Article supplied by CASA
Helicopter pilots can now make use of a class-like system for flight crew licences relating to some multi-engine helicopters.
This follows feedback from industry that the current approach of requiring a type rating for each multi-engine helicopter was restrictive.
Changes will be made to the Part 61 licencing rules over time, but in order to make this policy available immediately, an exemption has been put in place through a legislative instrument.
What this means
Pilots that hold a type rating for a specific multi-engine helicopter can become authorised to fly other specified multi-engine helicopters in the same class without obtaining a type rating.
Flight instructors and examiners also won’t need to hold a training or examiner endorsement for each type of helicopter in the class.
Pilots will still be required to undertake type specific training and an assessment (equivalent to a flight review) in a similar way to prescribed fixed-wing aircraft.
Thank you to the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel and in particular the flight crew licensing Technical Working Group that assisted us deliver this general aviation workplan initiative.
Further information
- Read how to take advantage of the exemption on our website
- Read the summary of consultation on the Consultation Hub