Aviation Law glossary
Aviation law in Australia is governed by the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth), the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, the Air Navigation Act 1920 (Cth), and international conventions. This glossary covers 40 of the most commonly used terms.
This is a glossary of 40 key terms used in Australian aviation law. Each term has a plain-English definition and, where applicable, a reference to the underlying statute, Civil Aviation Safety Regulations, or international convention.
Definitions
Aerodrome
An area of land or water intended for the arrival, departure, and movement of aircraft. Certified aerodromes are regulated under CASR Part 139.
Air Operator's Certificate (AOC)
A certificate issued by CASA authorising the holder to conduct commercial air transport operations. Regulated under CASR Part 119.
Air services agreement
A bilateral treaty between states setting out the terms on which their airlines may operate scheduled services.
Air traffic control (ATC)
The service provided by Airservices Australia to manage aircraft in controlled airspace, giving clearances and separation.
Airservices Australia
The government-owned corporation providing air traffic control and other air navigation services in Australia.
Airside
The area of an airport beyond security screening, with access restricted to authorised persons and vehicles.
Airspace
Classified airspace over Australia, designated A to G. Controlled airspace requires ATC clearance; uncontrolled airspace operates on see-and-avoid.
ASIC (aviation)
An Aviation Security Identification Card — required for unescorted access to airside areas of security-controlled airports.
ATSB
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau — the independent investigator of air, rail, and marine safety incidents.
Aviation security
The regime under the Aviation Transport Security Act regulating screening, access, and incident response at Australian airports.
Cape Town Convention
The Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment. Creates an international registry for financing interests in aircraft and engines.
CASA
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority — the national safety regulator of civil aviation in Australia.
CASR
The Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth) — the detailed safety regulations made under the Civil Aviation Act.
Chicago Convention
The 1944 Convention on International Civil Aviation establishing ICAO. The foundational international aviation treaty.
Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth)
The principal Commonwealth statute establishing CASA and regulating civil aviation safety in Australia.
Commercial aircraft lease
A lease of an aircraft (dry or wet) between lessor and airline. Registered under the Cape Town Convention for protection.
Contract of carriage
The contract between an air carrier and a passenger. Governed by the Montreal Convention for international carriage.
Controlled airspace
Airspace classes A, C, D, and E where ATC services are provided. Aircraft generally require clearance to operate.
Dangerous goods
Articles or substances that pose a risk in air transport. Regulated under CASR Part 92 and the ICAO Technical Instructions.
Delay compensation
Compensation payable to passengers under the Montreal Convention for delay in carriage, subject to the reasonable measures defence and liability caps.
Drone (RPAS)
A remotely piloted aircraft system. Regulated under CASR Part 101 — different rules for sub-2kg, commercial, and beyond visual line of sight operations.
Flight crew licence
The personal licence of pilots and other flight crew, issued by CASA under CASR Part 61.
Hague Protocol
A 1955 protocol modifying the Warsaw Convention on international carriage by air. Now largely superseded by the Montreal Convention.
IATA
The International Air Transport Association — the airline industry trade body. Sets commercial standards (for example, BSP, IATA tickets).
ICAO
The International Civil Aviation Organization — the UN specialised agency administering the Chicago Convention.
Immediately reportable matter
A serious aviation occurrence (for example, accident) that must be reported to the ATSB without delay under the TSI Act.
International Registry
The electronic registry established under the Cape Town Convention for international interests in aircraft objects.
Liability limit (carriage)
The limit on an air carrier's liability for passenger injury, delay, and baggage under the Montreal Convention. Updated periodically in SDRs.
Maintenance organisation
An organisation approved under CASR Part 145 to maintain aircraft. Issues airworthiness releases.
Montreal Convention
The 1999 Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules for International Carriage by Air — the principal treaty on air carrier liability.
Non-stop flight rights
Rights under air services agreements to operate scheduled services between two points without intermediate stops.
Open skies agreement
A liberal air services agreement removing most restrictions on capacity, frequency, and pricing between the parties.
Registration (aircraft)
An aircraft must be registered with CASA to operate in Australia. Registration identifies the aircraft and its operator.
ReOC (Remote Operator's Certificate)
A certificate issued by CASA authorising commercial drone operations outside the sub-2kg excluded operator category.
Routine reportable matter
A less serious aviation occurrence that must be reported to the ATSB within 72 hours. Lower threshold than immediately reportable.
SDR (Special Drawing Right)
The IMF unit of account used to express liability limits under the Montreal Convention. Converted to local currency at the date of judgment.
Slot (airport)
A permission to arrive or depart at a coordinated airport at a specified time. Managed under the IATA slot guidelines.
Warsaw Convention
The 1929 Convention on international carriage by air. Largely superseded for Australian purposes by the Montreal Convention.
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