Basic Class 2 Medical Released

12 Jul 2018

What is it?

The Basic Class 2 Medical is the result of lobbying by AOPA for more fair medical assessments. It is the progression of the RAMPC.

What does it let me do?

Essentially, it should cover most private (and recreational) pilot’s needs. It permits a licensed pilot to:

• Fly an aircraft:
  • Up to 8618kg (think Douglas DC-2),
  • Piston-powered,
  • Day VFR,
  • Below 10,000ft,
• In a private operation,
• With up to five passengers on board,
• Without using any operational ratings (IFR, instructing, night), and
• Without using any flight activity endorsements (low-level, aerobatics, formation, spinning).

These restrictions do not apply if the other control seat has a licensed, qualified pilot with a class 2 or 1 medical on board (barrel rolling an airliner, here we come…).

What medical standard must I meet?

You must meet the Austroads medical standard for driving a commercial vehicle. The only conditions that you may have is that you are required to wear glasses or a hearing aid. If you have any other medical restrictions, you will not pass and need to get a full Class 2 or 1 medical.

If you fall below the medical standard for more than 30 days, you must report it to CASA, just like a normal Class 2.

How long does it last?

It depends on how old you are:

Age	Maximum Validity
Less than 40	Five Years
Between 40 and 70	Two Years
Over 70	One Year

If the GP really wants to, they could reduce the validity period. I never heard of that happening with the RAMPC, I don’t expect it to with the Basic Class 2.

How do I get one?

Log on to the Medical Records System and follow the prompts. Once you are done, you print out the forms and take them to a GP. Finally, you lodge the completed forms in MRS.

How much does it cost?

Whatever your GP charges for the consultation (bulk-billed, if you are very lucky). CASA charges a $10 processing fee (I don’t remember that in the discussion paper…).

Where can I get more information?

You can find more details at the following websites:
https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/F2018L00980 - The legal instrument that enables Basic Class 2s.
https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certification/aviation-medicine/classes-medical-certificates - CASA’s classes of medicals.
https://www.casa.gov.au/standard-page/changes-medical-certification - The announcement of changes page on CASA’s website (don’t forget to read the information sheet for pilots and GPs).

And finally, if you have any more questions, please contact us.

Is that it?

No! This goes some way to the medical reform that we wanted, but there is still work to be done. The aviation community must keep pushing to improve the laws that govern us.