The Sponsor that purchases, wet leases, dry leases, charters or authorises operation of a non-Defence registered aircraft by or on behalf of Defence must ensure the aircraft’s operation is subject to the regulatory requirements of a Defence AA recognised CAA / MAA. GMGM AMCAMC
Defence AA recognised CAA / MAA are advised on the DASP website.
An NDRA under the oversight of an approved CAA / MAA will have documents supporting the aircraft’s airworthiness status that include:
A current Type Certificate, or equivalent document; for the aircraft type/class.
A Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA), or equivalent document, for each aircraft.
Any additional CAA / MAA directives, limitations or restrictions that apply to the relevant aircraft.
An Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), or equivalent certificate, applicable for the operation to be conducted.
System of maintenance approval, or equivalent document.
Where a NDRA is oversighted by a CAA / MAA not recognised by Defence, advice should be sought from DASA regarding flexibility provisions.
A Sponsor considering use of a non-Defence Registered Uncrewed Aircraft (NDRUA) should seek DASA advice regardless of CAA / MAA recognition.
CASA Aviation Administration Organisations Sports Aviation oversight
This AMC provides oversight supporting sports aviation activities.
CASA established an extended sports aviation oversight system of approved Recreational Aviation Administration Organisations (RAAO). The system allows CASA to set the regulations and then work in close cooperation with an established RAAO to make sure the regulations are applied and enforced.
A RAAO provides CASA with specialist knowledge and insight into the relevant sport aviation industry. A RAAO will oversight members’ activities and continually assess how the required performance standards are being achieved in accordance with RAAO operational regulations.
CASA needs to be fully confident that each RAAO has the capacity to provide the safety outcomes required and therefore aspires to monitor RAAO conformance through six-monthly reporting, annual auditing and ongoing engagement. If an RAAO cannot assure CASA confidence, then CASA will not allow the organisation to continue to administer its activities under the exemption.
The CASA sponsored Sport Aviation Self-Administration Handbook 2010 (or subsequent) provides additional information on sports aviation management.
CASA approved RAAO include:
Australian Parachute Federation (APF). The APF is the organisation which controls skydiving and parachuting at nearly all the civilian operations in Australia. With the approval of CASA the APF sets operational standards, issues licences and instructor ratings, conducts exams and publishes information to keep its members informed of safety standards.
Gliding Federation of Australia (GFA). The GFA is the recreational aviation administration organisation responsible for gliding and has accepted full responsibility for glider airworthiness through CASA authorised exemptions and delegations.
The Australian Warbirds Associated Limited (AWAL). The AWAL RAAO is the industry body that undertakes self-administration of the Special (limited category) CoA, which includes ex-military aircraft. AWAL is also recommended in AC 21.5(0) as the RAAO best suited to advise those people or organisation who desire to restore ex-military heritage aircraft. AWAL services include:
Administration of Limited Category Warbirds Historic and Replica aircraft (WHRA) on behalf of CASA.
Provision of maintenance systems for various warbird types.
The conduct of seminars and training days for engineers, owners, and pilots of limited category aircraft.
Assistance for enthusiasts to get close to real WHRA and their operators.
ADF Currency Flying Scheme
Short-term lease includes operation of NDRA for the purposes of the Australian Defence Force Currency Flying Scheme (ACFS).
Aircraft hired for operations under the ACFS are subject to the requirements of a CASA issued AOC or CASA Part 141 certificate.
Defence Flying Clubs
DASR NDR.05.A requirements pertain only to those Defence Flying Clubs that will operate from a Defence aerodrome with NDRA.
Flying is recognised as an approved Defence recreational activity. The management of RAAF flying clubs is facilitated under the auspices of the Air Force Sports Council (AFSC).
The Sponsor should appoint an OIC Flying Club to ensure that the Defence Flying Club will operate under a valid AOC applicable to the activities being conducted. The AOC need not be directly held by the Flying Club.
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to assure that operation of non-Defence registered aircraft by or on behalf of Defence is conducted under the airworthiness oversight of Defence AA recognised airworthiness authorities to ensure that Non Defence Registered Aircraft (NDRA) are operated in a manner no less safe than Defence registered aircraft.
While most aircraft acquired for use by Defence are listed on the Defence Register, circumstances exist where Defence registration may be impractical, inappropriate or even undesirable. Defence activities may involve the use of Australian civil registered aircraft or foreign registered aircraft. In such cases, the flexibility to operate a NDRA enhances Defence capability; however, the operation of a NDRA does not remove the requirement to ensure that acceptable aviation safety management is in place prior to NDRA use.
DASA should advise the applicable CAA of the intention to operate a Defence owned or dry leased NDRA prior to the commencement of operations.
Applicability
Conditions where a NDRA may be operated by or on behalf of Defence include:
Aircraft performing in a configuration, role and environment substantially similar to an equivalent civilian aircraft type.
Aircraft undergoing flying activity prior to issue of a Defence airworthiness instrument.
Foreign military aircraft operated by Defence personnel.
Aircraft temporarily chartered in support of Defence operations.
Aircraft temporarily operated by Defence personnel in the course of their duties.
Aircraft in which Defence personnel are deemed crew for Defence purposes.
Aircraft in which Defence personnel are passengers for Defence purposes.
Temporary operation of an aircraft for the purpose of capability trials or demonstrations.
Aircraft conducting approved sports aviation activities for Defence purposes.
Defence Flying Club activity from Defence Aerodromes.
The following sports aviation activities:
Gliders.
Parachuting.
Recreational ballooning.
Warbirds Historic and Replica Aircraft (WHRA).
This regulation does not apply to:
Defence Personnel or External Service Providers travelling as passengers on Australian or foreign public air transport.
Defence Personnel or External Service Providers acting as crew or travelling as passengers on foreign military flights which are not exclusively for Defence use.
Defence Personnel or External Service Providers participating in recreational flying not identified under paragraph 4.
The following sports aviation activities:
Amateur built and experimental aircraft.
Gyroplanes.
Hang gliders, paragliders and powered parachutes.
Light recreational and microlight aircraft.
Model aircraft, unless conducted as a Defence Flying Club activity.
The Sponsor that purchases, wet leases, dry leases, charters or authorises operation of a non-Defence registered aircraft by or on behalf of Defence must implement safety controls to the operation of non-Defence registered aircraft such that it is reasonably expected that Aviation Safety will not be compromised. GMGM AMCAMC
The Sponsor approving the acquisition or operation of a NDRA is responsible for the associated safe aviation outcomes. The Sponsor can issue an Approval to Operate (ATO) once satisfied that Aviation Safety will not be compromised. Where the Sponsor is not a Defence AA appointed authority, advice should be sought from DASA.
The level of rigour applied to an ATO decision is dependent on the aircraft lease or ownership. In some cases, such as a one off charter/short term lease, the ATO may be issued verbally. In other cases, such as a dry lease, a Defence AA independent review may be necessary. If required, advice may be sought from DASA to assist with ATO determinations.
The controls for an NDRA Approval to Operate may include:
Aviation Safety Assessment.
Determination of the most recent CAA / MAA oversight activity.
Appropriate contractual controls.
Additional operational controls for identified and untreated hazards.
Periodicity of Aviation Safety review (as required).
Approval to operate has been issued.
The NDRA sponsor may defer or be directed to defer the approval to operate decision to the Defence AA.
Avaition Safety for NDRA
Understanding the Hazards associated with NDRA is critical to identifying required controls and delivering acceptable safety outcomes. The Sponsor should consider all elements of Aviation Safety. For example, whether the aircraft will carry Defence personnel as passengers or the loss of the NDRA over a populated area.
Aviation Safety considerations for NDRA include that it is operated:
In approved roles appropriate to the certification basis of the aircraft as described in the applicable Type Certificate or authorised exemption.
Within the limitations and conditions established by the certifying authority in the applicable aircraft operating instructions, Type Certificate and/or authorised exemption.
In accordance with an applicable Defence AA recognised CAA/MAA aviation safety regulations appropriate to the aircraft operating role and environment.
By flight crew and maintenance personnel who are deemed qualified and capable by a Defence AA recognised regulatory framework.
Within Defence approved levels of risk to first, second and third party persons or property.
In accordance with any directives or requirements issued by the regulator.
In accordance with orders and instructions issued by the relevant Sponsor.
In accordance with any directives issued by the CAA or MAA, where applicable.
Where there is doubt surrounding the suitability of flight of a particular NDRA activity, the Sponsor that is responsible for authorising operation of an NDRA and therefore the associated aviation outcomes should seek specific aviation safety advice from DASA prior to authorising the activity.
Factors such as type of charter, length of charter and the operational circumstances will influence the level of assurance and compliance required in each case. DASA may recommend additional levels of mitigation for use of the NDRA by endorsing the contractual terms of the lease intended for use, or specifying any additional terms/limitations that may be necessary.
Contractual Controls
A Sponsor desiring to utilise a NDRA will do so under the terms of an enforceable legally binding instrument that requires the NDRA operator to comply with any lease requirements.. The legally binding instrument should include aviation safety controls:
The aircraft captain, crew, aircraft owners, and operators will abide by ICAO and relevant CAA or MAA requirements.
Implementation of an accident and incident reporting system that, in addition to the CAA / MAA requirements, includes an equivalent notification period to DFSB. This ensures Defence awareness of safety issues, and thereby allows for improved control over flight authorisation under the contract, particularly outside Australia. In addition to country of occurrence incident reporting, the contract should identify the 1800 notification number for both Australian transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) (or equivalent) and DFSB, desired reporting formats, and email notification addresses.
Upon request, make all documentation supporting the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft available to Defence. Records may include any contracts, inspections, documents, accident reporting or incident reporting requirements used to establish and maintain the continuing airworthiness of the aircraft operation. Documentation may include but not limited to, documents provided to the recognised CAA, operations manuals, maintenance records, individual licenses (aircrew and maintenance), flight records, safety occurrence reports and investigation reports.
Compliance with the Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011 as appropriate.
Any exemption from IATA dangerous cargo requirements will comply with Defence Air Cargo Delivery regulations.
Any sub-contracts to be subject to the requirements of this regulation. This ensures Defence has the ability to conduct regulatory oversight across the complete operation if required.
Allowance for Defence to make any safety inspections prior to task or at anytime during the charter. This ensures Defence has the ability to conduct regulatory oversight across the complete operation if required.
Any additional Aviation Safety controls/limitations to ensure the aircrafts operation will not compromise aviation safety.
Appropriate insurance policies are in place to cover the legal liabilities of both Defence and the registered operator for the lease activity. The registered operator may already have appropriate insurance coverage, but may not provide the required cover for a Defence person operating the aircraft.
Ramp Inspections
The purpose of a Ramp Inspection of NDRA is to provide the Sponsor a higher degree of confidence that the operator, flight crew and aircraft intended for use by or on behalf of Defence is suitable for flight operations by ensuring that the aircraft and crew do not have significant defects or obvious aviation safety issues.
A Ramp Inspection is an acknowledged means of providing additional confidence in the fitness for purpose of a NDRA intended for use by or on behalf of Defence. Ramp Inspections may also be suitable for services provided to Defence personnel under sport aviation activities who may be conducting non–Defence required activities, but require approval in order to participate in such an activity such as, a civilian parachuting club. A Ramp Inspection does not provide a means to gain an exemption for a relevant regulation; rather, it provides an improved understanding of suspected or known facts.
The inspection regime should allow the approval authority to access applicable resources relevant to inspecting the leased aircraft shortly prior to flight regarding readily apparent technical issues and the overall operational readiness of the aircraft. Control of the inspection process should be delegated to aviation safety personnel to ensure appropriate risk management and resource management. Personnel who conduct ramp inspections should have relevant experience and deemed competent to conduct them. Inspections teams should comprise at least one operational representative, one maintenance representative and other relevant personnel as required; the MAO-AM or Sponsor should identify such personnel.
A NDRA used by or on behalf of Defence, that is not dry leased, should be considered for a Ramp Inspection if the lease will be 12 months or longer. Additional considerations should be the amount of sorties the aircraft will conduct. For example, a WHRA sortie rate of more than three flights in a three month period may be sufficient activity to consider a Ramp Inspection. Consideration does not mean an inspection must occur.
Ramp Inspection reports should be provided to the Sponsor. Any adverse inspections reports should also be provided to DASA.
Sports Aviation Controls
General controls for assessing the sports aviation activity risk include:
The aircraft will operate under a CASA approved instrument.
The aircraft will operate under the oversight of a CASA recognised RAAO.
Any Defence personnel or organisation identified to undertake the activity will be a full member of the relevant RAAO prior to conducting the activity. Full membership assures Defence personnel are able to obtain all required compliance information from the RAAO, as well as other benefits supporting safe conduct of the activity.
A periodic safety audit has been conducted. An appropriate audit includes any CASA approved audit process or a DASA, MAO-AM or Sponsor-recognised audit process.
ADF Cadets Flying Operations Controls
ADF Cadets is a collective reference to any of:
Australian Navy Cadets.
Australian Army Cadets.
Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC).
Due to the limited opportunity and exposure to flying operations of the Army and Navy Cadet organisations, the AAFC is the authority for control and management of ADF Cadet flying operations.
For ADF Cadets flying related operations the Sponsor is DGCADETS.
The Sponsor has established (and is the authority for) the AAFC Manual of Aviation Operations to support ADF Cadets flying operations. Unless OIP stipulate otherwise, the AAFC Manual of Aviation Operations will apply.
Gliding Operations Controls
Glider activity may only be conducted under oversight of the Glider RAAO, supplemented by any additional Sponsor requirements.
For ADF Cadets gliding activities the Sponsor is DGCADETS.
A glider need not be operated under an AOC.
Parachute Operations Controls
The Sponsor considerations for parachute operations conducted from NDRA by Defence members on duty may include:
If parachute operations are likely to exceed either 70 events per year or 10 events per month that the non-Defence registered aircraft will meet full NDRA requirements.
The commercial or private entity is an Australian Parachute Federation (APF) member organisation.
Parachute operations are conducted in accordance with APF Operational Regulations or the Defence Parachute Training School Standing Instructions as appropriate.
The aircraft operator is compliant with the APF regulations, as confirmed through review of an APF Safety Audit (Aircraft Operations Supplementary Safety Audit) conducted on the operator within the previous 12 months.
Where parachute operations exceed 3 events per annum or the number of Defence personnel involved in any one event is greater than 10, a Ramp Inspection is conducted prior to first operations with the aircraft.
The aircraft pilot holds a CASA issued Commercial Pilots License (Aeroplane) (CPL(A)) or an Air Transport Pilots Licence (Aeroplane) (ATPL(A)).
Need not be operated under an AOC, but is desirable.
For ADF Cadets parachute activities the Sponsor is DGCADETS.
For Defence parachute activities the Sponsor is CO Parachute Training School.
Recreational Ballooning Controls
Warbirds Historic and Replica Aircraft Controls
Defence operates a small and diverse fleet of Defence owned Warbirds Historic and Replica aircraft (WHRA) that are civil registered for the purpose of maintaining Australian military heritage and promoting Defence within the wider community. In general, WHRA are designed and manufactured to historical standards and for various reasons are no longer eligible for the issue of a Type Certificate, and by extension a Standard Certificate of Airworthiness (CoA). In such cases, CASA may approve a special purpose operation where an aircraft issued with a Special (limited category) CoA under CASR 21.189 for the purposes that are set out in CASR 21.189(3) and as prescribed in Civil Aviation Regulation (CAR) 262.
CASA does not require limited category ex-military aircraft to comply with any specific civil airworthiness standards or design codes. The basic eligibility requirement for certification of a limited category aircraft is that it is one of a type that at some stage has undergone some form of formal airworthiness acceptance process. If the aircraft type is of military origin, then it must have been produced in accordance with the requirements of, and accepted by, an armed force of any nation. The applicant must also demonstrate a safe history of operation of the type. If the aircraft is of civil origin, then an authorised person or CASA must be satisfied that the aircraft meets the airworthiness requirements (present or past) applicable to an aircraft for which a Standard CoA has been issued, except for any requirements that are inappropriate for the special purpose(s) for which the aircraft is to be used.
The short term lease of WHR aircraft by Defence may represent an increased airworthiness risk due to the operation of an aircraft designed to a reduced or unknown original airworthiness standard, and the operation of an aircraft that is not part of an organisation covered by an AOC.
WHR aircraft that do not qualify for a special (limited category) CoA may operate in accordance with an experimental certificate issued by CASA under CASR 21.191. CASA currently maintains administrative responsibility for aircraft issued with an experimental certificate. Under DASR NDR.05.A, the Defence AA has reserved the decision for approving the operation of WHRA issued with an experimental certificate due to the associated airworthiness exceptions.
Controls that may assist the Sponsor in ensuring that WHRA operation will not compromise Aviation Safety include:
For an aircraft with a Special CoA, the registered operator is approved for special purpose operations under the administration of a CASA recognised RAAO.
The aircraft is maintained in accordance with a Defence recognised or approved maintenance system, and the aircraft has a current maintenance release.
The aircraft is maintained in accordance with the approved AWAL maintenance system.
Defence Personnel may not fly as passengers aboard the WHRA, regardless of CoA status, unless deemed mission essential and approved by the Sponsor.
If leased for more than 3 flights (start-ups and shutdowns) but less than 12 flights in a 12-month period, a Ramp Inspection should be conducted prior to first WHRA use and then on an annual basis thereafter.
Additional controls for WHRA leased from a private or commercial entity include:
Need not be operated under an AOC, but is desirable.
Operation under an experimental certificate complies with DASR NDR.05.D.
Prior to first flight ensuring that the registered operator is approved for special purpose operations under the administration of a CASA recognised RAAO and CAR 262AM.
In addition to contractual controls at paragraph 9 of this AMC, additional lease controls may be applied that limit WHRA operations to the following activities:
Training of Defence personnel to qualify for an aircraft flying endorsement for an aircraft type or category in which the aircraft is included and that flying instructors are appropriately qualified and licensed.
Practice by Defence personnel in flying the aircraft in, or training for, a special purpose operation for which the aircraft is certified.
An operation necessary to maintain aircrew currency of Defence personnel on the aircraft type.
Flying the aircraft to or from a place where the above flights are to occur.
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to assure that operations of non-Defence registered aircraft by or on behalf of Defence are conducted at an equivalent level of safety to that of Defence registered aircraft.
Whilst restricting utilisation of NDRA to aircraft that are operated under the regulatory control of a Defence AA recognised CAA or MAA is an effective safety control, this control in isolation may not deliver Defence the required aviation safety outcomes. Imposing additional safety controls (as required) on the operation of NDRA will assist in mitigating the associated hazards.
When deciding the NDRA acquisition, contracting or approval strategy, the Sponsor should consider Defence registration when:
operations are expected to occur for a period in excess of 12 months, and
the aircraft contains a military-like modification or role equipment, or
the aircraft operates in a military-like role and/or environment.
Should DASA assistance be requested, the following NDRA information may be required:
Identification of the:
proposed operator
aircraft make, model and tail number(s)
aircraft owner
aircraft operator
country of registration/regulator and country of maintenance/regulator.
Number of sorties and duration.
Total number of Defence personnel to be transported, or special cargo requirements.
A description of the operational imperative or practical necessity that requires the lease.
Details of any current or recent AOC, or equivalent such as a Non-Scheduled Flight Approval.
Advice of what military options are available and what lower risk civilian assets are available.
Any relevant notes or comments from the tasking authority.
The aviation activities the aircraft operator is endorsed to undertake and the organisation that provides the endorsement.
Any relevant findings regarding oversight activities already conducted by the CAA / MAA.
The Sponsor that purchases, wet leases, dry leases, charters or authorises operation of a non–Defence registered aircraft by, or on behalf of Defence must suspend flight operations when Aviation Safety is believed to be compromised. GMGM AMCAMC
Suspension of NDRA flight operations should occur when:
there is clear evidence that a CAA / MAA is not applying the regulations and level of oversight that its policy requires to the relevant aircraft; or
the aircrew and/or passengers flying in the aircraft are of a fundamentally different category to that envisaged by the CAA / MAA in deciding what regulations and oversight to apply; or
the aircraft operations generate a risk that is significantly increased from the risk considered by the CAA / MAA in deciding what regulations and oversight should apply.
Cancelling Suspension
Procedures to reinstate flight operations should follow the general guidance and procedures provided for Defence registered aircraft, noting that engagement with the CAA / MAA may be required.
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to assure there is a mechanism to suspend NDRA operations by or on behalf of Defence, when Aviation Safety of the activity is believed to be compromised.
Suspension of flight will treat a Defence aviation risk, noting that a contracted flying organisation operating the aircraft may still use it for another non-Defence purpose. As such, any suspension of flight regarding a non–Defence registered aircraft should be advised to the relevant CAA / MAA and the Defence AA via DASA.
The Defence AA must approve any Defence operation of a non–Defence registered aircraft to be operated under an Experimental Certificate of Airworthiness. GMGM AMCAMC
Defence AA approval may be obtained though consultation with DASA. Depending on the conditions of intended use and other factors, the rigour applied will be variable.
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to assure that an additional level of control and oversight of non–Defence registered aircraft (NDRA) that are experimental is provided though involvement of DASA.
CASA or an authorised person can issue experimental certificates to allow specific operations of aircraft that are not by their nature type certificated or have certain unapproved modifications embodied. Defence has a duty of care to ensure Defence personnel operating such aircraft are provided oversight. This is assured as any requests to the Defence AA will undergo rigorous assessment by the operational and technical agencies who support the Defence AA decision making process.
Defence personnel that operate a non-Defence registered aircraft on behalf of Defence must comply with the Defence AA recognised CAA or MAA regulatory requirements and any further controls imposed by the relevant Sponsor. GMGM AMCAMC
The Sponsor Controls to ensure that Defence members who intend to hire, lease or operate an NDRA within the scope of this regulation may include:
Compliance with DASR NDR.05.A and DASR NDR.05.B as appropriate.
Restrict carriage of passengers to mission essential personnel that are:
Required to travel on the aircraft for duty.
Civilian instructional staff required to perform supervision and assessment for the attainment of a requisite civil license and/or appropriate endorsements.
The aircraft is maintained in accordance with a Defence recognised maintenance system, and the aircraft has a current maintenance release.
Implement other FMS controls as appropriate.
Pilot Controls for NDRA under CASA Oversight
Controls that ensure Defence personnel who, in the course of their duties, safely operate an NDRA oversighted by CASA include:
Hold a current and appropriate civil aviation licence, endorsements and ratings relevant to the aircraft type and operations to be conducted:
without Passengers – current and appropriate civil aviation license
with Passengers – current civilian Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL) and have a current Command Instrument Rating (CIR). Military pilots who qualify for entry into the ACFS, are not required to hold a civilian Command Instrument Rating if they have previously held an instrument rating on a military aircraft.
Operate within the scope of a valid Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) or CASA Part 141 Certificate.
Log flying times in accordance with CASA requirements in the member’s Defence flying logbook.
Operate solely under the relevant Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) or equivalent for the type of aircraft and operation.
Controls for Aircraft Owned by Defence Personnel Used Whilst on Duty
The Sponsor may approve Defence personnel to operate an aircraft whilst on duty which they own, part own or source from a commercial organisation in which they or their next of kin hold an interest.
The owned aircraft need not operate under an AOC; however, it is to have the following requirements:
a valid CASA Standard Certificate of Airworthiness
civil registration
other CASA requirements that may apply
not included in the list sports aviation activities that are not regulated under NDR.05.A.
The Aircraft Captain requirements include:
hold a current and appropriate civil aviation license
hold appropriate civil endorsements and ratings relevant to the aircraft type and operations to be conducted
hold other CASA requirements that may apply
not carry passengers unless appropriate command authority is provided to do so.
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to provide clarity as to the jurisdiction of the recognised CAA/MAA regulator with respect to licensing and training requirements of Defence personnel who operate non–Defence registered aircraft (NDRA).
There are circumstances where Defence personnel temporarily operate NDRA in the course of their normal duties. These circumstances may include flying as part of the ADF Currency Flying Scheme (ACFS) and type conversion flying. Unless an agreement is in place between Defence and the relevant CAA / MAA, compliance is required with the CAA / MAA operating requirements.
The Sponsor responsible for the DASR NDR.10.A outcome may impose additional limitations on operating personnel where it is deemed warranted to assure Aviation Safety.
Flexibility provision. Defence personnel that operate a chartered, dry or short term leased NDRA as a ‘State Aircraft’ may comply with Defence regulatory requirements, providing that the applicable aircraft is not flown outside of the approved CRE without the relevant CAA / MAA approval. This exemption affords flexibility for Defence personnel to utilise their existing qualifications without having to undertake additional training and recognises that some rules of the air, as published by the NDRA regulator, may not be complied with due operational requirements.