PNG CASA AME Subject 20 Air Law key terms

The primary PNG statute establishing the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, its functions and powers, and the legal basis for making Civil Aviation Rules. It replaced earlier aviation legislation and underpins all subsidiary rule-making.

The PNG statutory authority responsible for safety regulation of civil aviation, including licensing of engineers and pilots, aircraft registration, airworthiness oversight, and enforcement of the Civil Aviation Rules.

Subsidiary legislation made under the Civil Aviation Act, structured in numbered Parts covering personnel licensing, airworthiness, operations, air traffic services and related matters, closely modelled on ICAO Annexes and aligned with Australian-style rule structures.

A non-mandatory publication issued by CASA PNG that explains acceptable means of compliance with the Civil Aviation Rules, interprets requirements, and provides guidance. Following an AC is one way, but not the only way, to comply.

A published method that, if followed, is accepted by the regulator as demonstrating compliance with a rule. It is not itself law, and an alternative method may be used if an equivalent level of safety is shown.

A licence issued by CASA PNG authorising the holder to certify maintenance, inspection and repair work within specified categories and ratings, subject to type ratings, recent experience and the privileges defined in the personnel licensing rules.

An endorsement on a licence or certificate specifying the aircraft type on which the holder may exercise privileges. It is normally granted after approved type training and documented practical experience on that type.

The authority of a licensed engineer to sign a maintenance release or certification stating that work has been performed in accordance with approved data and that the aircraft or component is airworthy with respect to that work.

A certification, signed by an appropriately authorised person, that specified maintenance has been completed satisfactorily and that the aircraft is considered airworthy for the intended flight, subject to any recorded limitations or deferred items.

The condition of an aircraft, engine, propeller or component meeting its type design and being in a state safe for flight, maintained through approved maintenance, inspections, and compliance with continuing airworthiness requirements.

A document issued by the State of Registry confirming that an aircraft type design has been found airworthy and that the individual aircraft conforms to that approved design and is maintained accordingly.

The set of processes through which an aircraft is kept in a condition meeting applicable airworthiness requirements throughout its operating life, including maintenance programmes, defect control, modifications and record keeping.

A schedule of maintenance tasks and intervals approved by the regulator for a particular aircraft or operator, defining what inspections, servicing and checks must be carried out and when.

A mandatory instruction issued by a State of Design or State of Registry requiring inspections, modifications or limitations to correct an unsafe condition. Compliance is compulsory within the stated timeframe for affected aircraft.

A document issued by a manufacturer recommending maintenance, inspection or modification action. Unlike an airworthiness directive it is generally advisory, but it may be made mandatory by the regulator or by the operator's approved programme.

The ICAO standard covering licensing of flight crew, air traffic controllers, maintenance personnel and other aviation personnel, setting minimum knowledge, experience and medical requirements that PNG rules reflect.

The ICAO standard specifying requirements for commercial and general aviation operations, including operator responsibilities, maintenance arrangements, crew duty limits, instruments and equipment, and communication and navigation equipment.

The ICAO standard establishing minimum airworthiness requirements for aircraft and the recognition of certificates of airworthiness between contracting States, forming the basis for national airworthiness codes.

The ICAO standard governing accident and incident investigation, covering notification, investigation authority, protection of evidence and records, and the objective of preventing recurrence rather than assigning blame.

The ICAO standard requiring States and service providers to establish safety management systems, including safety policy, risk management, assurance and promotion, and to operate State safety programmes.

The operating rules governing aircraft conduct in flight and on the ground, including right-of-way, cruising levels, position lights, minimum heights, and the obligations of pilots in controlled and uncontrolled airspace.

Airspace of defined dimensions within which air traffic control service is provided to flights in accordance with airspace classification, and within which clearances and instructions from ATC are mandatory.

The ICAO system of lettered airspace classes A to G defining the services provided, clearance requirements, separation and pilot qualifications applicable within each volume of airspace.

An authorisation for an aircraft to proceed under conditions specified by an air traffic control unit, which the pilot must comply with unless an emergency or safety-related deviation requires otherwise, with prompt notification.

A certificate issued by CASA PNG authorising an operator to conduct specified commercial air transport operations, subject to documented procedures, approved maintenance arrangements, and continuing regulatory oversight.

The operator's documented procedures and instructions covering normal, abnormal and emergency operations, crew responsibilities and limitations, approved by the regulator and binding on the operator's personnel.

An operator-specific document approved by the regulator listing equipment that may be inoperative while the aircraft remains airworthy for flight under stated conditions, limitations and repair intervals.

A systematic, documented approach to managing safety, including organisational policy, hazard identification, risk assessment and mitigation, safety assurance and safety promotion, required of specified aviation service providers.

An integrated set of regulations, activities and resources established by the State to achieve acceptable levels of aviation safety, complementing service providers' safety management systems.

The process of identifying hazards, estimating the likelihood and severity of resulting outcomes, and determining whether risk is tolerable or requires mitigation before an activity proceeds.

A safety philosophy in which honest error and inadvertent reporting are not punished, while reckless or intentionally unsafe behaviour is subject to disciplinary action, encouraging open reporting of safety information.

A mandatory notification submitted to the regulator and investigation authority describing an accident, serious incident or other reportable occurrence, used for safety analysis and prevention of recurrence.

The PNG body responsible for investigating aircraft accidents and serious incidents, determining probable causes and making safety recommendations, operating independently of the safety regulator.

Articles or substances capable of posing a risk to health, safety, property or the environment when carried by air, regulated by ICAO Annex 18 and the associated Technical Instructions and requiring trained personnel and proper documentation.

A document completed by the consignor certifying that a dangerous goods consignment has been classified, packed, marked and labelled in accordance with applicable requirements.

Mandatory competency-based instruction for personnel involved in preparing, accepting, handling or carrying dangerous goods, requiring initial and recurrent training with records retained by the employer.

Measures available to CASA PNG to address non-compliance, ranging from counselling and administrative action to suspension, revocation of certificates and prosecution for offences under the Civil Aviation Act.

A formal written notice requiring a licence or certificate holder to explain why regulatory action, such as suspension or revocation, should not be taken against them, providing an opportunity to respond.

An offence where the prosecution need not prove intent or negligence, only that the prohibited act occurred, though a defence of reasonable excuse or due diligence may be available.