Instrument Rating – regulatory updates

There have been further changes to the CASA regulations since the publication of this book. A new edition is in preparation and in the meantime, please check the operations documents. Please refer to the paragraph numbers in the fifth edition of the Instrument Rating book.
Introduction
The reference aircraft for the IREX has received some changes please refer to the CASA examinations website at:https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/pilots/ratings-reviews-and-endorsements/instrument-ratings
Similarly the PIFR reference aeroplane;https://www.casa.gov.au/download/pifr-exam-aircraft-data-sheet-vh-pif
Para 1.17 For full calculations please refer to:Fuel policy is specified in CASR Part 91 MOS, Chapter 19, Table 19.02 (2) for aeroplanes with a MTOW < 5,700 kg.
Para 7.124 Replace with;- Category I with decision height (DH) not lower than 200 ft. (note that height is above threshold elevation), and either a visibility not less than 800 m, or a RVR not less than 550 m;- Category II with a DH not lower than 100 ft., and a RVR not less than 300 m; and- Category III: – CAT IIIA, DH between 0 and 100 ft., and a RVR not less than 175 m; – CAT IIIB, DH between 0 and 50 ft., and a RVR between 50 and 175 m. – CAT IIIC for operations with no DH and RVR limitationsRefer to AIP GEN 2.2-17 & 18.
Para 8.1Flight Crew Licensing (FCL) in Australia is regulated by CASR Part 61 and its Manual of Standards, extracts of which are contained herein. Please visit the CASA website for more information (www.casa.gov.au)
Para 8.16 NoteThis requirement has slightly changed, allowing ‘prescribed single-engine’ aircraft to be permitted to carry passengers for transport.See CASR Part 135.230 and 135.240.
Replacement content:
“Properly equipped aircraft may operate in all categories under the IFR. The requirement is that the aeroplane must be a multi‑engine aeroplane or a prescribed single‑engine aeroplane. Non-prescribed single-engine aircraft are restricted to: – private flights (PVT); – aerial work flights (AWK); and – freight-only air transport operations.
Note: a prescribed single-engine aeroplane is defined in CASR Part 135 MOS Chapter 8.”
Para 8.18″Refer to CASR Part 135 MOS Chapter 11.10
An aeroplane must be fitted with an autopilot if operated by a single pilot under the IFR or Night VFR. The autopilot must have the following modes: – an altitude-hold mode; and – a heading mode.
Note: an automatic pilot may be inoperative at the beginning of a flight only if the flight is conducted in VMC by day.”
Para 8.37 Noteone landing light for PVT and AWK operations, and two landing lights for air transport operations (note that a single lamp with two separately energised filaments may be approved as meeting the requirements for two landing lights);
Para 8.38-40
Airborne Weather Radar Equipment
Aircraft operating under the IFR or VFR at night conducting a passenger (air transport) or medical transport operation must be fitted with airborne weather radar equipment if the aircraft is: – a pressurised turbine-engine aeroplane; or – a pressurised piston-engine aeroplane with a MTOW of more than 5,700 kg which is required to be flown by 2 or more pilots.
If an aircraft is required to be fitted with an airborne radar which is unserviceable, it may be inoperative at the beginning of a flight only if the relevant weather forecasts indicate that no potentially hazardous weather conditions exist:- in the flight path along which the aeroplane will be flown; or – if the operational flight plan for the flight includes an alternate aerodrome – in the flight plan to that aerodrome.
Previous legislation restricted the ground operation of weather radar equipment. This rule has been repealed with the introduction of CASR Part 91. However, the equipment operator contravenes CASR Part 91.055 if the equipment is operated in a hazardous manner.

Para 10.239 Refer; CASR Part 91.455
The regulation specifies the minimum fuel sufficient in any particular case (see CASR Part 91 MOS chapter 19). Advisory Circular (AC) 91-15 presents some advice on how to calculate appropriate fuel quantities for any given flight. The AC presents guidelines for general operations. Air transport operators must operate per the fuel policy in their exposition.

Para 13.46
“As the pilot of an IFR aircraft, you will not normally be conducting operations based on a SARTIME, since your operations involve reporting the progress of your flight and completing it with an ‘Arrival Report’ when you arrive at any place outside Control Areas. There are nevertheless, occasions when it would be appropriate to nominate a SARTIME, even on an IFR flight. Most commonly, it would be to cover your departure from an aerodrome outside of VHF coverage with ATS. This is only allowed for general operations. Air transport, AWK and flight training flights must contact a company representative on the ground who takes responsibility for notifying ATS that you have started up and taxiing for departure (See AIP ENR 1.1 para 9.1.1).”