The second report of the CASA Part 67 Technical Working Group (TWG) released this week confirms that the TWG has recommended self-declared medicals for private pilots.
In its advice to the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP), the TWG reached a general consensus to create a Class 4 medical standard that require no medical examination for PPLs. The TWG also recommended abandoning the Basic Class 2 medical.
"The TWG evaluated and analysed the concept for a simplified medical structure which encompassed five levels of medical certification," the report states. "The concept added two new classifications, which include the Class 4 (replaces Basic Class 2) and Class 5 (new), self-declaration based on Austroads private motor vehicle standard.
"The TWG felt that the creation of two new medical certifications will inevitably lead to more complexity and unintended consequences, increasing the likelihood of potential confusion over which standard applies to which pilots. It was also agreed that the sensitivity and specificity of the medical screening process is not sufficient to stratify the risk of medical incapacitation into five layers of likelihood.
"To simplify the medical structure, the TWG supports and recommends the creation of one new medical certification (Class 4 medical certification: Self- Declared) which would set out to achieve the outcomes of the Basic Class 2 and conceptual Class 5 medical certification."
The Class 4 medical, if implemented, would apply only to general aviation and come with limitations and restrictions based on the level of risk, including the number of passengers, flight operations and aircraft size.
The TWG also emphasised that CASA needed to do more risk analysis on operational limitations that would be applied to Class 4.
In the same report, the TWG also reached full consensus that DAMEs should be delegated to issue Class 1, 2 and 3 medicals with CASA oversight, provided the DAME is suitably qualified and has completed a CASA training course.
CASA is grateful for the TWG members’ commitment of time and expertise to this work," said CASA Principal Medical Officer Dr Kate Manderson. "The depth and breadth of discussion, with contribution from all members, has led to the development of a comprehensive set of recommendations that genuinely represents the position of key stakeholders.
"CASA looks forward to continuing to engage with the TWG members and their nominating organisations as the Part 67 legislation and supporting guidance material is developed."