We sought industry feedback over the 2-week period 21 June – 4 July 2022 on proposed changes to multi-engine helicopter ratings.
Industry had previously told us that our current approach of requiring a type rating for each multi-engine helicopter limits access to qualified flight instructors, flight examiners, and flight training operators for some multi-engine helicopters. The issue is compounded by the very small number of these types of helicopters in Australia and it has led to increased costs and time to access training and assessment.
We proposed changing the rules to create a class-like system as the first step in introducing a new multi-engine helicopter class rating.
About this consultation
We received 20 responses, mostly from pilots, flight instructors and flight examiners. Three responses were submitted on behalf of flight training operators and commercial operators. Three responses did not provide any comments.
The consultation survey asked respondents “Do you have any comments about the proposed instrument?”. Nine responses were clearly in support of the proposed instrument.
Common themes from the free text responses included opinions that new rules will:
Seven responses implied support for the objectives of the policy, while suggesting changes to the technical detail of the instrument. Four responses provided comments that identified minor errors in the instrument, posed questions on the operation of the instrument or proposed changes that are out of scope of the instrument.
Four responses did not support the proposed instrument. These free text responses included comment that the proposed instrument:
Summary of feedback
Common themes, issues and suggestions raised in responses included:
Comments on the 'complexity' of aircraft nominated to be in the 'class'
Four responses commented that the use of the term 'less-complex multi-engine helicopters' was inappropriate. These respondents noted that the multi-engine helicopters included in the Prescription of Type Ratings Excluded from CASR Part 142 Flight Training (Edition 6) Instrument 2018 did not reflect the characterisation of a 'less-complex helicopter'. CASA acknowledges that characterisation is broad and open to interpretation. However, since assigning these single-pilot types to be Part 141 flight training activities CASA has not identified any negative safety impacts. It is the link between the complexity of the training (organisational systems) and the operation of the aircraft, especially for multi-crew operations, that is significant and the rationale for assigning multi-crew type rating training to Part 142 of CASR.
Noting that there were no comments on the appropriateness of the training being under Part 141 of CASR for helicopters included in the system, CASA intends to proceed on the basis that existing training activities in these helicopters can be maintained with minimal impact.
Proposed significant or beyond-scope changes
Multiple respondents also proposed significant changes to the proposed multi-engine class or suggested other changes beyond the scope of the policy. These suggestions included:
CASA notes these responses are significant or beyond the scope of change therefore they will be brought forward in future policy considerations prior to including the class rating in the regulations.
Errors in Schedule 1 of the proposed instrument
Two errors in the schedule of prescribed helicopters were identified and will be corrected prior to commencement of the instrument. These were:
The consultation showed there is broad support for the proposed instrument and the establishment of a multi-engine helicopter class rating. Minor changes will be made to correct identified errors in Schedule 1 of the instrument. Minor changes will likely also be made to improve the clarity of the instrument and to prevent any unintended consequences. However, any changes will not impact the intended effect of the instrument or the underpinning policy.
The instrument will be in place by 15 August 2022.
View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.
You told us about the difficulties facing rotary wing pilots, instructors and flight examiners because single-pilot, less complex multi-engine helicopters don’t have a class rating enjoyed by their fixed-wing equivalents.
We understand that the current approach to prescribe a type rating for each multi-engine helicopter is a key reason for the limited availability of suitably qualified flight instructors, flight examiners, and flight training operators (FTO) to conduct training and assessments for some multi-engine helicopters. This has led to increased costs and time to access training and assessment and impacts on the availability of suitably qualified pilots. The problem is exacerbated by the very small number of these types of helicopters in Australia.
An alternative approach is proposed to better facilitate training, testing, entry and continuation for pilots conducting operations using non-complex single pilot certified multi-engine helicopters.
To facilitate this, we have drafted an instrument that will effectively replicate a multi-engine helicopter class rating until the flight crew licensing rules are amended to formally create the class rating.
The creation of a new multi-engine helicopter class rating will allow:
In the first stage of the process to incorporate the new class rating into CASR, we are seeking comment on the consultation draft of the Multi-Engine Helicopters Exemption 2022 instrument.
This instrument will create a class-like system as a step to implementing the new class rating and will allow multi-engine helicopters to operate in the system until the regulations are changed to formally create the class rating.
A plain English document also accompanies the draft instrument to explain the operation of the instrument and the intent of each provision.
The exemption will be in place by the end of July 2022.
Opportunity to comment
If you would like to provide comment on the advanced copy of the proposed instrument CASA EX49/22 – Multi-Engine Helicopters Exemption 2022 you can do so through the online response form.
Documents for review
All relevant documentation:
is attached in the ‘related’ section at the bottom of the page.
At the end of the response period, we will:
All comments received on the proposed instrument will be considered. Relevant feedback that improves upon the proposed instrument will be incorporated into the final instrument.
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