PNG Civil Aviation Act and regulatory framework (CASA PNG, Ministerial powers, rule-making)
Statute and institutions
The Civil Aviation Act 2000 is PNG’s principal aviation statute. It establishes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA PNG) as the safety regulator and allocates powers to the Minister responsible for civil aviation. CASA handles licensing, aircraft registration, operator certification, surveillance and enforcement. The Minister’s role is policy and rule-making, not day-to-day certification.
Rules, directions and exemptions
Civil Aviation Rules are made under the Act, usually after CASA policy work and industry consultation. Advisory circulars explain compliance but are not law. CASA may grant an exemption only where the Act or rules empower it, normally with conditions and a safety assessment. An exemption cannot override the Act itself.
Worked example
An operator wants to begin a fare-paying charter with an aircraft type not listed on its certificate. The pilot’s CPL is valid, so the operator argues no further approval is needed. That is wrong: the pilot licence is personal, while the operation needs an air operator certificate and the aircraft needs registration, airworthiness and maintenance support. If a rule blocks the operation, the operator must seek an exemption or rule change through the proper process, not rely on the CPL.
Traps
Do not confuse CASA’s regulatory role with the Minister’s rule-making power. Do not treat an advisory circular as a substitute for the rule. Do not assume a general exemption applies to your operation without reading its conditions.