JoJoe
10th Apr 2018, 01:25
CASA CEO & DAS, Shane Carmody statement 29 March 2018: "The latest medical changes mean DAMEs can issue class 2 medicals on the spot without reference to CASA, unless the DAME elects to refer the application to CASA" doesn’t tell the whole story. Mr Carmody did not add that DAMEs can only issue on the spot 'simple applications'. The only change is that simple applications will be processed more quickly. There will be no positive impact on getting Class 2 pilots back into the air.
On-the-spot decisions are NOT up to the DAME if a pilot is tagged for 'CASA Audit' or 'Renewal by CASA Only'. Those ‘already deemed high risk will be handled by CASA’. There is an obligation for the DAME to 'refer to CASA for assessment if: Proposed decision NOT in line with published guidance'. If an applicant does not meet the existing standards, a note must be added to the certificate: "holder does not meet the medical standard for the issue of this medical certificate". The 1% rule still rules, AvMed standards stand.This precludes every pilot currently denied a Class 2. Unless it's a simple application, the assessment is still done by a DAME and CASA - and every application is still submitted through MRS. CASA can still - and will continue to - overturn a DAME decision. No substantive changes.
As announced, Basic Class 2 will apply only to those who can achieve an unrestricted commercial vehicle licence to Austroads standards. It’s the RAMPC again with 50+ disqualifying conditions. As for the RAMPC, with some health conditions, it will be easier to obtain a straight Class 2 than a Basic Class 2. An Austroads condition may include attending a medical specialist for a periodic review. Basic Class 2 'licence' will be issued by CASA Aviation Medicine Branch. Rather than accepting a specialist review and opinion, CASA Aviation Medicine Branch could continue to stipulate the standard Class 2 condition - 'With Safety Pilot Only' - if a pilot is not eligible for an unrestricted licence.
It seems the only rescue for some Class 2 pilots is the proposed/stalled RAAus weight increase.
On-the-spot decisions are NOT up to the DAME if a pilot is tagged for 'CASA Audit' or 'Renewal by CASA Only'. Those ‘already deemed high risk will be handled by CASA’. There is an obligation for the DAME to 'refer to CASA for assessment if: Proposed decision NOT in line with published guidance'. If an applicant does not meet the existing standards, a note must be added to the certificate: "holder does not meet the medical standard for the issue of this medical certificate". The 1% rule still rules, AvMed standards stand.This precludes every pilot currently denied a Class 2. Unless it's a simple application, the assessment is still done by a DAME and CASA - and every application is still submitted through MRS. CASA can still - and will continue to - overturn a DAME decision. No substantive changes.
As announced, Basic Class 2 will apply only to those who can achieve an unrestricted commercial vehicle licence to Austroads standards. It’s the RAMPC again with 50+ disqualifying conditions. As for the RAMPC, with some health conditions, it will be easier to obtain a straight Class 2 than a Basic Class 2. An Austroads condition may include attending a medical specialist for a periodic review. Basic Class 2 'licence' will be issued by CASA Aviation Medicine Branch. Rather than accepting a specialist review and opinion, CASA Aviation Medicine Branch could continue to stipulate the standard Class 2 condition - 'With Safety Pilot Only' - if a pilot is not eligible for an unrestricted licence.
It seems the only rescue for some Class 2 pilots is the proposed/stalled RAAus weight increase.