03-27-2015, 09:00 AM
From CASA's monthly missive - From the Director of Aviation Safety, Mark Skidmore ...
"...The management of aviation medical certificates is an issue of interest to many pilots and air traffic controllers. I recognise some people have strong views about CASA’s aviation medical system, the decision making processes and medical rulings. This is not surprising as we process more than 25,000 medical applications each year. But the debate about CASA’s medical system needs to be put in context – in 2014 we refused 102 applications out of 25,855 and in the second half of the year there were 13 official complaints. Despite this low level of complaints and medical refusals I believe we can do better and the relatively small number of complaints we receive can be reduced. That is why I have initiated a full review of CASA’s AvMed capabilities..."
However for this to be really effective, more than just a gesture and a real change to culture then Skates needs feedback from industry...
"...I believe the aviation community and CASA need to build a closer working relationship based on our mutual interest in achieving the best safety outcomes. This relationship must be based on respect and trust. CASA is open and committed to an appropriate ‘safety partnership’ with the aviation community and I am devoting a good deal of time and energy towards working to the achievement of this goal. Of course a closer relationship between the aviation community and the regulator does not mean CASA can agree to every proposal or view put to us. Not everyone will get what they want and consensus may not always be possible. However, I will make sure we are listening to your views and criticisms and we respond in a considered and respectful way to your comments, questions, concerns and complaints..."
The DAS also provides a link to a recent speech he made to the - Aviation Medical Society of Victoria (28 February 2015)
Part of that speech devoted a section to the still vexing current CASA policy to CVD pilots that on one hand is somewhat reassuring but on the other hand very disconcerting because it is all still open to CASA interpretation:
It also leaves unaddressed the issue of an almost impossible barrier for future wannabes with an identified CVD at a time when pilot training to a commercial level in this country is almost stagnant in growth.
No IMO there is still much to be resolved with the CVD matter & maybe the Avmed reviews will provide a forum for finally some rational discussion on this and other aeromedical matters??
MTF...you bet! P2
"...The management of aviation medical certificates is an issue of interest to many pilots and air traffic controllers. I recognise some people have strong views about CASA’s aviation medical system, the decision making processes and medical rulings. This is not surprising as we process more than 25,000 medical applications each year. But the debate about CASA’s medical system needs to be put in context – in 2014 we refused 102 applications out of 25,855 and in the second half of the year there were 13 official complaints. Despite this low level of complaints and medical refusals I believe we can do better and the relatively small number of complaints we receive can be reduced. That is why I have initiated a full review of CASA’s AvMed capabilities..."
However for this to be really effective, more than just a gesture and a real change to culture then Skates needs feedback from industry...
"...I believe the aviation community and CASA need to build a closer working relationship based on our mutual interest in achieving the best safety outcomes. This relationship must be based on respect and trust. CASA is open and committed to an appropriate ‘safety partnership’ with the aviation community and I am devoting a good deal of time and energy towards working to the achievement of this goal. Of course a closer relationship between the aviation community and the regulator does not mean CASA can agree to every proposal or view put to us. Not everyone will get what they want and consensus may not always be possible. However, I will make sure we are listening to your views and criticisms and we respond in a considered and respectful way to your comments, questions, concerns and complaints..."
The DAS also provides a link to a recent speech he made to the - Aviation Medical Society of Victoria (28 February 2015)
Part of that speech devoted a section to the still vexing current CASA policy to CVD pilots that on one hand is somewhat reassuring but on the other hand very disconcerting because it is all still open to CASA interpretation:
Quote:Colour Vision Deficiency (CVD)
- My speech won’t be complete if I don’t touch on the delicate subject of CVD. Australia does differ from other countries in relation to the requirements surrounding CVD. Australia is more flexible in allowing applicants to sit multiple sequential tests for CVD where they record a fail and can issue a medical certificate if at any stage any of the three-level tests are passed. Most overseas regulators do not allow this level of flexibility. For example the UK does not allow for any second chances if an applicant fails their only test, the CAD test. They do not receive a Class 1 medical certificate.
- In mid-2014, it was determined that the handling of pilots with CVD had not been in strict accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Regulation Part 67 (Medical). CASA advised industry of its new process relating to the regulations in June 2014. This was done to provide industry with information to assist in understanding their obligations in relation to the regulations. The new processes related to new applicants only and there were no impacts on existing pilots. In response to some of the correspondence received, CASA updated the CVD information on its website.
- In February 2015, CASA had 134 Class 1 medical certificate holders and 252 Class 2 medical certificate holders who have failed the Ishihara test.
- CASA is considering the Colour Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD) test as a third-level test. CASA has determined the CAD test is suitable as an aviation specific test for detecting CVD. It is used by the UK and is also available in the US as an option for testing for CVD. CAD provides for colour and diagnostic testing, which can determine the degree of colour deficiency, which is something that is currently not able to be determined by the Ishihara or Farnsworth tests.
- Whilst I am not considering further changes to policy or standards at this time, any proposed changes will be consulted through the SCC Medical sub-committee. Pilots with existing CVD restrictions will require no other tests related to CVD, unless other medical reasons determine a need to do so.
It also leaves unaddressed the issue of an almost impossible barrier for future wannabes with an identified CVD at a time when pilot training to a commercial level in this country is almost stagnant in growth.
No IMO there is still much to be resolved with the CVD matter & maybe the Avmed reviews will provide a forum for finally some rational discussion on this and other aeromedical matters??
MTF...you bet! P2