Just received the below email broadcast from AOPA containing a response from the Minister's office addressing their concerns raised over the CVD issue:
It seems the Minister is being poorly advised by his department and isn't comprehending the full story. Here's a thought - wouldn't it be nice if he listened to Senator Fawcett instead?
if any changes are proposed to CVD regulations and practices in the future there will be full consultation with the industry before any changes are made.
...any proposals for future changes would be consistent with CASA's ongoing commitment to the use of safety cases to support such changes and involve detailed consultation with the aviation industry in the consideration of any change proposals.
Minister, CASA have already changed the "practices" and without any consultation. Where is the "safety case" to support such changes?
Even their own website makes this clear under the
Medical FAQ section:
How does CASA deal with pilots with a 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.
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.
If you're a brand new pilot going for either a Class 1 or 2 medical today and you fail the three levels of CVD tests, you will be restricted to daytime VFR flight only. This is a very definite change in "practice" to what has occurred in Australia since 1989. You will no longer be able to have a career in Australia even if you are issued with a Class 1 medical with those two restrictions. Who is going to want to employ a pilot who can only fly in the daylight in good weather, especially after all the letters sent to AOC holders suggesting they posed a safety risk?
Although CAsA maintains that existing pilots will not be affected, we all know where the PMO's crusade is headed if he is allowed to continue in his role any longer.
PMO, it's time to resign so that a level of mutual trust can be restored between pilots and AvMed. How can you "regulate" safety when you have been responsible for developing a culture of fear amongst the pilots every time they go for their medical renewal?
As Kharon says, it's rapidly getting to the stage where every time there's a medical issue it needs a trip to the AAT to resolve it, simply because of the PMO's "unique" medical opinions, which fly in the face of all the evidence and external opinions of those who really matter.
Minister, it's time to act.