CASA announces reforms to the aviation medical certificate system in Australia

Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) announced (30-Nov-2017) reforms to the aviation medical certificate system. The reforms include creating a new category of private pilot medical certificate, allowing non passenger carrying commercial operations under a full Class 2 medical certificate and increasing the delegation of medical decision making to medical professionals. CASA CEO and director of aviation safety Shane Carmody said the reforms to the aviation medical system maintain appropriate safety standards while offering flexibility and reduced red tape. "CASA has initially focused on changes that benefit general aviation because this sector has been telling us the current medical certification system was causing real difficulties. In the interests of public safety it is important that pilots meet relevant medical standards but the system must not make unnecessary demands and should meet the needs of the aviation community". [more - original PR]