Applies To Both Fixed- And Rotary-Wing Licenses

Changes are being made to the flight test standards for instrument ratings and airplane and helicopter air transport pilot licences (ATPLs). The changes are being made to address an issue arising from the Airservices Australia Navigation Rationalization Project when, on May 26, 2016, 181 navigation aids will be decommissioned.

The related flight test standards will be amended in Schedule 5 of the Part 61 Manual of Standards. In particular, changes will be made to Appendices K.1 – ATPL(A), K.2 – ATPL(H) and M.1 – instrument rating.

The amendment will remove the requirement for applicants to demonstrate competency conducting an instrument approach operation using azimuth guidance. This change is necessary as many non-directional beacons (NDBs) won’t be available and many aircraft are not equipped to display data on an azimuth guidance indicator, other than an automatic direction finder (ADF).

Pilots are reminded of the 90 day recent experience rule contained in subregulation 61.870(6) for conducting instrument approaches using azimuth guidance. They should also be aware of the general rule contained in subregulation 61.860(5) for conducting an instrument approach operation using a particular kind of procedure such as an NDB. Together, these rules make sure pilots are competent using azimuth guidance indicators and conducting NDB approach procedures.

CASA expects the amendment to the Part 61 Manual of Standards will be made before May 26.

(Source: CASA Australia)

FMI: www.airservicesaustralia.com/projects/nrp/