Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority has decided to keep the present system for the issue of private pilot medical certificates. The authority had sought public opinion on proposals to delegate the issue of Class 2 medicals to designated aviation medical examiners (DAME) after support from pilots.
Currently CASA issues the certificates after examination by an authorised doctor.
It was thought the change could result in lower costs, reduced administration for CASA, increased autonomy for DAMEs and a one-stop shop for pilots in good health. However, after a safety-case and cost-benefit analysis was conducted, it was determined that risks included inconsistency in medical decision-making, increased liability for DAMEs, a decrease in the number of DAMEs as some were opposed to a change in role, a potential loss of a central medical records system and possible increased costs. In addition, it would have resulted in two medical systems - one for private pilots and one for commercial pilots and air traffic controllers.
Meanwhile, Australia is incorporating human factors and threat and error management in training for all new pilots. From the middle of next year pilots in training will be tested on their knowledge of human factors and threat management, says CASA. While pilots working in airlines and multi-crew aircraft have been given human factors training for many years, this will be the first time their practical application has been formalised for pilots in the early stages of training.
Non-technical skills to be tested include communication, interpersonal dealings, good judgement and decision-making. The move follows a recommendation from the International Civil Aviation Organisation that such skills should be taught and assessed from the start of a pilot's career
Source: Flight International
