitable places to take off and land
  • helicopters is in AC 91-29 Guidelines for helicopters - suitable places to take off and land
  • helicopter landing sites is in AC 139.R-01 Guidelines for heliports - design and operation
  • vertiports is in AC 139.V-01 Guidance for vertiport design.

Requirements for aerodrome manual

• Certified aerodromes: You need an aerodrome manual scaled in accordance with passenger numbers or aircraft movements
• Aircraft landing areas (uncertified aerodromes): Not applicable

Requirements for a safety management system

• Certified aerodromes: You need a safety management system scaled in accordance with passenger numbers or aircraft movements
• Aircraft landing areas (uncertified aerodromes): Not applicable

Aerodrome technical inspection

• Certified aerodromes: Yes (scaled in accordance with passenger numbers or aircraft movements)
• Aircraft landing areas (uncertified aerodromes): No, however regular inspection by suitably qualified person(s) is recommended

Trained reporting officer

• Certified aerodromes: Yes, it is required
• Aircraft landing areas (uncertified aerodromes): Not required but is recommended

Aerodrome details published in ERSA/NOTAM

• Certified aerodromes: Yes, it is required
• Aircraft landing areas (uncertified aerodromes): Not required, but an aerodrome owner could elect to include basic details in ERSA

Aerodrome operator required to monitor obstacles

• Certified aerodromes: Yes, it is required
• Aircraft landing areas (uncertified aerodromes): No. This is the responsibility of the pilot (and some operators) to determine suitability of the facility

Instrument approach procedures made available

• Certified aerodromes: Yes, it is required
• Aircraft landing areas (uncertified aerodromes): Not required.