CASA will not implement the Montreal Cognitive Assessments (MOCA) for pilots over 66, for the time being.
The statement was made in a letter to former AOPA VP Brian Hannan, who had previously reported the matter to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) based on age discrimination.
Signed by Deputy Director of Aviation Safety Terry Farquharson, the letter outlined CASA's position following the release of a medical paper suggesting that older pilots needed to be tested.
"From consideration of the inputs received it was apparent to CASA that there are many competing views about the optimal manner in which to manage cognitive impairment in mature pilots," Farqharson stated.
"CASA will continue to pursue the monitoring of literature and evidence on the subject with the intent of formulating policy in this area.
"However in the interim no policy is being implemented, and decisions about mature pilots will continue to be made (as now) on an individual case-by-case basis."
Hannan is believed to be continuing to pursue the matter through the AHRC amid fears that CASA does not understand its obligations under the Act and may revive discriminatory policy in the future.
Disclaimer: Brian Hannan writes feature articles for Australian Flying on occasions.