Parachutists face drug tests
Parachutists will have to submit to drug and alcohol tests under regulations proposed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
The regulator is seeking comment on proposed changes to parachuting rules including the expansion of drug and alcohol testing.
Currently only pilots and crew members of parachuting aircraft are subject to the CASA testing.
Under the new rules, parachutists, drop zone safety officers and manufacturers and maintainers of reserve and emergency parachutes, would be included in those subject to tests by CASA.
Other changes include a higher standard for parachute operations that involve a trainee or tandem parachutist.
The Australian Parachute Federation’s 2018 annual report said there were an average of 2.5 fatalities a year from skydiving, and 2.5 serious injuries for every 10,000 jumps.
Submissions close on September 23.
Parachutists will have to submit to drug and alcohol tests under new regulations proposed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.