Response 25700938

Back to Response listing

Personal information

Last name

Last name (Required)
Griffin

Aeronautical knowledge standards and guide

Question 1. Consider the aeronautical knowledge standards.

Please select one item
Radio button: Unticked Yes
Radio button: Ticked Yes with changes (please provide suggested changes below)
Radio button: Unticked No (please explain why and provide alternative suggestions below)
Radio button: Unticked Undecided / Not my area of expertise
Comments
I support the general structure and topic areas that are being addressed by the draft but have some concerns about the lack of detail in some topics. There are some areas like 4.1 where I expect the intent is to have an understanding of the instruments used on the system but the draft specifies the 'instruments on the rpa' of which there are normally none.
6.1 Demonstrate understanding of tools for situational awareness and monitoring RPA flight paths for the purpose of deconfliction . These are so system specific it would be unreasonable to have questions on a topic like that.
Suggest a further 'sense check' of the content by someone or a group that was not involved in the development before release in the final form

Question 2. Consider each section of the aeronautical knowledge standards.

Please select one item
Radio button: Unticked Yes
Radio button: Ticked Yes with changes (please provide suggested changes below)
Radio button: Unticked No (please explain why and provide alternative suggestions below)
Radio button: Unticked Undecided / Not my area of expertise
Comments
As per the previous comment numerous elements are in the wrong context or are very subjective ' 6.13 Describe methods of identifying and subsequently avoiding threats from wildlife'.

BVLOS Examination Guide

Please select one item
Radio button: Unticked Yes, I am satisfied
Radio button: Ticked No (please provide any alternative suggestions below)
Radio button: Unticked Undecided / Not my area of expertise
Comments
The topics are very broad and there is no range specified as to the level of knowledge required

BVLOS OCTA examination fee

Please select one item
Radio button: Ticked Agree
Radio button: Unticked Disagree
Radio button: Unticked Neutral

General response

Do you have any further comments on the proposed BVLOS OCTA standards and associated guide?

Comments
There is a throwaway sentence embedded in the Guide on P7. 'Finally, the long term objective of CASA is to transition to CASA-developed RePL examinations but will commence with the development of this BVLOS OCTA examination.'
If that is CASA's intent then it will likely mean the end of the RPAS training industry as it currently exists. The profit margin for delivery of a flight test only model would not be viable. If CASA intends to deliver RePL exams by PEXO then it will need to rethink the entire structure of the RePL licencing requirements - i.e. likely drop the flight test requirement . That model would be closely aligned with the USA structure and would be viable.