The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has proposed to amend CASR Part 61 to allow for a 105-hour training syllabus for the commercial helicopter pilot licence (CPL(H)).
The proposal will also enable the 105-hour course to be taught by Part 141 (non-integrated) training organisations and not require basic IFR training for the recreational navigation endorsement, PPL with helicopter category rating and the CPL(H).
"The proposal has been developed following ongoing consultations between the Australian Helicopter Industry Association [AHIA], helicopter flight training operators and CASA," CASA has said.
"Transition regulations which are consistent with this proposal, have been in place since the commencement of the flight crew licensing regulations in September 2014. The transition provisions continue until 31 August 2018."
CASA Part 61 amendments would enshrine training practices that the Australian helicopter training industry are already using successfully. The new regulations would be based largely on those that existed prior to the introduction of Part 61. If the change is accepted, the new regulations would have to be implemented before the transition provisions expire next year.
"The proposal would remove doubt over the continued use of the 105 hour CPL(H) course and the requirement for basic instrument flight training," CASA says. "This would help support and encourage operators to complete their Part 141 transition."
More information and feedback links are on the CASA website.