Australia Further Extends Pilot Check Compliance Dates

To assist operators and other aviation personnel impacted by the ongoing effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has introduced additional alleviation measures that will be in effect until March 31, 2022.

The new extension relieves airmen from the requirements of proficiency checks (except for flight examiner proficiency checks) and flight reviews for pilots at certain operators, including air operator certificate (AOC) holders, flight training organizations, and balloon and agricultural aircraft operators. In addition, the March 31, 2022 date applies to aircraft maintenance engineers, cabin crew, aeronautical knowledge examinations, and ATC and FSS license holders. Special requirements apply to extensions to flight examiner proficiency checks.

Generally, the compliance delay applies to pilots, cabin crew, and aircraft operators who conduct domestic operations within Australia and have a proficiency check or flight review due between August 2021 and February 2022 and have an approved Safety Risk Mitigation Plan (SRMP). The exemption also provides for an SRMP to support AOC holders conducting international operations who, due to current government health orders, are unable to meet Covid-19 requirements.