Ground operations legislation and regulations

The following is an overview of the current rules around ground operations activities in Australia.

This is relevant to operators of larger aeroplane air transport. For example, operators that operate air transport with more than nine seats or a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) greater than 8618 kg.

For operators of rotorcraft air transport, see Part 133 of Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR).

For operators of smaller aeroplane air transport, see Part 135 of CASR.

Also see information about:

Points of note for Ground Operations in the CASR

Part 91 General operating and flight rules

The following list describes each topic in Part 91 and the associated CASR regulations that apply. They include:

Unauthorised travel of passengers or cargo: 91.060
Parked aircraft to not create a hazard: 91.420
Fuelling safety including the use of electronic devices: 91.470, 91.475, 91.480, 91.485, 91.490
Restraint and stowage of cargo: 91.585
Carriage of animals: 91.620
Use of radio – qualifications: 91.625
Standard visual signals (aircraft marshalling): 91.670, Signals found in ICAO Annex 2, Appendix 1
Persons affected by psychoactive substances: 91.790

See Part 91 of CASR for a link to the legislation including the Part 91 Manual of Standards (MOS).

For more information to help you understand the rules, read our Acceptable means of compliance and guidance material: Part 91 AMC/GM.

Part 119 Australian air transport operators – certification and management

The following list describes each topic in Part 119 and the associated CASR regulations that apply. They include:

Training and checking of personnel: 119.170 (4)
Human factors and non-technical skills: 119.175, 119.185
Requirements of exposition: 119.H
Records for training and checking: 119.225, 119.230, 119.240
Records for flight related documents: 119.245, 119.250

For a link to the legislation see Part 119 of CASR. For more information to help you understand the rules, Part 119 AMC/GM.

Part 121 Australian air transport operations – larger aeroplanes

The following list describes each topic in Part 121 and the associated CASR regulations that apply. They include:

Flight related documents: 121.075, 121.085, 121.090, 121.95, 121.100
Passenger lists: 121.110
Competence of ground support personnel: 121.145
Duty statement for ground support personnel: 121.150
Passenger safety at aerodromes: 121.215
Fuelling safety exposition content: 121.240
Carry-on baggage weight and size: 121.255
Passengers in emergency exit rows: 121.270
Carriage of passengers with reduced mobility: 121.275
Weight and balance requirements: 121.J

For a link to the legislation, including the Part 121 MOS, see Part 121 of CASR. For more information to help you understand the rules, read Part 121 AMC/GM.

Last updated:

7 Oct 2022