Instrument number CASA EX106/13
I, GERARD JOHN CAMPBELL, Executive Manager, Operations Division, a delegate of CASA, make this instrument under regulation 11.160 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998.
[Signed G.J. Campbell]
Gerard J. Campbell
Executive Manager
Operations Division
11 October 2013
Exemption — requirement to wear seat belt and safety harness
1          Duration
                 This instrument:
(a)   commences on the day of registration; and
(b)   expires at the end of 30 April 2016, as if it had been repealed by another instrument.
2          Application
                 This instrument applies to the pilot in command and crew members of an aircraft operated by Nautilus Aviation Heli Pty Ltd, trading as Cairns Helicopter School, Down Under Helicopters Australia and Heli Charters Australia, Aviation Reference Number 559795 (the operator), when undertaking specific aerial work or performing tasks where the assistance of the operating crew or camera operator is required.
3          Exemption
                 A crew member of the operator’s aircraft is exempt from the requirement of subregulation 251 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR 1988) to the extent mentioned in Schedule 1.
4          Conditions
                 The exemption is subject to the conditions mentioned in Schedule 2.
Schedule 1          Extent of exemption
                 The exemption extends only to the direction under subregulation 251 (3) of CAR 1988 that is contained in paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 of Civil Aviation Order 20.16.3 and relates to the wearing of a seat belt or a safety harness when an aircraft is flying at a height of less than 1 000 feet above the terrain.
Schedule 2          Conditions
        1     Operations must only be conducted in V.M.C.
        2                 The operator must include in the operator’s operations manual operational circumstances when a safety harness and a seat belt may be used and the procedures for the use of the safety harness.
        3     An approved seat and seat belt must be available for use in an emergency by the wearer of a safety harness.
        4     If a safety harness is worn, it must be adjusted to ensure that the person wearing it is secure and is not able to completely exit the aircraft in case of emergency.
        5     The safety harness must be of a “quick release type” which can be released under load but which requires 2 positive, separate and distinct movements for release.
        6     If using the safety harness, the crew member must be able to move about in a manner that would not adversely affect the centre of gravity of the helicopter or the ability of the pilot in command to control the helicopter.
        7     Transfer between a seat belt and a safety harness during flight must only take place at a height above 1 000 feet AGL with the cabin doors closed.
        8     The pilot in command of the aircraft must ensure that all crew members are briefed on normal emergency procedures and crew member functions and responsibilities in the event of a forced landing.