Purpose. (Context) Crew, and High Altitude Parachute Operations (HAPO) personnel, can be subject to AVMED related effects during Operations. Normally these effects can be controlled using combinations of ground and aircraft systems; Crew, HAPO personnel and Aircraft Controller knowledge, skills and behaviours, and adherence to approved procedures. (Hazard) Aviation Safety can be compromised when undesired Crew, HAPO personnel or Aircraft Controller knowledge, skills and behaviours result in a failure of Crew, HAPO personnel or Aircraft Controllers to either recognise adverse AVMED related effects, or to employ appropriate corrective actions. (Defence) This regulation requires Accountable Managers and Sponsors to ensure Crew, HAPO personnel and Aircraft Controllers have prior awareness of the Hazards that are present when humans operate Aircraft in military roles, and receive training in the knowledge and application of AVMED. This will enhance human performance and contribute effective controls to ensuring Aviation Safety.
The MAO or Sponsor may meet initial AVMED training requirements by ensuring that Aircrew complete AVMED training:
conducted by the Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM).
Initial AVMED training scope at IAM should:
address the relevant common Hazards present for Aircrew in the military CRE
be tailored to target specific Aircraft Hazards associated with the relevant Service
regardless of Service, ensure that Aircrew are provided an appropriate level of AVMED training for the specific Aircraft Type.
Initial AVMED training topics at IAM should include:
lectures in AVMED appropriate to CRE of Aircraft Type to be operated
where appropriate, practical hypoxia awareness training that may include:
rapid decompression
pressure breathing
effect of hypoxia on night vision.
where appropriate:
spatial disorientation, including simulator-based demonstrations of spatial disorientation in fixed or rotary-wing aircraft
high-G environments
centrifuge training
anti-G straining manoeuvre
parachute descent and landing fall
physiological limitations with use of Night Vision Devices (NVD)
ejection seats
fast jet, fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft characteristics
Physiological Episode Recognition and Recovery Training (PERRT).
Aircrew are performing military CRE related flying duties when operating Defence Registered Aircraft.
Aircrew are not performing military CRE related flying duties when operating a Non Defence Registered Aircraft (NDRA) in a CRE substantially similar to an equivalent civilian Aircraft Type. For example, Aircrew participating in the Aircrew Currency Flying Scheme (ACFS), operating entirely in accordance with the Defence Aviation Authority recognised Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, and with no specific military aspect to the CRE, is a case where the Aircrew are not performing in a military CRE.
However, where there is a military aspect to the CRE, such as Aircrew conducting tasking in a NDRA, where the operation may include requirements to operate outside the normal crew duty limits prescribed by the CAA, Aircrew are performing military CRE related flying duties.
By way of exception from DASR MED.05(a), Aircrew who have completed initial AVMED training conducted by Air Force Interoperability Council (AFIC) member nations are exempt from the requirement to complete initial AVMED training. GMGM
Air Force Interoperability Council (AFIC) Air Standards detail the requirements for AVMED training of each AFIC member nation. AVMED training that meets the AFIC requirements is acceptable to other AFIC member nations—allowing Aircrew to perform flying related duties with any AFIC member nation. The MAO or Sponsor may refer instances of AVMED training conducted by non-AFIC member nations to Commanding Officer (CO) Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) for advice regarding recognition of learning.
The MAO, ANSP, ABMO, HAPO personnel or Sponsor must ensure all AVMED related training results are recorded for all relevant personnel. AMCAMC
Acceptable means for recording AVMED related training include: certificates, an enterprise personnel management database, or annotation in flying logbooks.
Where an MAO, ANSP, ABMO or Sponsor identifies a requirement for additional AVMED-related training to that provided by IAM, this training is to be co-ordinated and approved under the authority of CO IAM. GMGM
For example, Aircrew Instructors may require training specific to the AVMED aspects of the instructional flight environment.
The MAO or Sponsor must ensure Aircrew maintain AVMED Currency, as follows: GMGM
SAVMED training.
The five-year Currency period for Aircrew AVMED training, benchmarked on AFIC standards, presents a Hazard that knowledge and skills may fade throughout the Currency period.
SAVMED training provides a control to the Hazard of Aircrew knowledge and skill fade. Additionally, SAVMED training provides a means for the MAO and Sponsors to provide tailored AVMED related training pertinent to contemporary or emergent AVMED issues affecting operations within the organisation.
SAVMED differs from AVMED training in that it is conducted by a Squadron Aviation Medicine Liaison Officer (SAMLO), Single Service Aviation Medicine Adviser (SSAMA) or an IAM representative and has no defined practical elements. Commanders may schedule SAVMED training pertinent to their capability at any time and any location—providing significant flexibility to ensure Aircrew SAVMED currencies are met.
Single Service Aviation Medicine Advisor (SSAMA) (As described in the Defence Health Manual). The SSAMA is responsible for providing AVMED advice to the relevant Service; and to ensure AVMED training meets COMAUSFLT, COMD AVNCOMD, or ACAUST requirements (as applicable to the relevant Service).
overall AVMED Currency is dependent on maintaining both AVMED Currency and Supplemental Aviation Medicine (SAVMED) Currency
SAVMED training Currency is initially set through completion of initial AVMED training, and reset through either AVMED refresher training, or SAVMED training AMC1AMC1 AMC2AMC2
While the minimum Currency requirement for SAVMED training is three years, IAM recommends the MAO or Sponsor provides annual SAVMED training.
SAVMED training may include:
topics appropriate to the CRE of Aircraft Type being operated
physiological limitations of Aircrew, and how to:
mitigate these limitations
recognise and recover from approaching or exceeding these limitations.
AVMED aspects of Occurrence Reporting, as well as accident and incident reports from other global operators relevant to the Aircraft Type being flown.
AVMED refresher training to renew AVMED Currency is conducted by IAM or, for Navy and Army, a Single Service Aviation Medicine Adviser (SSAMA), as agreed with Commanding Officer (CO) IAM.
AVMED refresher training should include scope and topics as defined by CO IAM.
five years is the maximum Currency period for AVMED training GMGM
A five year AVMED Currency period allows the MAO or Sponsor to set appropriate compliance periods and aligns with the AFIC Air Standard. The MAO or Sponsor may impose more stringent Currency requirements.
by way of exception from DASR MED.05(e)3, in consultation with CO IAM, and risk managed IAW DASR.SMS, the MAO or Sponsor may grant a currency extension GMGM
The Currency extension allowed for in DASR MED.05(e)4 should only be applied in extenuating circumstances (ie after the decision maker has conducted risk management IAW DASR.SMS, consulted with CO IAM, and the operational need to apply an extension is warranted when weighed against the residual risk). Extenuating circumstances exclude the routine or casual application of Currency extensions.
three years is the maximum Currency period for SAVMED training.
By way of exception from DASR MED.05(e), Aircrew that hold AVMED training Currency conducted by AFIC member nations are exempt from the requirement to complete AVMED training, while that Currency remains in effect.
The MAO or Sponsor must obtain endorsement from CO IAM prior to the conduct of Squadron Aviation Medicine Liaison Officer (SAMLO)-provided SAVMED training GMGM
A SAMLO (as defined IAW IAM SI (PERS) 03-04 Aviation Medicine Instructor Standardisation) is an Aircrew member who has received additional AVMED training to assist in the ongoing provision of SAVMED training in conjunction with IAM, the Regional Senior Aviation Medicine Officer (RSAVMO) (As defined IAW Defence Health Manual Vol 2 Part 17 Chap 3) or Senior Aviation Medicine Officer (SAVMO).
SAMLOs are a link between units and IAM on all AVMED related matters. SAMLO is a secondary duty for Aircrew assigned by their unit.
A SAMLO may also assist in the conduct of decentralised Physiological Episode Recognition and Recovery Training (PERRT), conducted by IAM, subject to meeting the additional pre-requisite requirements (DASR MED.05(h)2 refers).
Aircrew appointed as a unit SAMLO must meet:
initial and ongoing training requirements (defined by CO IAM) before exercising the privilege of conducting SAVMED training
additional initial and ongoing training requirements (defined by CO IAM) before exercising the privilege of assisting in the conduct of Physiological Episode Recognition and Recovery Training (PERRT) by IAM.
The MAO or Sponsor must ensure that persons who authorise or operate Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the following categories of UAS, meet the AVMED training and Currency requirements defined by CO IAM: GMGM
Although Remote Pilots and other UAS Crew are normally employed in ground roles, there may be a requirement for tailored AVMED training relevant to their CRE. For Crew, this is only where there is a Non-Technical Skills (NTS) relationship with the Remote Pilot, critical to flight safety.
DASR UAS.20(a) Certified Category UAS
DASR UAS.30(a)1 Specific Type A Category UAS, where the Authority has stipulated a requirement to comply with DASR MED.05 in the relevant UAS Operating Permit (UASOP).
Aircraft Controllers within an Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) or ABMO must meet the AVMED training and Currency requirements defined by CO IAM. GMGM
Although Aircraft Controllers are normally employed in ground roles, there may be a requirement for tailored AVMED training relevant to their CRE. AVMED subjects of relevance to Aircraft Controllers may include information, but are not necessarily limited to:
enabling Aircraft Controllers to support Crew suffering the effects of AVMED related issues
regarding health and fitness to perform Aircraft Controller duties (including the concept of temporarily medically unfit to control periods associated with certain activities or medications).
Personnel conducting High Altitude Parachute Operations (HAPO) must meet the AVMED training and Currency requirements defined by CO IAM. GMGM
There may be a requirement for tailored AVMED training for personnel conducting HAPO. AVMED subjects of relevance may include information, but are not necessarily limited to:
enabling HAPO personnel to recognise and recover from the effects of AVMED related issues
regarding health and fitness to perform HAPO duties (including the concept of temporarily medically unfit periods associated with certain activities or medications).
CO IAM must define UAS Crew, HAPO personnel and Aircraft Controller AVMED training and Currency requirements:
on the basis of CRE
consistent with AFIC Standards.
DASR.MED.05 does not apply to Aircraft Passengers with the exception of HAPO personnel. GMGM
The control for AVMED related Hazards to Aircraft Passengers is captured in DASR AMC ORO.70(a) Pre-Flight Briefings.
The Accountable Manager must ensure aircrew, aircraft controllers and remote pilots have a current aviation medical certificate that is: GMGM AMCAMC
Flexibility provision 1 – employment in non-flying related duties. Aircrew, aircraft controllers and remote pilots not posted to flying related positions may maintain an aviation medical certificate currency period aligned to the normal Defence PHE currency. Medical certificate compliance is required prior to returning to flying related duties. Pilots participating in the ADF Currency Flying Scheme (ACFS) must maintain a current CASA medical certificate in addition to their normal Defence PHE requirement.
Flexibility provision 2 – extensions. Circumstances may arise beyond a member’s control to maintain medical currency that may impact operational requirements. Should a member’s medical currency period expire, the Accountable Manager (AM) may issue a waiver; or authorise a command authority to issue a waiver, to extend the expiration date. The command authority should seek SSAMA advice before issuing a waiver past 60 days.
Flexibility provision 3 – non–pilot aircrew. The AM may determine if it is more appropriate for non-pilot aircrew to maintain 12 month medical currency requirements.
Flexibility provision 4 – aircraft controllers. Other than personnel who provide an Air Traffic Control (ATC) service, the AM may determine what aircraft controller category/specialisations should comply with 24 month medical currency requirements.
Flexibility provision 5 – medical certificate waiver. The AM may approve waivers to specific medical requirements for the issue of an aviation medical certificate. The AM should consult the SSAMA when using this provision to ensure understanding of risk before making a decision to approve a waiver.
Medical Certificate Management
Issuing authority. An ADF aviation medical certificate is issued by an Aviation Medical Officer (AVMO).
Certificate Types. AVMOs should issue medical certificates IAW the Defence Health Manual (DHM). Certificates may follow a class system, Specialist Employment Stream/Specialist Employment Classification (SPEC), occupation name or similar. The method of recording may vary from electronic means to a hard copy log book entry.66
Initial currency date. The date the first aviation medical examination is completed. For example, a member who has never held a medical certificate has an examination for the issue of a medical certificate on 11 January 2015. The appropriate day for the certificate issue is 11 January 2015.
Currency. A medical certificate is considered current (valid) from the date of examination for a period not greater than the applicable 12/24 months duration, or the period directed by the AM if a relevant flexibility provision is used. Currency will vary depending on the currency management system used by the individual Service.
Ongoing Currency Management Compliance: Civil Harmonised System
A renewed certificate will remain current if a medical examination is completed within 28 days or less before the certificate’s expiry date, allowing another 12/24 months currency from the original expiry date. A certificate that is renewed more than 28 days before the certificate’s original expiry date, or after the original expiry date, is current from the date of issue and resets the expiry date. The following currency examples would apply:
If an aircrew medical examination was performed on 11 January 2015, the medical remains valid until the 11 January 2016.
An aircrew member who holds a medical certificate that is due to expire on 11 January 2016 has an examination for a new certificate on 1 November 2015 (more than 28 days). The appropriate day for the new certificate is 1 November 2015, with an expiry date of 1 November 2016.
An aircrew member who holds a medical certificate that is due to expire on 11 January 2016 has an examination for a new certificate on 20 December 2015 (28 days or less). The appropriate day for the new certificate is 20 December 2015, with an expiry date of 11 January 2017.
An aircraft controller or remote pilot who held a medical certificate that expired on 11 January 2016 has an examination for a new certificate on 20 January 2016 (expired). The appropriate day for the new certificate is 20 January 2016, with an expiry date of 20 January 2018.
Ongoing Currency Management Compliance: Service Specific
The relevant MAO, ANSP, ABMO or Sponsor, in consultation with COMAUSFLT/COMD AVNCOMD/ACAUST and IAM, may decide harmonisation with the civil system is less important than the Service requirements and adopt a different method to allow flexibility in completing aircrew medical examinations. A renewed certificate will remain current if completed no later than the end of the month in which the certificate was issued the previous year. A certificate that is renewed in a different month to the certificate’s expiry date is current from the date of issue with an expiry date to the end of the same month in the following year. The following currency examples would apply:
If an aircrew medical examination was performed on 11 January 2015, the medical remains valid until the 31 January 2016.
An aircraft controller or remote pilot who holds a medical certificate that is due to expire on 31 January 2016 has an examination for a new certificate on 20 December 2015 (different month). The appropriate day for the new certificate is 20 December 2015, with an expiry date of 31 December 2017.
An aircrew member who holds a medical certificate that is due to expire on 31 January 2016 has an examination for a new certificate on 20 January 2016 (same month). The appropriate day for the new certificate is 20 January 2016, with an expiry date of 31 January 2017.
An aircrew member who held a medical certificate that expired on 31 January 2016 has an examination for a new certificate on 5 February 2016 (expired). The appropriate day for the new certificate is 5 February 2016, with an expiry date of 28 February 2017.
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to:
Assure an entry standard is established for a person to conduct flying related duties so that aircrew, aircraft controllers and remote pilots will not compromise Aviation Safety due to deficiencies in Defence-prescribed physiological and psychological medical fitness standards.
Support civil recognition of Defence aviation medical standards by facilitating an option to harmonise Defence aviation medical currency with CASA regulatory requirements.
Provide a framework that allows the aviation command authority to direct aviation medical support requirements to the Defence health service provider.
Applicability – Remote Pilot (RP):
Certified Category UAS operations. DASR MED.10.A is applicable for all UAS operations under the Certified UAS category.
UASOP (Specific Type A) UAS operations. Applicability of DASR MED.10.A may be specified in the UASOP. The Authority and Command should consider the safety benefit of the RP holding a current aviation medical certificate.
Standard Scenario (Specific Type B) UAS operations. DASR MED.10.A is not applicable; however, Command may mandate the RP hold a current aviation medical certificate.
Open Category UAS operations. DASR MED.10.A is not applicable.
Foreign aircrew operation of Defence registered aircraft. Circumstances may exist where a foreign aircrew member is expected/required to operate a Defence registered aircraft. In such cases, the Accountable Manager (AM) should ascertain if the foreign aircrew medical requirements are reasonably comparable and acceptable to Defence medical requirements. If found acceptable, the AM may authorise foreign aircrew to operate the Defence registered aircraft. Advice may be sought from the relevant SSAMA regarding foreign aircrew medical requirements.
For pilot aircrew: valid for a period not greater than 12 months.
For non-pilot aircrew: valid for a period not greater than 24 months.
For aircraft controllers and remote pilots: valid for a period not greater than 24 months.55
The Accountable Manager must establish a medical fitness management system that ensures aircrew, aircraft controllers and remote pilots maintain medical fitness standards for flying related duties. GMGM AMCAMC
Aviation-related duties should not be performed when a medical or dental condition exists that may compromise suitability for those duties. IAM TMUFF Guidance provides minimum self-cancelling TMUFF periods for many conditions. If symptoms persist longer than the minimum self-cancelling TMUFF periods, an AVMO or Aviation Dental Officer (AVDO) consult is required.
Documentation. A TMUFF recommendation, including all restrictions, should be documented contemporaneously in writing.
Medical certificate. TMUFF does not affect medical certificate validity unless the condition persists into the next medical certificate currency period. In such cases, a flexibility provision under DASR MED.10.A may be used if the Accountable Manager (AM) deems this suitable and required.
TMUFF Reversal
TMUFF reversal. The AM, or a delegated command authority including Flight Authorising Officer / Supervisor, has final authority regarding authorisation of personnel to perform aviation-related duties including TMUFF reversal. TMUFF reversal is dependent on mission essential requirements and written AVMO advice, to inform a risk assessment. Some TMUFF issues may be managed administratively rather than seeking or returning for additional AVMO consultation. In such situations, the person may be TMUFF for a specified period and return to duty without AVMO review. Such circumstances include the following:
defined time limits prescribed in IAM TMUFF Guidance; and
where the AVMO has set a defined time limit or conditions–based return to aviation-related duties for uncomplicated, self-limiting conditions, e.g. gastric problems, cold, flu or similar, not prescribed in IAM TMUFF Guidance.
Remote AVMO consultation. Direct consultation with an AVMO may not always be possible. Verbal advice can be given by an AVMO. In the absence of the member’s usual AVMO, the Institute of Aviation Medicine duty SAVMO can be contacted for acute / operational SAVMO advice. Phone 0408 234 044.
Use of a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner (DAME). For Defence personnel who operate under oversight of a CASA medical certificate, a CASA DAME consultation may replace the AVMO consultation.
Purpose. The purpose of this regulation is to assure personnel engaged in aviation-related duties remain medically fit to do so through effective health management. Noting they will have a current medical certificate, factors such as injury or illness can adversely affect medical fitness, both in the short and long-term, but may not require assessment of the person's medical certificate. TMUFF may be recommended by:
any health care provider
commanders and supervisors
the individual concerned (self-imposed TMUFF).
Authority. The Accountable Manager, or a delegated command authority, has final authority regarding authorisation of personnel to perform aviation-related duties, including TMUFF reversal.
Applicability - Remote Pilot (RP):
DASR MED.15(a) is applicable for all UAS operations under the Certified UAS category.
DASR MED.15(a) is applicable to UAS operations under a UASOP (Specific Type A) category if the UASOP specifies requirement for the RP to hold a current aviation medical certificate.
DASR MED.15(a) is not applicable to UAS operations under Standard Scenario (Specific Type B) or Open category.