Instrument number CASA EX97/10
I, john francis McCormick, Director of Aviation Safety, on behalf of CASA, make this instrument under subregulation 308 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (CAR 1988).
[Signed John F. McCormick]
John F. McCormick
Director of Aviation Safety
08 December 2010
Exemption — requirement to wear seat belt and safety harness
1          Duration
            This instrument:
(a)   commences on the day after it is registered; and
(b)   stops having effect at the end of 31 October 2012.
2          Application
            This instrument applies to the pilot in command and crew members of an aircraft operated by Australian Helicopters Pty Ltd, trading as Australian Helicopters, Aviation Reference Number 438297 (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 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 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. conditions.
      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.