You must comply with the aviation safety rules that apply to you. Through surveillance, we check that people and organisations follow the rules.
We can take enforcement action when we find that you have not complied with the rules.
It's your responsibility to know the rules that apply to you, and to follow them. While we apply 'just culture' in considering whether enforcement action is necessary, we have zero tolerance for serious, wilful or repeated disregard of the aviation rules.
We produce a wide range of guidance and education material to help you understand the rules and fly safely.
Complying with the rules
You must comply with the:
- Civil Aviation Act (1988)
- requirements in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR)
- Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR)
- legislative and non-legislative instruments made under the regulations. This includes:
- Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
- Manuals of Standards
- other legislation.
See our full list of legislative and non-legislative instruments and guidance materials.
If applicable, you must also comply with the Airspace Act 2007 and Airspace Regulations 2007.
Other ways to comply with the rules
We recognise there can be different ways to comply with the rules. Sometimes there is flexibility in how you can comply with the rules. We produce various advisory material to assist you in determining how you can comply with the rules. See: