Medical practitioners and ophthalmologists seeking appointment must apply to CASA for approval. This applies to those who want to become a:
- designated aviation medical examiner (DAME)
- designated aviation ophthalmologist (DAO).
The designation period for initial appointments (designations) is 4 years. Reappointment designation periods consider continuing professional development (CPD) activities and can range from 1 to 4 years.
Optometrists must contact Optometry Australia to apply for appointment or reappointment as a credentialed optometrist.
Before you apply
Before you apply to to become a DAME or DAO, you must:
- have an aviation reference number (ARN).
- meet our eligibility requirements to apply for an initial appointment.
This includes meeting all conditions of appointment under either the:
- DAME conditions of appointment
- DAO conditions of appointment.
If you have any questions, or need help throughout the application process, contact us.
Application form for DAMEs and DAOs
Download
The file is an editable PDF. You can complete it using:
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Reader
- Adobe Fill and Sign.
The form contains instructions on how to complete it and the documents you must provide.
Save your completed form to your PC, ready to send when you have your supporting documents.
Supporting documents for your initial application
You must provide supporting documents with your application.
You can scan your documents and submit them electronically. Or, make a photocopy to send by post.
You must get some your documents certified as 'true copies' before you scan them.
Find people who can certify documents.
New DAME application documents
- Copy of your current medical practitioner’s registration.
- Certified copy of your aviation medicine qualification.
- Copy of your CASA Aviation Medicine Regulatory Course certificate.
- Copy of your passport sized colour photograph.
- Copy of your curriculum vitae (CV).
New DAO application documents
- Copy of your current medical practitioner’s registration.
- Certified copy of your aviation medicine qualification or training course.
- Certified copy of your fellowship papers (FRANZCO or equivalent).
- Copy of your passport sized colour photograph.
- Copy of your curriculum vitae (CV).
New locum or alternative DAME / DAO application documents
- Copy of your medical practitioner’s registration.
- Certified copy of your approved aviation medicine qualification (DAME only).
- Certified copy of fellowship (FRANZCO or equivalent) (DAO only).
How to submit your application
You can email (preferred), post or fax your application to us.
Use the contact details on the form.
After you apply
We will email you to confirm receipt.
Applications usually take between 7 and 14 days to process. We may ask for more information or additional supporting documentation. This can extend the processing time.
If we approve your application, we'll issue you with a Certificate of Designation. If we don't approve your application, or have further questions, we'll contact you.
If you disagree with an outcome, you can:
- apply for reconsideration by CASA
- contact the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT).
For more information, see