[response received from CASA 1 March 2002]

On 22 March 2001, CASA advised the ATSB that CASA was sympathetic to recommendation R2000249 but wished to consult more widely with the aviation community and other stakeholders, including the ATSB, before taking further action.

On 19 December 2001, CASA advised that safety rules would be changed to require all aircraft carrying fare-paying passengers that take off or land over water to carry lifejackets or personal flotation devices.

I have been advised that amendments have been prepared to Civil Aviation Order 20.11, to require all aircraft carrying fare-paying passengers that take-off or land over water to carry lifejackets or other approved flotation devices from 1 July 2002.

With regards to the wider recommendation that CASA ensure that adequate emergency and life saving equipment for the protection of, fare-paying passengers be provided during over-water flights where an aircraft is operating beyond the distance from which it could reach the shore with all engines inoperative, on 21 December 2001, CASA release a Discussion Paper concerning the "Carriage of Life Jackets and other issues Related to the Operation of Twin Engine Aeroplanes".

The Discussion Paper seeks interested party comment on numerous issues including the probability of total engine failure, an event which influences a number of requirements other than those related to the carriage of life jackets.

The closing date for comments on the issues contained within the Discussion Paper is 1 March 2002. CASA undertakes to advise the ATSB of the outcomes of the Discussion paper and any future action proposed by the Authority.

[response received from CASA on 10 February 2003]

In its response of 1 March 2002, the Authority advised that, on 21 December 2001, it had released a Discussion paper concerning the Carriage of Life Jackets and Other Issues Related to the Operation of Twin Engine Aeroplanes.

After consideration of the responses to that Discussion Paper, the Authority has decided not to amend the Civil Aviation Orders.

However, a number of issues were raised in the responses which the Authority has considered in the context of proposed CASR Part 121B. CASR Part 121B relates to Air Transport Operations - Small Aeroplanes. The Authority intends to release a Notice of Proposed Rule Making for this Part In March 2003 for industry comment.