New Medical

[Super Cecil]

Anybody had problems with new medical? I've been told 28 day delay before processing for submited medical to be accessed.
I'm currently working out of the country and have to go away again. It will cost at least $1500 to return if there are any other requirements for medical. The country I work in is a third world country and they have same day issue for aviation medicals. Is this the best we can do? The new system takes longer than the old one.

[Ollie Onion]

My renewal took 7 weeks and 3 days of the 8 week extension period. I wouldn't hold your breath for 28 days. I have always found them good though if you ring the CASA number and explain your situation. I would try that.

[IFEZ]

Similar story here. Got mine back the other day, with just 3 days left on my 2 month extension. Luckily no further tests were required or I was temporarily screwed. :ugh:


And yes, the new system takes longer than the old one. 28 days..? Try double that. Best of luck with it. The only positive is that it gets sent via email so if you're away from home or out of the country you can still receive it. As you say though, if you are required to do any further tests, you'll have to come back presumably.

[Lead Balloon]

You must put in a formal complaint if you do not consider the current system to be acceptable. Mr Skidmore waves away any suggestion of problems with AVMED on the basis that there are so few "formal complaints".

CASA is completely indifferent to the stress you suffer in not knowing whether you'll win or lose from the bureaucratic lottery that the AVMED system has become. Their livelihoods are protected, so they don't need to care. All in the name of "safety" of course.

[LexAir]

I recently heard a story about a Captain, who currently commands an A330 for a major respected carrier and holds the required medical to do so, being denied a Class 2 by CASA.
This person flys as Captain in Australian airspace on a regular basis.
Go figure.

[Back Seat Driver]

When recently faced with the possibility of having to lose a trip due unprocessed medical, I contacted AVMED and explained my situation and how my employer required a few extra days on top of the trip dates due upline change possibility, they were on to it and I had my renewal slip within a few hours.
No complaints from me for the office staff.
As for the dope who came up with this new system and insufficient support staff to make it work, a pox on them.

[runway16]

It took two months plus nine days to get my medical. They sat on the medical until I could see the end of the extension coming up. I emailed CASA Av Med and advised that I wanted my medical by return. I was then advised that they wanted a further test. My specialist and my DAME had previously said 'good to fly'. I did the test and got the ticket soon after.
If I had not made contact it was obvious that no one was going to stop sitting on their hands and the extension would have run out.
I had become the meat in the sandwich between the Specialist and my DAME saying one thing and CASA wanting something else but no CASA direct contact with me.
Nothing has changed since last years medical chase.
'Service' is still just only a word.

[Clare Prop]

Mine came through after 6 weeks.
Followed up by several emails telling me my medical had expired.
One of my staff was told to go back to the DAME get an extension on his extension for his Class 1.

[Lead Balloon]

CASA has built a system that takes more people to take more time to issue fewer medicals certificates. The system was built by people who do not understand how medical certification integrates effectively into a system of civil aviation safety. You only have to look to the return to the Dark Ages on CVD to see it. Imagine how much unnecessary stress is caused by the delays and the unjustified interventions that are not based on objective risk.

Although individuals in that system may be earnest and hardworking and don't want to upset anyone, they are still running a broken system that is funded by industry.

If you are not satisfied by the system, you must complain about the system or you are part of the problem.

[27/09]

So........ What exactly does the DAME do? Can she/she only examine but not assess as being medically fit?

It seems a bit pointless having all these aviation qualified/certified Doctors all over the place but they're not considered qualified enough to issue the medical. What's the point of their aviation approval? What do CASA do that the DAME cannot do? They don't get to see the candidate, just the paper work.

It's a bit like having a pilots or LAME licence but you're not allowed to use it unless CASA are sitting there beside you checking to see you know what you're doing.

On the east side of the ditch I can walk out of the AMA's surgery with my medical in my hand right after having the examination. No waiting involved.

Even if CASA has to issue the medical unless there are complications, why should it take so long?

[Captain Dart]

Because it's a self-licking ice cream. It's 'make work' for CASA.

[Ollie Onion]

I can't see why I can't just get my GP to fill in the forms and send them to CASA, the DAMES don't have any authority so why have them?

[josephfeatherweight]

Why is it that Avmed don't seem to trust anyone at all? Not even the ethical standards and competence of those in their own profession.

I can't see why I can't just get my GP to fill in the forms and send them to CASA, the DAMES don't have any authority so why have them?

Absolutely agree - it's a sham. When I renew my FAA 1st Class medical, the FAA approved doctor gives me my certificate on the spot - because he's a doctor approved by the regulator, so why shouldn't he?

[compressor stall]

Probably because CASA have had legal advise to suggest that a "rogue" DAME's assessment (in a judgment sense not medical observational sense) of an individual who subsequently has a medical issue causing an accident might leave themselves open to criticism and litigation.

[ACMS]

So they'd better conduct all the medicals themselves then.....

[compressor stall]

They seem to be ACMS. As this thread states, anything that is not "normal" is being reviewed and assessed by them.

[Horatio Leafblower]

It took an email to AVMED cc'd to my local member (thanks Barnaby) to get my medical with 3 days left to run.
Added was an admonition that I should have followed up with them at 3 weeks to go :rolleyes:

[Lead Balloon]

You see: it is your fault. You are "the regulated", not "the protected". Therefore it's your problem to deal with the capricious consequences of the 'system'.

Think about how 'safer' everyone is, having put you through this stress.

It's therefore worthwhile to have f*cked you around. :ok: