Aviation medical policy review - (DP 2206FS)

Overview

We are seeking your input to help shape our review of aviation medical policy.

Our review of the aviation medical rules aims to simplify and modernise our overall approach to medical certification.

It follows work done over several years to improve and reform aviation medicine through a tiered approach to risk management. This considers how we can make it easy and simple for private pilots to get in the air and stay flying. It allows us to focus effort on higher risk activities such as passenger transport.

Part 67 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 was made in 2003 and sets out medical certification requirements.

We have identified 6 broad focus areas for the review:

1. examine Part 67 to ensure it is up to date and fit for purpose
2. assess the implementation and outcomes of Basic Class 2 certification
3. determine the effectiveness of CASA delegations to DAMEs and whether these could be extended or improved, or whether DAMEs can be given direct authority under the regulations to issue medical certificates
4. consider other areas of aviation activity where medical certification could improve safety outcomes
5. establish whether the current structure of medical certification for recreational aviation is fit for purpose
6. consider any other relevant matters.

Three key potential reforms we are considering are:

1. self-declared medical for private pilots
2. building the principles underlying the Basic Class 2 into Part 67 and simplifying the medical certification structure
3. empowering DAMEs to do more by expanding delegations.

Your input will help us with the work we are doing with the Part 67 technical working group (TWG) appointed by the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel.

Much work has already been done in consultation with the TWG to explore options. Some of the resulting ideas are presented to you for consideration in the survey.

This consultation is relevant to all pilots (including drone flyers), medical professionals, and air traffic controllers. This is your chance to provide industry sector insight and ideas based on your understanding of current needs and challenges.

We are still in the early stages of this work and will publicly consult on a final policy proposal in a future consultation.

This is a key initiative of our general aviation (GA) workplan, focused on delivering tangible benefits on addressing longstanding issues raised with us by the GA community including growth of the sector.

Why your views matter

CASA recognises the valuable contribution community and industry consultations make to the policy decision-making process and future regulatory change. Comments are sought from every sector of the community.

This includes the public, government agencies and all sectors of the aviation industry, whether as an aviator, aviation consumer and/or provider of related products and services.

At the end of the response period, we will review each comment and submission received.

All submissions will be made publicly available on our website, unless you request your submission remain confidential.