What Has Changed
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has registered a new legislative instrument, CASA OAR 086/26, titled the Determination of Airspace and Controlled Aerodromes, Etc. (Designated Airspace Handbook) Instrument 2026. The instrument is registered as F2026L00932 on the Federal Register of Legislation and came into force on 6 July 2026.
This instrument replaces the previous version of the Designated Airspace Handbook and is authorised under the Airspace Regulations 2007. It is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts.
What the Instrument Covers
The Designated Airspace Handbook sets out the official framework for Australian airspace. The instrument includes:
- Classification of Australian airspace into categories - Class A, Class C, Class D, Class E, and Class G
- A list of controlled aerodromes across Australia
- Definitions of flight information regions and areas
- Rules for changing airspace classifications, including procedures for emergency changes
- Rules for voice deactivation of Class C Control Zones
Who This Affects
The instrument is relevant to any business or individual conducting aviation activities in Australian airspace. This includes businesses involved in:
- Drone operations and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS)
- Aerial photography and surveying
- Charter and commercial flight operations
- Agricultural aviation
- Any other activity requiring access to or operation within designated Australian airspace
Key Actions for Aviation Businesses
Sync Flight Planning and Navigation Software
While the legal instrument officially became effective on 6 July and was registered on 8 July, the physical charts, ERSA data, and GPS waypoints go live dynamically on the 9 July 2026 AIRAC cycle. Pilots and drone operators must ensure their Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs), such as AvPlan or OzRunways, and automated drone mapping software are fully updated before their next flight to reflect the new airspace boundaries.
Check Updated Airspace Classifications
The airspace class that applies to a specific operating area may have changed from the previous version of the Handbook. Businesses conducting drone operations, aerial photography, or any other aviation activity are required to operate within the rules that apply to the relevant airspace class. The updated Handbook is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00932.
Obtain a Print Copy if Required
A printed copy of the instrument can be ordered using the 'Order print copy' function on the Federal Register page at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00932.
Set Up Alerts for Future Amendments
The Federal Register of Legislation provides an alert function for registered users. Businesses can create a free account at https://www.legislation.gov.au and use the 'Set up an alert' function on the instrument's page to receive notifications if the Handbook is amended in the future.
Official Source
The full text of CASA OAR 086/26 is available on the Federal Register of Legislation at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L00932.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.