RA AUS Class 2 Medical Help!

[Frankus1aust]

Dam! That explains the compression test on my wallet pocket.

 

 

[440032]

Surely you mean the VACUUM test on your wallet.

 

 

[pmccarthy]

Are your nuts lock wired?

 

 

[Dwilly]

Hello

 

Had exactly the same circumstance.

 

Got the class2

 

They issued it from the date of application.

 

3 months later

 

I got on to my local member and it was made concurrent with the approval

 

What joke

 

Why

 

 

[gandalph]

Yesterday I passed my annual Heavy Vehicle Driver's medical. Now I am considered physically and mentally fit to drive an 80-seater bendy bus fully loaded with school children at 100 kph on a freeway in peak hour traffic. However, according the CASA, I am not physically fit enough to fly solo circuits in a VH-registered Jabiru at my local airport (Camden).

OME , that's because CASA is obsessed with the idea that you could crash your Jab into an 80 seat bendy-bus full of school kids.

 

 

[Frankus1aust]

I think the AOPA petition is worth following up. It does take downloading it and sending it to the pollies on the list. Worth the effort.

 

 

[Frankus1aust]

And there's more.... The Parliament of Australia : Save Australia's General Aviation from bureaucratic disaster.

 

 

[DrZoos]

Thanks for the link...signed...they still need 280 odd signatures

 

 

[Frankus1aust]

OME , that's because CASA is obsessed with the idea that you could crash your Jab into an 80 seat bendy-bus full of school kids.

Or a puppy farm!

 

 

[Parkway]

It depends where you are flying out of, I fly Ra-Aus out of Jandakot airport which is Delta airspace and I need to have a class 2 medical

 

 

[Guest jonnywallace]

Thanks to everyone for their input with this. I'm coming up to 5 months since applying for my medical, and still no outcome! My case has now been put forward to CASA Complex Case Management, where the information is reviewed by a team of doctors - has anyone else experience this?

 

 

[DrZoos]

Yep that takes around 2-3 weeks depending on when it gets referred to them

 

You can actually ring and they will give you the date it will be heard by the meeting, then the paper work will take around a week after that meeting to arrive

 

Even once they review it that decision is not final, you can ask for that decision to be reviewed if you have good grounds or feel its not fair...

 

I was initially declined, I asked for a review and provided additional information, I was then given a clearance with conditions I thought where far too restrictive, so I applied for another review and was given a much fairer outcome.

 

Every case is different...but if your think its inequitable or over cautious , explain your situation and they do listen

 

Also they tend to play a game where you finally get approval and they might only give you a 12 month clearance of which 5-6 months has already elapsed...they did this to me, I wrote in and said that I shouldn't be punished due to their administrative delays. They reissued my clearance for 12 months from that new date.

 

I also suggest you write and complain it has taken 5 months as this is unacceptable, imagine if you where an instructor wanting a C2 for your livelihood and your mortgage payments depended on it... This sort of delay is appalling.

 

 

[Frankus1aust]

Regarding the medicals, yes it is long and drawn out. I spent 2 years+ getting a class 2 with insulin dependant Diabetes. Eventually they convened a panel and gave it to me with 5 pages of protocols and restrictions. Over time with evidence I can get them removed. It's painful but not impossible.

 

 

[coljones]

Regarding the medicals, yes it is long and drawn out. I spent 2 years+ getting a class 2 with insulin dependant Diabetes. Eventually they convened a panel and gave it to me with 5 pages of protocols and restrictions. Over time with evidence I can get them removed. It's painful but not impossible.

Did you manage to get within 6.5 to 8 HbA1c? or did the grief start after that?

 

 

[djpacro]

Where additional consultations or investigations are necessary to ascertain if an applicant for medical certification meets the required medical standard, the applicant is usually responsible for meeting any costs involved. If such tests are undertaken principally for screening purposes, they will not generally be eligible for rebate from Medicare Australia. However, if additional tests are required to elucidate a health problem for which medical opinion, investigation or treatment is clinically necessary, these should be rebatable. Affected applicants should be advised to discuss their individual cases with the Medicare Australia.

even if it is only the CASA doctors who believe it is "clinically necessary". From CASA at 3.4 Fees

 

[FlyingVizsla]

From AOPA Australia - petition extended to 30 Oct 2016. Act NOW.

 

Copied from email:-

 

-------

 

CLASS 2 REFORM

 

A STEP CLOSER TO REALITY.

 

Valued AOPA Members & Industry Supporters,

 

Class 2 private pilot medical certification reform is now a step closer, following a meeting between the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), Sport Aircraft Association of Australia (SAAA) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on 5th October 2016.

 

The safety regulator has confirmed to AOPA and SAAA that it will move to public consultation for Class 2 reform before the close of the year, with a view towards regulatory introduction by March of 2017.

 

Mr Rob Walker, Industry Stakeholder Group Manager CASA, went on the record to state that the AOPA and SAAA call for reform had been clearly heard from within the regulator and that CASA was now working to see Class 2 reform delivered as soon as possible.

 

AOPA and SAAA reinforced that over the last 10 years, some 8,000+ general aviation pilots have exited Australia’s aviation industry (a 34% decline) and that the large reduction in pilots flying was contributing to large declines in Australia’s general aviation economy. Making clear that the AOPA proposed policy on Class 2 private pilot medical certification aims to reconnect thousands of general aviation pilots with flying, the policy is supported by moves by the US FAA, UK CAA and NZ CAA, highlighting that there is no safety case to be made by the regulator for continuing to unfairly discriminate and prematurely ground pilots based.

 

Now that the regulator has committed to moving forward with public consultation, the challenge will be to keep CASA on track and to ensure that the Class 2 reform is not turned into an unusable or ineffective regulation.

 

Very shortly the Australian aviation industry will have the opportunity to respond directly on Class 2 reform, both the AOPA and SAAA will be working hard to encourage the industry to do so en-masse and will make available resources to help individuals do so in the coming weeks.

 

In the meantime our associations are continuing the push and are determined to see Class 2 reform a reality.

 

Best regards,

 

BENJAMIN MORGAN

 

Executive Director - Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

 

AOPA Petition - Momentum Builds

 

Momentum and responses to the AOPA proposed policy on Class 2 reform has been enormous with petition documents received from all corners of the country, clearly demonstrating the broad and universal support for this vital reform.

 

Petition Deadline Extended to 30th October 2016

 

AOPA have extended the deadline for petition responses to 30th October 2016, giving the aviation community another two weeks to submit their support. If you have not already taken the time to make a submission, please download the documents attached and send them in!

 

 

AOPA and the SAAA are encouraging as many industry participants as possible to send a clear message to the Australian government that it is time for change.

 

Attached to this email are three important documents;

 

1. AOPA Proposed Policy on Class 2 Private Pilot Medical Reform

 

2. AOPA Letter to Minister Mr Darren Chester MP

 

3. AOPA Petition

 

I call on you all to sign the letter of support to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Mr Darren Chester MP and have your friends and colleagues sign the AOPA petition today!

 

Now is the time for positive change for our industry, stand with AOPA as we work towards kick-starting Australia’s general aviation economy, unlocking our industry’s potential for growth.

 

Best regards,

 

BENJAMIN MORGAN

 

Executive Director - Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

 

IMPORTANT - Once you have mustered as many signatures as possible, you will need to send the originals to AOPA. We cannot submit anything other than the original documents. Please send the original petition documents to;

 

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

 

PO BOX 26, Georges Hall NSW 2198, Australia.

 

 

NOT A MEMBER OF AOPA? CLICK TO JOIN.

 

 

AOPA Proposed Policy on Class 2

 

Private Pilot Medical Certification.

 

Valued AOPA Members,

 

Over the past year aviation regulators in the United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (US) and New Zealand (NZ) have all moved to reform their medical requirements for Private Pilots License holders, following extensive evidence based assessment and review.

 

These reforms have been heralded by the global aviation community and are expected to breathe essential life back into the general aviation economies of each respective country.

 

AOPA Australia over the past five years has received thousands of telephone calls and emails from private pilots, all calling for broad reform of Australia’s Class 2 Private Pilot Medical Certification system. Our membership have demonstrated that a high number of Australian private pilots are being subjected to unfair and unreasonable medical assessments by CASA AVMED which has removed fit and healthy pilots from Australia’s general aviation community and subjected thousands of pilots to unnecessary delays and expense regarding medical assessment.

 

In consideration of our membership feedback and moves by international regulators, AOPA Australia has produced a clear Proposed Policy position on Class 2 Private Pilot Medical Certification - to which we have attached to this email and included below.

 

The AOPA proposed policy on Class 2 Private Pilot Medical Certification is important to the future of Australia's general aviation industry and if implemented will serve to reconnect thousands of perfectly healthy pilots who have been unfairly discriminated by the existing CASA AVMED system.

 

This vital reform will dramatically reduce licensing costs to industry and will remove unnecessary layers of bureaucracy and red-tape that have contributed to the serious decline in general aviation pilots in Australia, which based on CASA’s own data amounts to some 8,000+ pilots exiting our industry (see chart below).

 

 

The AOPA policy will help kick-start and re-invigorate private flying activity within the general aviation industry, which will result in increasing demand for the varying support services whilst creating valuable jobs and opportunities across the country.

 

In the recently published CASA Stakeholder Relationship Health Report (click here to download), the surveyed industry stakeholders made clear their sincere dissatisfaction with regard to both CASA’s decision making and performance. Industry has sent a loud and clear message that we cannot continue with the current system.

 

AOPA understands that its members care deeply about general aviation and are willing to stand up and fight for what matters to them and is now calling on our entire membership to help make our Proposed Policy on Class 2 Private Pilot Medical Certification a reality.

 

BE PART OF CHANGE.

 

STEP 1 – Download and review the AOPA Proposed Policy

 

Attached to this email is the AOPA Proposed Policy on Class 2 Private Pilot Medical Certification, which you can download and review.

 

Should you wish to discuss the policy,

 

please feel free to contact the AOPA offices on (02) 9791 9099

 

STEP 2 – Download and send a letter of support to the Minister

 

Attached to this email is a letter which you can send to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, the Hon Darren Chester MP, showcasing your support for the AOPA Proposed Policy on Class 2 Private Pilot Medical Certification. Be sure to send this letter to as many aviation friends and colleagues as possible!

 

STEP 2 – Muster signatures for the AOPA Petition!

 

Attached to this email is the AOPA Class 2 Private Pilot Medical Certification Petition, which you can download and have your aviation friends and colleagues sign. AOPA is calling on each and every one of our members to download this important petition and to muster as many signatures as possible! Help AOPA and our industry send a clear message to the government.

 

IMPORTANT - Once you have mustered as many signatures as possible, you will need to send the originals to AOPA. We cannot submit anything other than the original documents. Please send the original petition documents to;

 

Attention: Mr Benjamin Morgan

 

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association

 

PO BOX 26, Georges Hall NSW 2198, Australia.

 

The petition documents must be returned to AOPA in original copy, no later than the 30th October 2016. Once received, AOPA will collate the received Petitions into a master document and present it in person to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, The Hon Darren Chester MP.

 

This is our opportunity to send a big message, so please ensure you email as many friends and colleagues as possible - we all need each others support on this vital call for reform.

 

 

AOPA PROPOSED POLICY ON CLASS 2

 

PRIVATE PILOT MEDICAL CERTIFICATION

 

Issued 23rd August 2016

 

1. The medical standard for the Class 2 Medical Certificate will be that of an AustRoads Unrestricted Private Drivers Medical with no ROUTINE requirement to attend for medical examinations except in the situations outlined below

 

2. The pilot will have to make a legally binding statement that they meet this standard once prior to the age of 70 years and every 3 years after the age of 70

 

3. Any pilot who does not meet this medical standard will be required to apply for their certificate by seeing a DAME. This includes those pilots who hold a Restricted Private Drivers License Medical or those pilots who are currently classified as “renew by CASA only”. The DAME will have the delegation to issue the certificate after due consideration. CASA AVMED would be involved only if the DAME wants backup or support for decision making

 

4. Applicants with a history of any of the following conditions must apply to a DAME for consideration of their case. They must support their application with records from their GP and/or Specialist.

 

a. Medication for any psychiatric illness

 

b. Bipolar disorder, psychosis or a diagnosis of personality disorder

 

c. Drug abuse or alcohol misuse or addiction (or conviction for drink/drunk driving)

 

d. Medication treatment for angina or heart failure

 

e. Cardiac surgery including cardiac device implantation

 

f. Recurrent fainting or collapse (syncope)

 

g. Unexplained loss of consciousness

 

h. Insulin treatment

 

i. Chronic lung disease with shortness of breath on exertion

 

j. Any neurological condition requiring medication

 

k. Epilepsy

 

l. Significant functional physical disability likely to impair safe operation of normal flight controls

 

5. It is anticipated that for simple cases properly backed up by specialist reports that the DAME may in consultation with the applicants General Practitioner and/or Specialist be delegated to issue a class 2 certificate for a restricted period of time. If the DAME is not prepared to do this he/she may refer the case to CASA AVMED for full assessment

 

6. Under the proposed system the onus is on the pilot to report any possible reduction of flying capabilities as a result of medical conditions to their DAME. The DAME can advise the pilot and certify the pilot fit to fly at a later date if he/she is happy with the recovery. If the DAME is unhappy with the situation he/she may refer the matter to CASA AVMED

 

LIMITATIONS

 

- The weight limit will be 2,760 Kg

 

- The number of passengers will be limited to five (5)

 

- Those pilots requiring an instrument rating will need to see a DAME on a regular basis (4 years under 40 and 2 yearly thereafter). The DAME can issue the certificate or refer to AVMED as necessary

 

- Night VFR will be covered under the proposed new system

 

- Those pilots requiring a higher aircraft weight limit or increased number of passengers will need to be seen by a DAME who can issue the certificate or refer to AVMED as they feel necessary.

 

-------

 

AOPA Letter to Minister.pdf

 

AOPA Petition .pdf

 

AOPA Proposed Policy on Class 2 Private Pilot.pdf

 

AOPA Letter to Minister.pdf

 

AOPA Petition .pdf

 

AOPA Proposed Policy on Class 2 Private Pilot.pdf

 

AOPA Letter to Minister.pdf

AOPA Petition .pdf

AOPA Proposed Policy on Class 2 Private Pilot.pdf

[Frankus1aust]

Did you manage to get within 6.5 to 8 HbA1c? or did the grief start after that?

When my HBA1C came in at 6.4 the medical CASA management considered it too low on the assumed basis to get that low I must be at constant risk of Hypo's. Despite months of stable daily blood sugar measurements tendered. So this time around I am running it a little higher. On the basis of their requirements their starting point is a case of poor control or a case of very difficult control. If that was my case I wouldn't waste my time trying to get a class 2 or even be flying. However they have a system and all you have to do is work through it. All be it long and "worst case". I am hoping that as they get to know a pilot's medical history (over several years by their timeline it appears), it is possible to eventually arrive at an unimpeded Class 2.

 

 

[johnprop]

Hi jonny,

 

AvMed will most likely refer your application to their Complex Case Panel who may issue you with a Class 2 Medical subject to Audit. If so you will be required to submit a report from your medical specialist at specified periods e.g every tree months which may be a costly exercise unless your medico bulk bills.

 

If CASA proceeds down this path and issues you with a Class 2 medical then in the event of an incident/accident insurance coverage should be retained given CASA has issued you with a medical to fly.

 

Good luck

 

 

[Frankus1aust]

Hi jonny,AvMed will most likely refer your application to their Complex Case Panel who may issue you with a Class 2 Medical subject to Audit. If so you will be required to submit a report from your medical specialist at specified periods e.g every tree months which may be a costly exercise unless your medico bulk bills.

 

If CASA proceeds down this path and issues you with a Class 2 medical then in the event of an incident/accident insurance coverage should be retained given CASA has issued you with a medical to fly.

 

Good luck

Thanks and yes, the complex panel issued me a cert last year after at least 6 months of parking the application. No bulk billing and plenty of tests. I would rather spend it on flying but I have at least confirmed I am as healthy as I think I am. I just hope they read all the data and not be obsessed with the one crossed box. I think this time it will be quicker. I'm sure they are not trying to be unreasonable but the template they are following was probably drawn up last century. For a pilot that doesn't cross any boxes on the new computer application finds the issuing of a class 2 pretty quick from what I can see.