Pilot incapacitation occurrences 2010–2014

General Aviation
Unlike air transport operations, there is variation in medical requirements
for pilots in the general aviation sector depending on the type of operations
conducted. For pilots who wish to be eligible to conduct commercial
operations, they must hold a current Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). A CPL
requires holders to have a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate, which is to be
renewed yearly. This is the same medical standard required for pilots who
hold an Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). The other licence that can be held
by general aviation pilots of VH-registered aircraft is the Private Pilot Licence
(PPL) which requires a Class 2 Medical certificate. This licence is valid for 4
years for applicants under 40 years old on the day of issue or 2 years for pilots
aged over 40 years old. This licence is for pilots wanting to fly privately only.
These requirements are listed in CASR Part 67.
There are different testing requirements for Class 1 and Class 2 Medical
Certificates as outlined in the CASA DAME Handbook. For the initial issue of a
Class 1, applicants are required to undergo the following tests:
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electrocardiogram (ECG) to detect heart abnormalities
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audiogram to test hearing
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blood test for cholesterol (known as a fasting serum lipid profile) and for diabetes
(blood glucose test)
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eye test by a CASA Designated Aviation Ophthalmologist.
These tests are required to be completed annually as part of the renewal of the
medical certificate.
Applicants for the Class 2 Medical Certificate are not required to undergo these
tests unless they have been referred by a doctor. Furthermore, they are only
required to provide a medical background form and undergo a standard medical
examination.
Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) for applicants who only fly on recreational aircraft
(non-VH registered) during the day using visual flight rules (VFR) have a different
medical certificate requirement. This is known as a Recreational Aviation Medical
Practitioner Certificate (RAMPC). This is based on a modified driver’s licence
medical certificate, which are the medical standards applied by Austroads with
additional criteria. This is detailed in CASR Part 67. Some of the criteria included is
examining for a history of cancer, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.
Given the different licence types and associated medical certification requirements
for general aviation pilots, the presence of pre-existing medical conditions is less
likely to be known. Additionally, issues such as cardiovascular problems have
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