The UK Civil Aviation Authority has proposed changes to “improve and strengthen” the Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) system for general aviation (GA) pilots.
The Pilot Medical Declaration scheme was introduced in August 2016 to offer pilots a simplified way to self-declare to the UK Civil Aviation Authority that they are medically fit to fly.
The regulator has now launched a consultation on the final proposed changes to the Pilot Medical Declaration system.
The changes proposed include introducing renewal periods, improving guidance material for pilots and GPs and improving the application form and printable versions. Other proposals include:
- Removing the psychiatric medication aspect for those who fly aircraft with maximum take-off weight up to 2000kg;
Removing the 2000kg – 5700kg maximum take-off weight category to simplify PMD;
Allowing student Sailplane Licence (SPL) and Balloon Pilot Licence (BPL) pilots to utilise a PMD for their supervised solo flights; and
Allowing Part-FCL licence holders to exercise Instrument Rating Restricted (IRR) privileges under a PMD.
Michael Macdonald, Co-Head of General Aviation & RPAS at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
Pilot Medical Declaration scheme
“We are committed to ensuring that the Pilot Medical Declaration scheme is effective and fit for purpose for general aviation pilots.
“The proposed changes represent some moderate measures to update the way pilots self-declare their fitness. We continue to support PMD as a useful and proportionate tool to enable pilots in their flying.”
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has been reviewing the PMD scheme to improve the user experience and identify opportunities in the Flight Crew Licensing Strategic Project to simplify and rationalise the process.
The consultation will be open for eight weeks and will close on 4 January 2024.
Subscribe to the FINN weekly newsletter
You may also be interested in:
Is increasing pilot retirement age the answer to pilot shortage?
