Download the PDF consolidation of Part 61 [PDF 497 KB]
To be eligible for an aerial topdressing rating, a person must—
(1) hold at least a current Grade 2 agricultural rating for the appropriate category of aircraft; and
(2) satisfactorily complete a training course consisting of both ground training and flight instruction in aerial topdressing operations conducted under the authority of an aviation training organisation certificate issued under Part 141, or an agricultural aircraft operator certificate issued under Part 137 that authorises the holder to conduct aerial topdressing training courses; and
(3) successfully demonstrate competency in aerial topdressing operations to a Category E flight instructor or an agricultural flight examiner operating under the authority of an aviation training organisation certificate issued under Part 141, or an agricultural aircraft operator certificate issued under Part 137 that authorises the holder to conduct aerial topdressing rating competency assessments.
(a) If the flight instructor or flight examiner who conducted the competency demonstration required by rule 61.711(3) is satisfied that the pilot complies with rule 61.711, the flight instructor or flight examiner may issue the aerial topdressing rating by entering the following statement in the pilot’s logbook:
I certify that on [date of assessment] [name of pilot and licence number] satisfied the requirements of Part 61 of the Civil Aviation Rules for the issue of an aerial topdressing rating for (aeroplanes)* (helicopters)*. [enter the date, full name, signature, and licence number of the flight instructor or flight examiner issuing the rating].
* delete as applicable
(b) The holder of an aerial topdressing rating may apply to the Director to have the rating endorsed on the holder’s pilot licence.
(c) On receipt of an application under paragraph (b) and payment of the applicable fee, the Director may endorse the pilot licence with the rating.
Subject to the privileges and limitations of the holder’s pilot licence, a holder of an agricultural rating and an aerial topdressing rating may act as pilot-in-command of an appropriate category of aircraft performing an aerial topdressing operation.
(a) A holder of an aerial topdressing rating must not exercise the privileges of the rating unless within the previous 12 months the holder has successfully demonstrated competency under rule 61.711(3) and the flight instructor or flight examiner who conducted the competency demonstration has certified the successful completion of the demonstration in the holder’s logbook.
(b) A pilot who successfully completes the competency demonstration within 60 days before the date on which it is required is deemed to have completed the demonstration on the required date.
