CASA has given strong hints of two potential regulatory shake-ups stemming from the work of the GA Task Force.
In his latest briefing newsletter, Director of Aviation Safety John McCormick stated that work on reforming the need for some PPLs to have aviation medicals, and the drug and alcohol testing requirements for small aviation organizations was well underway.
Both these issues have drawn heavy criticism from the GA industry in the past.
The announcement, however, came with the caution that nothing as yet is set in stone.
“While CASA is yet to make a final decision on adopting a medical for some private pilots based on the drivers licence standard, a lot of work has been done to assess both the merits and risks of the proposal,” McCormick said.
“The advantage would be that eligible pilots would be able to get a medical certificate from their general practitioner that confirms they meet the unconditional medical standards required to drive a motor vehicle, with some additional requirements to take into account the different risks in flying and driving.
"Once a pilot had this certificate, they would simply electronically inform CASA and carry the certificate whenever flying. There would be no fee attached to this process.”
If adopted, the new medical system would apply only to PPLs flying aircraft with a maximum take-off weight of 1500 kg, day VFR and carrying only one passenger.
The drug and alcohol testing reforms being considered are said to make life easier for aviation companies with no more than seven people employed in safety-sensitive roles.
Companies qualifying will be able to use a standard management plan provided by CASA, with further training and on-line reporting.
“I must stress that the proposals being looked at by the General Aviation Task Force are still proposals and no final decisions have been made, McCormick warned.
“However, the process is proving to be both valuable and worthwhile and I look forward to being able to announce some positive news later in the year.”