CASA today activated alternative methods of training for specialised helicopter endorsements, which permits approved operators to conduct their own training.
Part 137 and 138 operators can now train their own crews in mustering, sling, winch, rappelling and firefighting operations without the need for a Part 141 flight training approval.
"Trainee pilots can now choose to access training and assessment to become qualified for some specialised endorsements through their employer, or the traditional Part 141 pathway," CASA announced today.
"Part 137 and Part 138 operators can use experienced and competent pilots they employ to conduct training for specialised endorsements in-house."
Operators wanting to train pilots under the new legislative instruments 05/23 (mustering) and 31/23 (others) will need to develop a training syllabus for the relevant endorsement and insert it into their operations manual.
"Operators who intend to conduct training and facilitate the assessment and grant of a specialised endorsement will need to develop a training syllabus and have it approved by CASA.
"CASA must be satisfied that the operator can safely and adequately deliver the training and that the operator has suitable staff to conduct the training.
"Continuous improvement is necessary in any training course, whether it is delivered by a flight training operator or a commercial operator through this pathway."
Minimum experience levels have been set for both the trainer and trainee under this new system.
The new pathways come after CASA consulted the aviation community in April this year, which indicated strong support for the proposal.
More information is on the CASA website.