Renewal of Operations in Class A Airspace by Gliders (Gliding Aust)

Reason why exemption is necessary:

Gliding is a high-performance aviation sport and high-altitude flights are pursued worldwide. The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which is the world air sports federation, recognises claims for badges and records that are defined by kilometres of distance and metres of altitude gained. The Gliding Federation of Australia, in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and Airservices Australia has, for many decades, safely operated gliders at high altitudes under CASA exemption and in accordance with conditions and procedures published in Letters of Agreement (LOA) between certain Gliding Clubs/Regions and Airservices Australia.

As a Part 149 ASAO, Gliding Australia has rigorous glider airworthiness standards and requirements defined in MOSP Part 3 including oxygen requirements, approved by CASA. MOSP Part 2 Operations governs the operational requirements for pilots, syllabi, training and qualifications, and air navigation. MOSP Part 5 Safety Management System formalises the gliding SMS and risk management processes, including emergency response planning, as approved by CASA. The SMS is consistent with both CASA requirements for aviation safety risk assessment and ISO/AS/NZS 31000 Risk Management Guidelines. Clubs conducting high altitude soaring have routinely provided training and briefings for pilots, conducted camps safely for many years, with approved procedures reflecting the mandated contents of Airservices Australia Letters of Agreement and CASA exemption instruments. These well-established procedures have proven effective and safe, for individual glider access above FL240, and multiple gliders above FL240 during the wave soaring expeditions. These procedures are predicated upon effective communications and establishment of suitable protective airspace in which glider self-separation under normal VFR procedures occurs.

The Airservices Letter of Agreement (LOA), CASA change application, Gliding Australia Generic Wave Flying Safety case and detailed Risk Assessment are attached to this consultation.