Thunderbird 5 - when the regs are being re-written over 20 years, then a mere 24 hours is nothing.....It's here!
First aviation medical reform commences 1 March 2018
A Class 2 medical certificate will be an option for pilots operating commercial flights that do not carry passengers from 1 March 2018. This applies to operations with a maximum take-off weight of less than 8618 kilograms and is likely to be of specific benefit for aerial agriculture flights, flight instruction or flight examination. Currently pilots must have a Class 1 medical for these operations.
These changes will be applied automatically with no action required by industry.
The reform recognises that the risk for certain commercial operations do not require the higher level of control provided under the Class 1 medical certificate regime.
It will assist in broadening the pool of experienced pilots that are able to offer flight instruction—offering benefits to current and future student pilots.
This is the first of the changes to improve the aviation medical system announced late last year.
Future improvements on track
The second of the announced changes is on track to be implemented from early April 2018. It will allow all designated aviation medical examiners (DAMEs) to issue Class 2 medicals on the spot without reference to CASA, unless the DAME elects to refer the application to CASA.
Allowing DAMEs to directly issue Class 2 medicals should simplify and speed up the medical process for hundreds of applicants each month.
The third part of the reforms – the new Basic Class 2 medical certificate – is on schedule to be introduced in the middle of 2018.
/end CASA email.
I like the use of the word "experienced" - as in:
It will assist in broadening the pool of experienced pilots that are able to offer flight instruction—offering benefits to current and future student pilots.
As far as I can see, there is no requirement for a minimum number of hours, so therefore I question the use of the word "experienced"....you may be getting someone with a bare PPL, and a basic instructors rating, who can provide training of dubious quality without the oversight of a crusty, experienced, CFI.
This exact situation currently exists for training in aerobatics, low level, and spin recovery.....