Aircraft licence exemptions making life easier

Thursday, 13 October 2016
 
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• Licence exemptions to cut red tape for Western Australian aircraft operators
• Safety standards to remain uncompromised 

The Liberal National Government continues to slash unnecessary red tape by reducing administrative regulatory burdens on the aviation industry through aircraft licence exemptions.

Transport Minister Bill Marmion said the new exemptions meant 42 of the current 56 aircraft operators would no longer require an aircraft licence to operate an aircraft in Western Australia.

"The primary aircraft operators which will be exempt from requiring a licence include small charter airlines, aero clubs and helicopter operators," Mr Marmion said.

"This red tape reduction initiative will save time and administrative costs for industry, making life easier for 75 per cent of WA's aircraft operators.

"Safety is, and always will be our first priority - all aircraft are still required to maintain safety compliance and standards under Commonwealth aviation safety legislation administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

"It's been recognised that licensing for these low-risk aircraft operators is not needed, given the administrative and compliance burden outweighs the benefits to the State."

All 14 major aircraft operators in Western Australia will still require a Department of Transport licence to operate.

The Minister said the exemptions were one less administrative task for aircraft operators to complete, which would also save time for the Government.

The exemptions complement a separate aviation initiative to extend the aircraft licence period from one year to up to five years, which is currently before State Parliament.

Fact File

• The Commonwealth is the prime registrar and licensee of all aircraft operating in Australia for aviation safety purposes
• State aircraft licences for operations are administered by the Department of Transport
• Licensing of aircraft allows the Department of Transport to regulate Regular Public Transport air services on marginal air routes across the State