"A pilot's medical is the only one that I know of that you are not notified when it is due, so as usual mine crept up on me and it was not until I was checking my log book that I realised that mine was a couple of weeks overdue.

After making a number of phone calls and comparing prices (ranging from $80 to $220!) I found Dr Porges at Orange who gave me a good going over for a reasonable cost, however towards the end of the examination he produced a form, and told me that CASA had told him to collect $130 from the applicant to cover the cost of processing the form, in my case that would involve about 5 minutes work, so I was being severely ripped off.

The good doctor informed them that he was not a tax collector, but he would pass the form onto pilots and they could pay it if they decided to. I immediately emailed Warren Truss and let him know in no uncertain terms how disgusted I was at the high cost and the introduction of the charge with no industry consultation.

I would urge all pilots to fire off and email to him at: W.Truss.MP@aph.gov.au and let him know that this sort of treatment is not good enough.

Chris Grady. "

An email message expressing your amazement and annoyance may help the situation. Warren Truss's PA will acknowledge your email and if you want Warren Truss to reply, you will need to supply a postal address.