The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has started a post-implementation review (PIR) into the Class 5 self-assessed medical standard.
CASA introduced Class 5 in February 2024, which enabled PPL and RPL holders to self-assess their own fitness to fly rather needing a medical examination.
CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety Pip Spence said would help us to identify whether the benefits and safety outcomes of the change have been realised.
"We committed to a post implementation review when the scheme commenced as part of our continuous improvement process," Spence said in the March 2025 CASA Briefing newsletter.
"We are working closely with Airservices Australia and the Australian Transport Safety Bureau to examine available safety incident reporting data. This includes pilots accessing controlled and non-controlled airspace.
"We will also be looking at the operational limitations, application process and validity periods, as well as guidance and training materials."
The PIR is expected to include a survey for pilots and other aviation professionals to provide feedback. Once complete, CASA says it will make amendments to the standard if necessary.
Sure to come under scrutiny are the operational restrictions applied to Class 5, which have proven to be unpopular with the general aviation community.