Results updated 2 Mar 2018

Respondents

We received a total of eight submissions, of which seven respondents consented to having their comments published on the CASA website.

Key feedback

The more detailed responses were received from aeroplane operators and this is reflected in the feedback.

In addition, general feedback was received on flight reviews. This feedback was not included as part of the analysis as it is outside the scope of this proposal. However, it is being taken into account in the review of the flight review standards.

Other feedback indicated that any reference to short field landings should be removed from the standards.

The following is a summary of the feedback received on the proposed flight test and proficiency checks standards.

Simulator instructor rating flight test

• The rating is orientated around the general aviation instructor and does not adequately support the air transport sector.
• Remove the requirement to demonstrate competency operating from a control seat for the grant of a simulator instructor rating, especially for the multi-crew pilot training endorsement. Rename the simulator instructor rating as synthetic flight instructor rating.

ATPL flight test

• In paragraphs 3.8 (n), (o) and (p) permit oral questioning for operations outside of controlled airspace and at non-towered aerodromes.
• In paragraph 3.1 (a) modify the 'plan an IFR flight' test item to reflect airline operations that use pre-prepared plans rather than the applicant having to plan a flight and include the requirement that they demonstrate competency interpreting the prepared plans.
• In paragraphs 3.4 (a) and (b) modify the 'limited panel instrument flying' test items to reflect the technology and operation of all aircraft types including those with the latest instrument display systems.

Type rating multi engine aeroplane flight test

• In paragraph 3.2 (e), incorporate standard instrument departure or published procedure
• In subclause 3.4, include 3D instrument approach operation and missed approach.
• In paragraph 3.5 (a), incorporate standard arrival procedure.
• In subparagraph 3.5 (b) (i), remove the VFR operations option.
• In subclause 3.4, consider including a holding pattern requirement.
• In paragraphs 3.4 (h) and 3.6 (c), clarify that only two go-around procedures are required for the test, including one involving all engines and one involving one engine inoperative.
• In paragraphs 3.4 (b) and 3.7 (c) and (d), for flight tests conducted in a simulator, consider removing the pre-flight inspection, post-flight secure aircraft and administration test items.

Cruise Relief co-pilot type rating flight test

• Remove all items in the test that relate to operations below flight level 200.
• In schedule 2 training standards for the rating enhance the requirements including terminal areas operations.
• In subclause 3.2 include additional test-specific activities in the standards for (i) TCAS manoeuvre and recovery and (ii) manage a depressurisation.

Instructor rating proficiency check

In relation to checks conducted in a flight simulator, the standards are more orientated toward a check conducted in an aircraft rather than in a flight simulator. The feedback recommends the standards be changed to orient the check to a flight simulator environment.

Schedules 5 and 6 - current standards

Feedback on the current standards in schedules 5 and 6 of the Part 61 MOS rather than on the proposed standards was received from a helicopter operator.

Feedback included the following standards which are in Schedule 2 of the Part 61 MOS.

• For full panel and limited panel instrument flying, amend the standards to require the demonstration of competency to be in conditions with a visible horizon for the examiner or instructor to use.
• For limited panel manoeuvres in unit IFL, move the requirement for re-establishing visual flight to the full panel unit IFF.
• For the instrument proficiency check standard, amend the standards so that only holding pattern and one missed approach is required.
• Clarity is required to differentiate between an unlit helicopter landing site that is in the vicinity of lighting versus one that is away from surrounding cultural lighting.
• Include a requirement to continually use white (or infrared as applicable) searchlight to effectively identify obstructions and hazards in the approach manoeuvre.
• Amend the abnormal and emergency situations, and those involving loss of visual references in element NVI.3 to reflect the situations described in Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 82.6.
• For the night vision imaging system proficiency check:
  • Remove the requirement to check the elements in IFF and IFL if the applicant has a current helicopter instrument rating and meets the approach recent experience requirements for at least one of the approach operation endorsement.
  • Remove the limit the requirement to conduct take-off and climb-out manoeuvres, and approach and landing manoeuvres for sloping terrain and not for pinnacle or ridge terrain.
• For the night VFR rating, recommend 'conduct a traffic pattern at night' be included in the helicopter standard as it is for the aeroplane standard.

Future direction

Modifications are being made to the proposed flight test and proficiency check standards to incorporate the suggestions put forward in the submissions.

For the cruise relief type rating, the test standards will be modified. However, the test would include items where the pilot would be required to demonstrate competency operating the aircraft in a descent, arrival, approach, missed approach and landing as an emergency condition such as an incapacitation event.

The feedback that was received on the practical flight standards in schedule 2 of the MOS will be taken into consideration during the planned future consultation on those standards.

Where the feedback is relevant to the flight test and proficiency check standards, they will be incorporated into the amended flight test and proficiency check standards.

Many of the items in the responses also apply to the helicopter sector and they will be amended accordingly.

Published responses

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