It appears that Avmed have decided to disregard Senator Fawcett's valid questions in Estimates last week. In a sign of contempt, they have since released their new colour vision policies in the past few days:
Medical Certification - Frequently Asked Questions
How does CASA deal with pilots with colour vision deficiency?
CASA has reviewed the application of Civil Aviation Safety Regulation Part 67 – which covers the medical certification of pilots - as it relates to pilots with colour vision deficiency (CVD).
CASA is not changing the regulations relating to CVD but is putting in place new procedures to better align with the existing regulations.
There will be no impact on existing pilots as the new procedures will relate to new applicants only.
Australia is more flexible in its approach than other countries in allowing applicants to sit multiple sequential tests for CVD where a fail is recorded and a medical certificate can be issued if at any stage any of the three-level tests are passed. Most overseas regulators do not allow this level of flexibility.
The new procedures are:
Initial issue of class 1 medicals
Pilot must undergo all three stages of tests until a pass, as per Part 67. If all tests are failed, the class 1 certificate is refused.
Initial issue of class 2 medicals
If the Ishihara test is failed, a certificate will be offered restricted to day VFR only. If the applicant wants this restriction removed, they must pass one of the tests as per Part 67.
Class 1 medical renewals
No immediate change. CASA will write to affected class 1 medical holders and the major airlines advising them to consider the impact their CVD may have on their flying, and such other obligations as they may have to inform their employer of a condition which may affect their ability to safely perform their duties. CVD Class 1 pilots may need to undergo a CAD test in the future.
Class 2 medical renewals
No immediate change. CASA will write to affected pilots asking them to consider the safety-implications of their condition and govern their own flying activities accordingly.
ATPL applications
A certificate will not be issued until a test has been passed as per the existing regulatory requirements.
One has to ask, if there is no immediate change for existing pilots, what is the safety case for refusing certification for new pilots?
