AHIA: Are there sufficient flight examiners and ATOs from 1 Sep '14?
The AHIA has always raised their concern about the availability of ATOs and Examiners to conduct the flight tests required by CASR Part 61 (Flight Crew Licensing) which becomes effective on 1 September 2014. Of particular concern were the class rating and type rating flight tests, flight tests for the aerial application rating and endorsements, low-level rating and endorsements and the NVIS rating and endorsements.
This was a major discussion topic between the AHIA and CASA during AHIA's Rotortech 2014 held on the Sunshine Coast during May 2014 and prior to that event; at AHIA's Pacific 2013 Offshore Helicopters Symposium held at Darling Harbour, Sydney, during October 2013. But is seems to have slipped by without due vigilance by both industry and the regulator?
More recently, the AHIA on behalf of their members, now preparing for the 2014/2015 fire and flood season, again asked CASA on the status of the problem after considerable information had been placed on CASA's website. Unfortunately, the updates provided needed more clarification; as many existing ATO and FE indicated they could not comply with the new protocols and would drop their qualifications.
With only days to run before the CASR 61 became effective, CASA advised the AHIA that CASA will deal with this by granting to appropriately qualified persons a reg. 61.040 approval to conduct flight tests and proficiency checks.
Specialists who are currently qualified in the 'old system' are encouraged to seek advice from their CASA contact to ensure they can remain effective. Industry is facing changes which will increase the need for testing officers of all types, according to operators.
More later as we research this matter further on your behalf.
AHIA