CAA Pilot Medical Declaration Consultation

The Civil Aviation Authority has issued phase 2 of its Pilot Medical Declaration review consultation. 

The link to the consultation is here and the closing date is 4 January 2024. The phase 2 review material (pdf) can be read here.

Guidance:

Where the review impacts upon microlighting, advice is offered on the following questions:

Q7: We are considering removing the at or less than 5700kg category and restricting the PMD to at or less than 2000kg aircraft. Do you agreewith this approach?

This refers to 2000kg+ aircraft and is not relevant.

Q8: We would like a pilot to confirm they hold a current and valid UK driving licence when submitting a PMD. If a pilot does not hold a driving licence, then they would be required to submit a declaration from their GP to confirm they meet the Group 1 DVLA driving standards (note any costs incurred in this will be borne by the pilot). Do you agree with this change?

Pilots, in particular student pilots, may not hold a driving licence and the requirement to visit a GP and possibly pay for a private consultation/declaration is an unnecessary imposition that does not improve safety. We disagree.

Q9: We propose introducing a 5 yearly PMD renewal, which will include educational material on fitness to fly, up to the age of 60. Do you agree with this change?

We disagree. A renewal process is unnecessary and may lead to healthy pilots being persecuted for the lack of a piece of paper.

Q10: We propose introducing a two-yearly PMD renewal, which will include educational material on fitness to fly, from the age of 60. Do you agree with this change?

It may be that a periodic reminder could be beneficial to pilots aged 60 and over. Any renewal process should be simple and very low cost (if at all).

Q11: Do you agree that we should include educational material as part of the PMD issue and renewal?

Agree that educational material should be included in a reminder (and not renewal) system. 

Q14: To what extent do you agree that the current limitations for the at or less than 2000kg are proportionate and should remain unchanged?

The proposals to add a reminder system and the improvement in the printable paper format and educational material are welcome, providing they are at no cost.

Q16: To what extent do you agree that the mental health aspect for the at or less than 2000kg category should be removed?

Agree. The DVLA system covers this topic well and there is no need to expand on it.

Q17: Do you agree that instructors and examiners, who fly Microlights, Gyroplanes and Balloons (not including CPL(G), CPL(B), BPL for Commercial Passenger flights), should be able to continue?

Strongly agree. In the absence of any evidence to the contrary, the current system should remain in place.

Rob Hughes, BMAA CEO, December 2023