[Peetwo]

AOPA PPL medical reform proposal

Via AOPA Oz:

PILOT MEDICAL REFORM PROPOSAL 2022

AOPA AUSTRLIA & AUSTRALIAN GENERAL AVIATION ALLIANCE

Members & Industry Supporters,

The Australian General Aviation Alliance (AGAA) is seeking the introduction of new self-declaration pilot medical certification standard (detailed in Table 1 of the proposal document) for Recreational Pilot License and Private Pilot License holders, along with key reforms to existing Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Class 2 Basic and Class 2 certification standards to safely unlock general aviation participation and growth.

Download a copy of the proposal document:
https://aopa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2...eXFwpzuamc

CASA Pilot Medical Policy Review (DP2206FS) Public Consultation Link:
https://consultation.casa.gov.au/regulat...o_He1DhZ1M

The reforms that AGAA is seeking, have been implemented by aviation safety regulators in the United States of America (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), and across the past five (5) years have proven to be a safe method of pilot medical certification.  Both regulators based their reforms on the use of conditional private vehicle motor car license medical standard, with options for both self-declaration and General Practitioner assessment certification.

In the US, the FAA BasicMed pilot medical certification is widely regarded as one of the most successful aviation regulatory reforms in modern history, with over 66,000 pilots now accessing flying through this standard, with no demonstrated negative impact on aviation safety.  The UK reforms mirror the success of those delivered in the US and have opened up their local general aviation industry to growth.

In summary, recreational/private pilots in both the US and UK who use either a self-declaration or General Practitioner assessed medical certification standards; 

a. must meet the medical fitness requirements of the ‘conditional’ private motor vehicle license standard
b. can fly both single and multi-engine aircraft
c. can fly aircraft weighing up to 5700 kg
d. can participate in both VFR and IFR operations
e. can carry up to a maximum of six (6) passengers
f. can participate in aerobatic flight

The US now has in excess of 66,000 private pilots accessing aviation through BasicMed, with pilots participating in VFR and IFR operations in aircraft ranging between recreational light sport, experimental/amateur-built, general aviation certified singles and twins, helicopters, gyrocopters, warbirds and more.

AGAA regards both the introduction of a new self-declaration pilot medical certification standard and the reform of the CASA Basic Class 2 standard as a powerful gateway for the industry to sustain itself, reducing the regulatory burdens and costs currently imposed on the private general aviation sectors.  Such reform would make aviation more accessible nationwide, with strong benefits to pilots and aviation users throughout regional Australia, driving growth back into Australia’s ailing general aviation sectors.

Importantly, the introduction of a new self-declaration pilot medical certification standard and a reformed Basic Class 2 medical certification by CASA would deliver safe deregulation that is in alignment with the Minister’s Statement of Expectations and the Government’s broader deregulation agenda.

Sincerely,

MR BENJAMIN MORGAN
Chief Executive – AOPA Australia
Chairman - Australian General Aviation Alliance

Comments via FB:

Ian Tucker
  · 38:53

Thanks for all the work you and your team have done to put this together. All pilots now need to support you with the individual letters requested.

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Regan Lacey
  · 40:13

Good advocacy mate! Don’t agree with all your arguments, but I appreciate you arguing ??

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Gary Gould
  · 37:49

There are a lot of unnecessary expenses in general aviation flying. CASA medicals and ASIC cards are two of them. Good on you Mr Morgan!

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Clinton McKenzie
  · 18:10

The recent steps taken by Avmed to return to the dark ages on pilot colour vision deficiency sadly demonstrates that CASA has ‘reverted to type’: Unwilling or unable to make decisions on the basis of objective evidence and objective risk.

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Andrew Whiteman
  · 18:13

How many have given it away because the hoops CASA Avmed made them jump thru despite being overall fit as a fiddle were so onerous. This is absolutely ground breaking and will catapult GA back into being.

MTF...P2