I asked CASA for an update on the Scenic Flight NPRM. Here is the response:
The short answer is that it is still under consideration. CASA is currently conducting separate public consultations for Part 119 and Part 135 of CASR (which covers air transport operations in smaller aeroplanes) and Part 119 and Part 133 of CASR (which cover rotorcraft air transport operations). As you would be aware, at the current moment, scenic flights are regulated as charter flights and under the proposed Part 119 charter and RPT are amalgamated to form air transport.
As part of the public consultation documents, CASA has stated that further public consultation will be conducted with industry in 2019 regarding two previous NPRMs - scenic flight operations and small cargo operations. The aim is to conduct this consultation post the making of Part 119 so that there is a solid baseline with which to frame the discussion, ie) the made Part 119 and the already commenced Parts 141 and 142. Under proposed plans outlined in the current public consultation documents, Parts 119, 133 and 135 would commence in early 2021.
This feedback, along with the currently Part 135 proposal out for feedback, is not great for current or future scenic flight operators.