New pilot licensing regulations were introduced on 1 September 2014.
CASA is currently reviewing and updating all website content to ensure it correctly reflects these regulations. Medical certificates may be issued with an endorsement outlining restrictions placed on the holding of that certificate. The information below explains how each restriction impacts on a pilot or ATC's ability to exercise the privileges of your license.
This medical certificate cannot be revalidated by the DAME. The medical must come to CASA to be assessed and issued. It is recommended that if a pilot has this restriction that he plan for; and book appointments; well in advance of the expiry of the medical. When booking the appointments the applicant will need to bear in mind the time constraints for specialist reports tests etc. and make sure that the appointments fit in this time frame. Specialist reports can be done up to 3 months in advance and the medical done within the last 28 days.
Distance vision correction must be worn whilst exercising the privileges of this license.
Pilot to carry two pairs of corrections e.g. wear contact lenses and carry spare of glasses or carry two pairs of glasses.
The condition precludes the pilot from flying an aircraft for mustering or other agricultural flying
DAME's can extend the certificate if appropriate (i.e. “if it will not adversely affect the safety of air navigation”). The extension may be up to 2 months duration. The new medical certificate will only be issued once all required reports have been received and the medical reviewed by a CASA Medical Officer.
CASA AvMed will define the audit requirements that apply to this certificate in a letter. The requirements may include medical reports and / or test results. These reports and tests must have been created within 3 months of the medical certificate application in order to be considered ‘recent' by AvMed . The reason why AvMed takes this approach is because reports and tests that have been created outside of this time-frame may be less reliable in terms of the risk assessment that AvMed must perform.
Ideally all of the required reports and tests are available when the DAME performs his assessment. If not the DAME may still extend the certificate up to 2 months duration which will provide additional time to obtain the required reports and tests.
Not valid for ATPL operations. This restriction applies to Class 1 medical certificates, where the applicant is fit to exercise the privileges of commercial pilot's licence but not an air transport pilots licence
Not valid for rotary wing operations. Operation of rotary wing aircraft, particularly close to the ground, place unique demands on the bodily systems that orientate the pilot in space. Impairments in bodily systems, particularly vision, may therefore be of particular safety-relevance in rotary wing operations. With this condition applied the pilot is unable to use the certificate for flying rotary wing aircraft.
Holder to fly as or with a qualified co-pilot. A letter is sent with the certificate advising the pilot they must fly only as or with a qualified co-pilot.
Head set must be worn whilst exercising the privileges of this license. The pilot must wear a headset at all times whilst exercising the privileges of their license.
Due to the large number of potential aero-medically significant conditions and the requirements of medical -in-confidence, this condition, by necessity, is not defined on the certificate. The letter that accompanies the certificate, which is provided to the certificate holder, will define the special condition in detail.
Holder does not fully meet requirements of ICAO Convention Chapter 6 of Annex 1. This condition applies to certificate holders who have failed to meet the colour vision standards defined in the civil aviation safety regulations.
Reading correction to be available whilst exercising the privileges of this license. Pilot to carry two pairs of correction lenses - for example, the pilot can wear contact lenses and carry a spare pair of glasses or carry two pairs of glasses.
Must not fly within 24 hours of venesection. This treatment consists of the removal of blood by venesection (similar to donating blood). This is also sometimes called phlebotomy.
If you have any questions about the new licensing regulations please contact your local Aviation Safety Advisor or CASA's Licensing and Registration Centre for up to date advice.