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

Feedback updated 5 Feb 2026

We asked

This consultation sought feedback on a proposal to add a new unit to Schedule 3 of the Part 61 MOS for flight examiner training to assist flight schools create and deliver their own examiner courses, giving applicants more choice. It contains aeronautical knowledge standards for the Flight Examiner Rating Course (FERC). 

The consultation survey, open between 25 November and 24 December 2025, asked respondents whether Unit 2.8.1 FERC: Flight Examiner Rating – Common, would assist industry in developing their own FERCs and whether it provides an appropriate level of detail. Respondents could also offer general feedback on the draft unit.

The consultation has now closed, and a summary of the feedback is provided below.

About this consultation

We received 10 responses, mostly from current flight examiners, along with one retired examiner, 3 instructors, one line pilot, and one Part 141 operator. While most respondents work with air transport operators, most provided personal views.

As flight examiners often have both training and operational experience and may also instruct or fly line operations, the feedback reflects a broad professional perspective.

Overall, respondents strongly supported the introduction of the unit and agreed its content is fit for purpose.

You said

Of the 10 respondents, 6 gave permission for their responses to be published, 3 preferred to remain confidential. One was a CASA officer.

Nine respondents agreed the unit would assist industry to develop Industry Flight Examiner Rating Courses (IFERCs); one disagreed on the grounds, out of the scope of the consultation, that CASA should keep training and authorisation of examiners as a CASA function.

Six respondents agreed that the proposed unit contained the appropriate level of detail to support its intended function, 2 agreed but with changes, one disagreed, and one was undecided. Of those who agreed, but with changes, or disagreed, text responses indicated support for the Schedule 3 content, but also for the creation and addition of practical standards for the flight examiner endorsements which would reside in Schedule 2 of the Part 61 MOS.

Summary of feedback

Feedback indicated strong support for the proposed draft aeronautical knowledge Unit 2.8.1 FERC: Flight Examiner Rating – Common, with respondents generally agreeing it would assist industry in developing IFERCs and that the content was fit-for-purpose.

Several respondents noted that the draft unit would assist in the development of courses for in-house flight examiners for air transport operators as well.

Some respondents commented - while out of the scope of the consultation - on whether industry should be able to deliver flight examiner rating (FER) courses, while others felt responsibility for flight examiner training should remain with CASA.

Concerns were raised that an IFERC may reduce consistency and reliability of the application of standards.

In response to these concerns, it is noted CASA's existing FERC already addresses standardisation through its training modules and workshops. Any future IFERCs would be subject to CASA oversight, including surveillance, CASA-conducted flight tests of candidates, and ongoing assessment under the examiner rating proficiency check (EPC) scheme to maintain continuity and consistency of standards.

We did

We will now undertake to include the proposed unit in the next amendment package for the Part 61 MOS.

We will continue to facilitate industry take-up of the IFERC through the application process and monitor which flight examiner endorsements are chosen for course development to inform future enhancements.

Published responses

View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.

Closed 24 Dec 2025

Opened 25 Nov 2025

Contact

Personnel Licensing Aerodromes and Air Navigation Standards

131757

regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au

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:

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.

Audiences

  • Aerodrome operator
  • Approved self-administering aviation organisations
  • Balloon Instructors and flight examiners
  • Flight instructors and flight examiners
  • Flight training operators
  • Flight training operators - helicopters
  • Flight training organisations
  • Helicopter pilots
  • Hot air balloon operators
  • Instructors and flight examiners
  • Part 141 of CASR operator
  • Part 142 of CASR operator
  • Part 61 of CASR pilots
  • Pilots
  • School/Education/Aviation Theory Provider
  • School/educational institution
  • Sport and recreation operators/clubs
  • Sport aviation bodies & prospective ASAOs
  • VET and tertiary sector organisations providing aviation theory training

Interests

  • Flight training
  • In-house training for CASA FOIs
  • Licensing
  • Operational standards
  • Training and checking systems