[Kharon]

To all flying schools, flight examiners and testing officers

RE:  Important information to get the fastest processing result for applications/notifications

The introduction of CASR Part 61, 64, 141 and 142 did impact on PAC’s service delivery.  We acknowledge that there were difficulties for industry, as well as for us, in coming to terms with the requirements of the new regulations.  We know it has been frustrating for industry and applicants and we do appreciate your understanding and patience.  However, we are now significantly picking up the pace on our processing.  During the last 5 months we have identified a number of common issues with the applications/notifications we receive and offer the following points to assist you with the process, which will lead to reducing the time it takes to return a licence.

For the issue of a CPL/MPL, in accordance with CASR 61.245(3)(b), the flight test must not be conducted by the same person (HOFO/CFI) who has certified in writing that the applicant has met the requirements of CASR 61.235. Please ensure for these flight tests that the flight examiner did not also certify the applicant was suitable.  This requirement ONLY applies to a flight test for commercial or multi-crew pilot licence.

If the training provider is a Part 141 organisation, the person certifying under 61.235(5) must either be the operator’s head of operations or a person named in the Part 141 operator’s operation manual as responsible for the flight training to which the flight test relates.
If the training provider is undertaking Part 142 activities, the person certifying under 61.235(5) must be the operator’s head of operations (CFI).

You must ensure on notification forms, particularly form 61-2I, that the applicant does not inadvertently complete and sign the declaration for the Person under CASR 61.235(5).  We are receiving applications where this has occurred.  The Flight Examiner has then conducted the flight test.  This is not acceptable, and the application/notification will be returned and the applicant’s record will not be updated at this time.

For applications for licences, please ask the applicant’s permission to include the training provider’s contact details in Section C:  Applicant Declaration of the form and enter a contact name and email address.  This will enable PAC to return an incomplete application to the training provider at the same time it is returned to the applicant.  This will greatly speed up the time taken to address any issues with the application and ensure the applicant gets their licence as quickly as possible.  We are bound by the Privacy Act and we cannot return an application to a third party without permission, even though we understand many flying schools complete much of the form on behalf of the applicant.

Please ensure you read all forms carefully and that you and the applicant complete all sections of the form.  Remember, you do NOT have to submit KDRs with licence applications any more.
When conducting flight tests and submitting notifications to CASA (issue of operational ratings, class/type ratings, proficiency checks etc), you must complete and send the appropriate notification form to CASA – not just the flight test page. 

Please be aware that an aeronautical radio operator certificate (AROC) is NOT a replacement for a flight radio operator licence (FROL).  The requirements for a FROL, previously issued under CAR 5, are embedded in the training for the licence.  Therefore this application for an AROC is not required as part of any licence application, including for an RPL.

If you are conducting flight tests for the conversion of an overseas licence, please be aware that the conversion of an overseas flight crew licence is a two-part process.  The applicant will submit Form 61-4A to CASA, who will verify the licence and assess the application.  CASA will send a letter to the applicant advising them that CASA is satisfied they hold overseas permissions that CASA will recognise and advising them to complete exams before contacting a 141 or 142 organisation to organise a flight test for the licence and, if applicable, operational ratings.  The applicant should then complete exams and take evidence of successfully passing the exams and the letter from CASA to the Flying School.  The Flying School will assess the applicant’s competency and if they are satisfied they have met all the competencies, the organisation will book a flight test.  On completion of a successful flight test, the Flying School will submit Form 61-4B to notify CASA of the result.  These two forms should NOT be submitted at the same time.

For licence applications, we would appreciate it if you could let applicants know they can pay online.  Online payments are available from the CASA website.  This will increase our efficiency in processing applications.

Please use the following links for further information that we believe is pertinent to you.  Your students or candidates for flight tests would also  benefit from this information and we would appreciate your assistance in ensuring they are aware of these links.
Aircraft ratings (overview)

http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_101936

Aircraft ratings
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_101931

Class-rated aircraft that require training and a flight review - includes list of aircraft types
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_102048

An alternative to a class rating flight review — includes list of aircraft types
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_102049

Aircraft type ratings (overview)
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_101935

Guide to type-rated aeroplanes — includes list of ratings
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_102026

A guide to type-rated helicopters — includes list of ratings
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_102046
Flight reviews
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_101937

Proficiency checks
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_101938

New look pilot licences from 1 September 2014
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_102135

Flight crew licensing - frequently asked questions
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_102186

Flight Crew Licensing – Part 61
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_101440

Flight Examiner Handbook
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_102160

Flight crew licensing entry guide
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_102094

CAR Part 5 Licence Instruction Guide
http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WC...=PC_102094

We are continuing to review our forms and processes to ensure we can make improvements that will assist industry and allow PAC to reduce service delivery timeframes.

Yours sincerely

Mark Taylor
Manager PAC

Got that - piece of cake -  Right