Proposed new unit - Flight Examiner Rating - Common - (CD 2523FS)

Overview

We’re seeking your feedback on a proposal to add a new theory unit for flight examiner training to assist flight schools create and deliver their own examiner courses, giving applicants more choice.

Why this change is needed

To help increase the availability of flight examiners, industry suggested that the Flight Examiner Rating Course (FERC) could be delivered by them.

This proposal was made available to industry in September 2022. Since then, CASA-approved operators have been authorised to train:

• flight instructors seeking a flight examiner rating, and
• flight examiners seeking additional endorsements.

CASA has also approved experienced industry examiners to conduct examiner rating proficiency checks (EPCs).

The absence of a defined knowledge standard in Schedule 3 of the Part 61 Manual of Standards (MOS) has limited further development of an Industry Flight Examiner Rating Course (IFERC).

What we are proposing

We propose to include aeronautical knowledge standards for the FERC in Schedule 3 of the Part 61 MOS. This will:

• support operators in developing theory syllabuses
• enable further industry development of IFERCs.

The draft unit (Unit 2.8.1 FERC: Flight Examiner Rating – Common) supports operators in developing a theory syllabus that complements their own flight examiner rating training. It includes:

• theory content headings aligned with the Flight Examiner Handbook
• underpinning knowledge aligned with the competency standards in unit FER (Schedule 2)
• expected level of understanding for each element.

These standards are already reflected in theory components of CASA's FER Course.

The proposal will enable Part 141 or Part 142 operators to develop and submit their own Flight Examiner Rating (FER) training courses for CASA approval.

CASA’s ongoing role

CASA will continue to:

• deliver the FER Course
• conduct flight tests for flight examiner ratings and associated endorsements.

Previous consultations

Previous consultations and engagements include:

• Flight Examiner Rating Review (FERR) (December 2020)
• Technical Working Group (TWG) (August 2021) appointed by the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel to provide expert advice on the review
• Proposed instrument (CASA EX64/22) - Flight Training and Flight Tests by Grade 1 Training Endorsement Holders (Exemptions and Approvals) - (CD 2212FS) now formalised as CASA EX85/25.

Please read the summary of proposed change for further detail.

Why your views matter

Your feedback will help us make sure the proposed requirements are suitable, the final legislation is clear, and it will work as intended.

What happens next

At the end of the response period, we will:

• review all comments received
• make responses publicly available on the consultation hub (unless you request your submission remain confidential)
• publish a Summary of Consultation which summarises the feedback received
• outline the next steps.

All comments received on the proposed legislation will be considered. Relevant feedback that improves upon the proposed instrument will be incorporated into the final instrument.

Post-implementation review

CASA will continue to monitor applications for, and delivery of IFERC on an ongoing basis. We will also continue to monitor graduates’ delivery of regulatory functions incumbent on flight examiners in addition to the commonly understood entry control role.

How to submit feedback

Please submit your feedback on the proposed new unit through the consultation hub using the survey provided. If you are unable to provide feedback this way, please email us at regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au

Please read the summary of proposed change on CD 2523FS and the draft Part 61 MOS amendment before providing your feedback.

Documents for review

All documents related to this consultation are attached in the ‘Related’ section at the bottom of the overview page. They are:

• Summary of proposed change on CD 2523FS, which provides background on the proposed standards
• Consultation Draft - Part 61 Manual of Standards Amendment Regulations
• MS Word copy of online consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.