One of the chief figures in Australian aviation is stepping down, with CASA saying it will begin the search for a new director.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority says that Director of Aviation Safety, John McCormick, has indicted he will not look to extend his current contract when it expires this month.

The authorities have confirmed that McCormick will not leave the position until August 31, as requested by the board.

CASA says it has asked the director to stay on a while longer to assist the board’s assessment of the Aviation Safety Regulation Review in May, and so that it can find his replacement.

CASA's Dr Allan Hawke said Mr McCormick played a key role in; “significant regulatory action in relation to a few aviation operators, aircraft types and aircraft equipment over the last five years”.

Among a long list of achievements, CASA has credited Mr McCormick with; refocussing the body on regulation, improving governance through re-structuring, helping many achieve high levels of training and accreditation, addressing issues with remotely-piloted aircraft,  modernising aviation safety standards, introducing advanced air traffic navigation and reforming CASA’s surveillance and safety management systems oversight.