Class 5 Medical Self-Declaration Scheme review - (PIR 2511FS)

Overview

We want your feedback on our Class 5 medical self-declaration scheme. The scheme has been in operation since February 2024 and allows recreational and private pilots to self-assess and self-declare if they meet fitness and eligibility requirements and fly within operational limitations. It provides a more streamlined medical assessment pathway.

As the first scheme of its kind, with limited comparable data in Australia or internationally, we’re taking this opportunity to evaluate the safety outcomes of the scheme, people’s experience with the application process and the medical and operational limitations. 

Background

We have taken an iterative and initially conservative approach to implementing the medical self-declaration Class 5 scheme.

The scheme is based on comprehensive risk analysis and a careful examination of what other safety authorities do overseas. It includes operational limitations on what you can do when flying with a Class 5 medical self-declaration to ensure an acceptable level of risk is maintained.

Risk work was conducted during the policy development phase to help develop the operational limitations. This included risk assessment workshops and a risk summary statement, supported by risk registers and a bowtie risk assessment.

The operational limitations are designed to manage the increased risk of an inflight medical event leading to incapacitation or impairment (when compared to existing medical assessment requirements).

The scheme was supported with a communications campaign, mandatory training, guidance material and online capability through myCASA portal and the Medical Records System (MRS).

This survey is part of our Post Implementation Review (PIR) of the Class 5 medical self-declaration scheme which we committed to so we can ensure it is working as intended.

Previous consultations

To develop the Class 5 medical self-declaration scheme, we engaged with a Technical Working Group, consisting of representatives from industry and CASA to refine our policy proposal. We consulted on the proposed policy before making the scheme available via an exemption.

Why your views matter

Your feedback will help us determine if the desired benefits and safety outcomes of the Class 5 medical self-declaration scheme have been realised or if adjustments need to be made.

Please submit your comments using the survey link on this page.

If you are unable to provide feedback via the survey link, please email regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au for advice.

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 and outlines any intended changes and next steps.

All comments received will be considered. Relevant feedback that improves upon the Class 5 medical self-declaration scheme will be incorporated into future changes.