Exemptions for pilots being put in place
If you are a pilot or an air traffic controller, you will be able to exercise the privileges of your licence for six months after the expiration of any medical certificate you hold. The conditions on your medical certificate will continue to apply. You do not need to do anything.
If your current flight review or proficiency check expires after 1 March 2020, you will be able to continue to use all the privileges of your licence for a further three months from when it expires. You will need to apply to extend these arrangements beyond the 3 months.
For more information, click here.
Medical certification impacts
In terms of safety significance, COVID-19 is dealt with no differently to other types of common, minor, self-limiting conditions such as seasonal influenza. However, the public health implications of COVID-19 pose additional challenges in terms of mandatory 14-day self-isolation for people that have been exposed to or who have been diagnosed with COVID-19. In most cases COVID-19 will not require notification to CASA. Any conditions continuing for longer than 7 days must be notified to CASA for Class 1 Medical Certificate holders.
For more information, click here.
Proposed changes to pilot and engineer exams during COVID-19
CASA announced a range of exemptions being put in place to help the Australian aviation industry during the current changing and unprecedented environment.
CASA is working to put in place measures to provide relief to candidates who are part-way through an examination program, including Commercial Pilots Licence (CPL), Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) and Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) examinations.
This is expected to include a six (6) month extension of the statutory time period for CPL and ATPL in which you can complete your exams, and a 12 month extension to AME examinations (including Schedule Of Experience pathways).
For more information, click here.