Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is taking steps to address the lack of specific aircraft class ratings for single-pilot, less complex, multi-engine helicopters. To alleviate the problem, CASA has proposed a temporary exemption to establish a multi-engine helicopter class rating until flight crew licensing rules are formally amended. The exemption is scheduled to be in place by late July.
According to CASA, the current regulatory approach to prescribe a type rating for each multi-engine helicopter is a key reason for the limited availability of suitably qualified flight instructors, flight examiners, and operators to conduct training and assessments for some multi-engine helicopters. “This has led to increased costs and time to access training and assessment, and impacts on the availability of suitably qualified pilots,” said CASA. “The problem is exacerbated by the very small number of these types of helicopters in Australia.”
In addition to allowing pilots to obtain class ratings, the multi-engine helicopter class rating will allow flight instructors and examiners to conduct training, testing, and flight reviews for multi-engine helicopters in class. It will also permit Part 141 training operators to perform training for the new class. Comments on the proposed exemption are due July 4.