Insufficient processing times and increasing frustration among pilots
For some time now, there has been an increasing number of complaints from pilots about the slow processing of their applications at the LBA. The problems range from delayed responses to cases resulting from ambiguities or communication problems. The consequences are devastating for many: pilots whose medicals are not issued on time lose their licence to fly and are therefore unable to fly professionally or privately.
Although affected associations such as the German Aero Club (DAeC), the German Ultralight Flying Association (DULV) and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) have already submitted a petition with almost 20,000 signatures to the Federal Minister of Transport, Volker Wissing, no concrete measures have been taken to date. The petition has not yet been addressed directly by the minister or in a personal meeting at the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport Affairs (BMDV). Instead, the matter was referred back to the specialised department, which was also unable to provide a prompt solution.
Overload and management problems at the LBA
The difficulties at the LBA are exacerbated by structural and personnel challenges. For example, several high-profile aviation physicians have left the office, which has significantly increased the workload for the remaining employees. In addition, the introduction of new software to make the processing of medicals more efficient failed. Even support from the German Armed Forces was generously refused, although urgently needed resources were available.
Hundreds of pilots have already filed lawsuits against the LBA in order to force the handling of their cases through the courts. Lawyers report that even the courts are now frustrated by the LBA's delayed responses and general lack of action.
Criticism and demands from AOPA and other associations
As the representative of pilots' interests, AOPA has shown a great deal of patience with the LBA and tried to engage in constructive dialogue. However, this patience has already been interpreted as weakness by some members of the organisation. AOPA has made it clear that it represents the interests of its members and is not prepared to accept the LBA's continued inaction.
A fundamental problem in the aviation administration appears to be a lack of acceptance of responsibility on the part of the decision-makers. The industry criticises the fact that no one in the management of the LBA or the Ministry of Transport feels personally responsible for the situation. However, this attitude is unacceptable for the aviation industry, as operators and flight schools are called to account at any time if there is the slightest suspicion of violations of the regulations.
Proposed solutions and demands for a round table
AOPA and the other associations concerned are calling for a round table to be convened with representatives of the aviation industry, aviation authorities and politicians. They want to work on concrete and realisable solutions to eliminate the years-long backlog in the processing of airworthiness certificates. This is not about confrontation, but about constructive cooperation in order to remedy the existing shortcomings and improve the urgently needed processes.
Conclusion: Call for responsibility and change
The aviation authority LBA is facing a serious crisis that is increasingly undermining the industry's trust in the German aviation administration. The associations are making it clear that they will no longer be satisfied with just being put off. The lack of willingness to act on the part of the authorities is now considered unacceptable and irresponsible, as professional and private livelihoods are at stake due to the sluggish processing.
The aviation industry is urgently calling for a rethink and consistent steps on the part of the political leadership to improve the situation in aviation medicine at the LBA.
Source references:
AOPA
