Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has reviewed 718 submissions on a proposal to replace indefinite aircraft registrations with annual digital renewals for all VH-registered aircraft. The scheme is due to begin in July 2027, with an annual registration levy proposed from 1 July 2028. CASA found no recurring issue that would prevent implementation, but affordability, administration and timing remain under consideration.
The consultation attracted responses from aircraft owners, operators, pilots, engineers, aviation organisations and other aviation-community stakeholders. Australia’s current system remains valid indefinitely and relies on periodic updates, which CASA considers inefficient and unreliable for maintaining accurate register data.
Proposed levy structures included a flat A$72 charge for every VH-registered aircraft, a maximum-takeoff-weight-based levy ranging from A$50 to A$250, and a model combining weight and aircraft category with charges between A$40 and A$500. The annual process would require registered operators to confirm contact and registration details and update information such as operational status through a digital system.
CASA is continuing policy development and has not finalised the fee model, administrative responsibilities, legislation or implementation arrangements. Further decisions will determine the recurring financial and compliance obligations for aircraft owners and operators.