6.4 Medical certificate extension or short-term re-issue

CASR 67.220 states:

67.220 Medical certificates—extension of period in force by DAMEs

1. A DAME must, on receiving an application under regulation 67.210 for an extension of the period during which a current medical certificate remains in force:
   1. deal with the application in accordance with the Designated Aviation Medical Examiner's Handbook
   2. extend the period only if the DAME is satisfied that this will not adversely affect the safety of air navigation.
2. If the DAME extends the period during which a medical certificate remains in force, the DAME must:
   1. enter the period of the extension on the certificate or
   2. give to the holder of the certificate a written notice setting out the period of the extension
3. A medical certificate may be extended by a DAME only once.
4. An extension by a DAME of the period during which the certificate remains in force must not be for longer than two months after the day when the certificate would expire if the period had not been extended.

This process is facilitated by MRS, which asks at the end of the examination: 'Do you want to revalidate the applicant's medical certificate?' If yes, a new medical certificate is produced. The DAME signs the certificate, which may then be printed off (from the MRS document tree) and is automatically emailed to the applicant at their registered email.

A medical certificate can only be extended or issued if the DAME is satisfied that this will not adversely affect the safety of air navigation. Medical Certificates must not be extended or issued in the following circumstances:

1. There is a medical condition which may adversely affect the safety of air navigation.
2. The words 'Do not renew' or 'Renew by CASA only' appear on the existing certificate.
3. An initial application has been made for a class of certificate.
4. The Applicant's medical certificate has been suspended which remains in place.
5. Where the timing of the application does not meet the date criteria—examples are listed below.

If a DAME has any concerns about an applicant meeting the medical standard, he/she must decline to revalidate the medical certificate and refer the matter to CASA for determination. Relevant specialist opinions and/or investigations should be obtained and the results forwarded to CASA, together with the DAME's opinion concerning the applicant's fitness for certification.

Date criteria: Extensions can only be issued as follows (refer CASR 67.220):

• If the applicant's medical certificate has not expired and the assessment is conducted more than 28 days before the expiry date shown on the certificate-for up to two calendar months from the date of the assessment. (But see 'Exception for ATPL recertification' below)
  • Example: Medical certificate expires 31 December 2018 Person arrives for medical exam on 01 December 2018. Certificate can be extended until 1 February 2019.
• If the applicant's medical certificate has not expired and the assessment is conducted within 28 days preceding the expiry date shown on the certificate - for up to two calendar months beyond the expiry date shown on the certificate.
  • Example: Medical certificate expires 31 December 2018. Person arrives for medical exam 14 December 2018. Certificate can be extended until 28 February 2019.

Date criteria: A new issue of a certificate by a DAME (not as a delegate of CASA) can only be issued as follows (refer CASR 67.225):

• If the applicant's medical certificate has expired, and the assessment is conducted within three calendar months of the expiry date shown on the certificate—a new medical certificate can be issued by the DAME for up to two calendar months from the date of the assessment.
  • Example: Medical certificate expires 31 December 2010. Person arrives for medical exam 1 March 2011. Certificate can be extended until 1 May 2011.