Safety issue
| Safety issue description |
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority guidance for pilots using non-controlled aerodromes did not clearly define the active runway. The guidance did not provide practical advice to pilots using a secondary runway, and in some situations, it was contrary to existing regulations. |
|---|---|
| Issue number | AO-2023-036-SI-04 |
| Issue owner | Civil Aviation Safety Authority |
| Transport function | Aviation: General aviation |
| Issue status | Closed – Adequately addressed |
| Date issue released | 05/06/2025 |
| Issue status justification |
CASA has improved the guidance to pilots operating at non-controlled aerodromes regarding the use of multiple runways. It has also removed all references to the 'active runway' and reminded pilots that any serviceable runway at a non-controlled aerodrome could potentially be in use. |
| Issue finalisation date | 08/09/2026 |
Safety action
| Action type | Proactive action |
|---|---|
| Action number | AO-2023-036-PSA-03 |
| Organisation | Civil Aviation Safety Authority |
| Action description |
In response to the draft ATSB investigation report, CASA advised: While the term ‘active runway’ is used in CASA guidance material as a way of referring to the runway which the majority of airport users are using at any particular time it is not a defined term in CASR. This is because while one runway might be used by the majority of airport users, it does not mean that any other runway is ‘inactive’. A runway is always considered available to a pilot unless deemed to be closed or unserviceable. The runway a pilot chooses to use is determined by many factors, including but not limited to wind, operational requirements, performance calculations, aircraft limitations etc. which makes any determination of an ‘active’ status inherently problematic at uncontrolled aerodromes. CASA also advised: The regulatory framework does not support a requirement to clearly define an active runway. Instead, the regulations require pilots to make decisions about runway usage based on the runways which are available for use at the time of operation. CASA does however acknowledge the use of the word 'active' within guidance material could create uncertainty around its use or misuse as the case may be. CASA is better articulating throughout all guidance material the factors and the safety issues which should be considered in determining runway use and to better align with the regulations and avoid confusion, removing all references of the term 'active' when associated with a runway. AC 91-10 and AC 91-14 have been reviewed and are going through document control process at the time of providing this feedback. Furthermore, CASA is reviewing the nomenclature associated with runway selection to best promote and ensure safe operations at aerodromes. The response also stated that CASA will expand the guidance provided in the Part 91 Acceptable means of compliance and guidance material for regulation 91.340 to assist in the industry's understanding of this issue. |
| ATSB response |
The ATSB considers that the changes described by CASA in improving the guidance material and removing the term 'active' will likely adequately address this safety issue once they are implemented. |
| Action status | Monitor |
Organisation response
| Date received | 18/08/2025 |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Civil Aviation Safety Authority |
| Response text |
CASA has updated Advisory Circular 91-10 - Operations in the vicinity of non-controlled aerodromes. The current version (July 2025) has had all references to 'active runway' removed, and readers are reminded that any serviceable runway at a non-controlled aerodrome should be considered available for use, and potentially in use, at any time by other aircraft. The document now reminds pilots to consider limitations to radio communication such as unserviceability or over-transmission at non-controlled aerodrome CASA is in the process of updating the Visual Flight Rules Guide to remove the one remaining reference to the 'active runway'. |
| ATSB response |
The described changes to Advisory Circular 91-10 serve to remove confusion associated with the term 'active runway', and resolve possible contradictions with the regulations. Advice for pilots considering a secondary runway is now more specific. The ATSB will await removal of the term 'active runway' from the Visual Flight Rules Guide. |
| ATSB response date | 22/08/2025 |
Organisation response
| Date received | 17/06/2026 |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Civil Aviation Safety Authority |
| Response text |
CASA advised on 17 June 2026 that the Visual Flight Rules guide was updated in February 2026 to remove the term 'active runway'. The term no longer appears in any current CASA guidance or regulations regarding non-controlled aerodromes. |