The Australian Air Pilots Mutual Benefit Fund

General Information

• The Australian Air Pilots Mutual Benefit Fund (MBF) membership year runs from 1 May – 30 April each year
• Join Online applications reflect a pro rata Contribution rate up to 30 April
• Applicants are not able to nominate a future start date of more than one calendar month nor a start date within the next MBF membership year
• The Renewals period occurs between 1 May and 31 May
• You can update your personal details including beneficiaries by logging into your MyPage ‘Member Profile’
• You can access member documents by logging into your MyPage ‘Member Documents’
• You can contact the Membership team by emailing membership@aapmbf.com.au or calling 03 9928 4500 and selecting Option 1
• Our office is located in Melbourne, Victoria Australia
• We are affiliated with the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) as our membership eligibility criteria requires you to be a financial member of AFAP. However, we operate as totally separate identities. The MBF provides its members with Loss of Licence Cover. You are protecting your Class 1 Medical Certificate.

1. What happens if I have not met my required Contributions payments?

   Rule 3 (Contributions), Rule 10 (Cessation of Membership)

   When joining the Fund, full payment of your Contributions is required so your member application can be processed.
   
   If paying your Annual Contributions by 12 monthly instalments, your VISA/MasterCard payment is processed on the first business day of each month. Members who have not paid by the last day of each month shall be deemed to have allowed their membership to have lapsed and shall not be entitled to any benefit. Membership will automatically cease.
   
   When you complete your Renewal each year during the month of May, there are different payment options available. Please refer to the Renewals FAQ section for details.

2. Can I still be a member when unemployed from Piloting?

   Rule 10 (Cessation of Membership), Rule 2 (Membership Eligibility)   
   
   You must advise MBF Membership when you change your employment status.

   Where a Member becomes an Unemployed Member, the Unemployed Member who maintains all other membership eligibility requirements can retain membership of the Fund for the balance of the Fund Year in which they became an Unemployed Member and a further period of up to three (3) years.
   
   Following this three year period, if they have not gained employment as a pilot the member must resign from the Fund.

   Providing they meet the criteria, a resigned member may be eligible to return to the Fund should they regain piloting employment.

   An unemployed member must continue to hold a current Class 1 Medical Certificate and remain a member of AFAP.

3. Do I need to maintain a Class 1 Medical Certificate?

   Rule 2 (Membership Eligibility)
   
   You must hold a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate to remain a member, regardless of your current employment status.     
   
   Members are able to operate on an Foreign Equivalent Class 1 Medical Certificate, however all benefit claims are based on the failure of the Australian Class 1 Medical Certificate standards.
   
   A valid commercial pilot licence is also required by those who are employed and either actively piloting or stood down (so that they are able accept employment in the profession of pilot).

4. If I gain employment air piloting one day a week, does that meet MBF membership requirements for income?

   
   If that is your principal source of income, yes.

5. What happens if my employer does not pay my loss of licence allowance directly to MBF?

   Rule 3 (Contributions)

   Members are responsible for payment of their membership contributions.

   If the employer does not pay on the member’s behalf, the member will be required to make payment and then pursue reimbursement from their employer.

6. What if I leave my Employer that has a Bulk Billing arrangement part way through the year?

   Rule 3 (Contributions)

   If your employment with your Bulk Billed employer ceases part way through the year, you will be liable for the amount that the MBF is required to reimburse to your employer.

7. Can I put my cover on ‘hold’ until I return to piloting?

   Rule 2 (Membership Eligibility)

   No – there is no provision to place your MBF membership on ‘hold’.

   There are options for you to voluntarily resign as a Member and return later, but you need to consider the terms and conditions of the Rules in respect of applying for or returning as a Member of the Fund.

8. What are my payment options?
   • Bpay
   • Bank Transfer
   • Credit Card (VISA/Mastercard preferred)
   • Combination of Bulk billed Employer Allowance/Out of Pocket Member payment by VISA/MasterCard.
   • If paying your Annual Contributions by 12 monthly instalments, your VISA/MasterCard payment is processed on the first business day of each month. Members who have failed to pay within 28 days of the due date, shall be deemed to have allowed their membership to have lapsed and shall not be entitled to any benefit. Membership will automatically cease from their last financial date.
   • There are no other fees and charges applied by the MBF when paying by credit card.
9. Will MBF cover me whilst I'm receiving a Third-Party liability payment?

   Rule 6 (Restricted Benefits), Rule 7 (Monthly Benefits)

   The Fund shall not be liable to make any payments of Benefits until such entitlement with any third-Party such as but not limited to workers’ compensation, transport or other accident compensation, employer periodical payments (including ‘make up payments’), state / federal legislation, or public or other liability claims except those payments made under Rule 6.5.4.
   
   If the aggregate payment amount received per month from the third-party or employer is less than the Claimants’ maximum rate of Monthly Benefits under Rule 7, a Claimant may be eligible for a partial payment for the difference between the Claimants’ maximum rate of Monthly Benefits under Rule 7.

10. Who is eligible to apply for a Refund of Contributions?

    Rule 3 (Contributions), Rule 2 (Membership Eligibility), Rule 10 (Cessation of Membership)

    In accordance with Rule 3, after 20 years of membership or 25 years (for cases where there is a break in Membership), current or former Members may be eligible to make application to receive a discretionary refund of some or all Contributions of the Standard Capital Benefit. Monthly benefits already paid will be deducted from the Refund of Contributions. The maximum amount of potential refund is limited to $75,000.
    
    Applications for a Refund of Contributions must be made within 365 days of the Member qualifying to do so under the terms of the Rules.

11. Do I have to remain a member with AFAP once I become a member of AAPMBF?

    Rule 2 (Membership Eligibility)

    To maintain membership and to be eligible to apply for Monthly Benefits and/or a Capital Payment you must be a Financial Member of AFAP.

12. How do I notify MBF of a change of my employer?

    Please contact MBF Membership by emailing membership@aapmbf.com.au or phone: 03 9928 4500.

    Note that Members are unable to change/update their Employer details via MyPage outside of Renewals.

13. What do I have to do if I want to resign as a member of the Fund?

    MBF must be advised if you wish to resign from the Fund. You must complete the MBF Resignation Notification form found in ‘Member Documents’ in MyPage.

    Please refer to FAQ 7 and consider the eligibility requirements if you are considering returning to the Fund at a later time.

14. What will my Contributions cost?

    Please refer to the current Contribution and Benefits Scale. 

    Contribution costs are based on a sliding scale depending on the level of Standard Capital Benefit the Member holds, the Member’s age at joining the MBF and the Member’s current age.
    
    To get an estimate on your cover and benefit options, please use our Quote
    
    For some examples on how the Contributions and Benefits Scale works, please click the image below:
    
    Please note that the above examples are based on the 2023-2024 Contribution Rates.

15. How do I know how much cover I hold?

    Please log into your MyPage member profile and click ‘Certificate of Membership’ button.

16. Are there conditions that I am not covered for?

    Rule 6 (Restricted Benefits), Rule 7 (Monthly Benefits)
    
    Please refer to Appendix 6a of the Fund Rules for conditions that are ineligible for a Capital Benefit balance, and Appendix 7a for conditions with limited Monthly Benefits.
    
    In addition to the Appendices, please refer to your Certificate of Membership for any Restrictions that may have been placed on pre-existing conditions (Zero/Limited Cover).

17. How do I update my Beneficiaries?

    Beneficiaries can be updated via MyPage at any time or during the Renewals process.
    
    To add an additional beneficiary and change the percentages, the new person needs to be added first and then once saved, the percentages can be adjusted and saved. Please ensure the amounts add to 100 percent.

5. Why do I have to renew my membership and what do I have to do?

   The AAPMBF Membership year ends 30 April for all members. Members are required to renew their membership when Renewals open on 01 May. Members are sent detailed communications and instructions prior to 1 May regarding the Renewal procedure. 
   
   If for whatever reason you cannot submit your Renewal application, please use the Save/Continue Later button.  YOUR RENEWAL PROCESS IS DEEMED INCOMPLETE UNTIL YOUR APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED INCLUDING PAYMENT.

6. Can I reduce my cover, and what do I have to do?

   Rule 3 (Contributions)

   To reduce cover when completing the Renewal application, a member may remove the Premium Capital Benefit and must do that if they reduce their Standard Capital Benefit (SCB) from the maximum required. Complete the MBF Cover Reduction Request form located on MyPage.

   The minimum cover a member can have is $100,000 SCB.

   The Death Benefit cover cannot exceed the Standard Capital Benefit cover amount. Please be aware of the eligibility requirements should you wish to increase your cover at the time of subsequent Renewals.

7. Can I increase my cover/How?

   Rule 4 (Members Changing Benefit Amounts)

   To increase cover when completing the Renewal application, and if a member is eligible to increase and/or hold the maximum SCB, that member may then add the Premium Capital Benefit (PCB).

   An application for increase is considered a new application and a Health Declaration is required.  Any pre-existing medical conditions declared are subject to restriction (Zero or Limited Cover) and will be reviewed by the Fund Medical Advisors and requires Board approval.

8. How much is next year going to cost?

   Rule 3 (Contributions)

   Contribution costs are based on a sliding scale depending on the level of Standard Capital Benefit the member holds, the member’s age when they joined MBF and the member’s current age (as at 01 May).  Please refer to the current Contribution and Benefits Scale.
   
   For some examples on how the Contributions and Benefits Scale works, please click the image below:
   
   Please note that the above examples are based on the 2023-2024 Contribution Rates.

9. What are my payment options?

   Pay Annual Contributions (one lump sum):

   • Bpay
   • Bank Transfer
   • Credit Card (VISA/Mastercard preferred)
   • Combination of Bulk billed Employer Allowance/Out of Pocket Member payment by VISA/MasterCard.
   • There are no other fees and charges applied by the MBF when paying by credit card.

   
   Pay Monthly Contributions (12 monthly instalments):

   • If paying your Annual Contributions by 12 monthly instalments, ONLY VISA/MasterCard payments will be accepted and is processed on the first business day of each month.
   • Members who have failed to pay within 28 days of the due date, shall be deemed to have allowed their membership to have lapsed and shall not be entitled to any benefit. Membership will automatically cease from their last financial date.
   • There are no other fees and charges applied by the MBF when paying by credit card.
     
     
10. Will my employer be paying an allowance for monthly instalments?

    If you pay your annual Contributions by monthly instalments and are seeking reimbursement from your employer, please ensure your employer will accept monthly receipts.  The AAPMBF can only issue tax invoice receipts for payments we have received.

11. Will my employer be bulk billed for my allowance amount?

    MBF has confirmed a direct billing arrangement with some employers. This is referred to as a bulk billing arrangement. If an employer allowance is shown in the breakdown of Contributions cost, then this is the amount that will be billed to your employer. The member is responsible for any costs over and above the allowance amount or where the allowance is not paid by the employer in accordance with MBF payment terms.

12. What if I leave my Employer that has a Bulk Billing arrangement part way through the year?

    Rule 3 (Contributions)

    If your employment with your Bulk Billed employer ceases part way through the year, you will be liable for the pro rata amount that MBF is required to reimburse your employer.

13. Do I need to have a current Class 1 Medical Certificate to complete my Renewal?

    Yes, all members regardless of their employment status must hold a valid Australian Class 1 Medical Certificate or Foreign Equivalent. You will be required to upload a copy of your Certificate in order to submit and complete the Renewal process.

    Only members who are current Notifications or Claimants will be able to submit their Renewal without this evidence.

    Note that members who are either a Notification or Claimant must still renew and be a member of the Fund in order to receive benefit payments. They must also remain a Financial Member of AFAP.

14. What do I do if I've forgotten my Password?

    If you have forgotten your password, please use the Forgot your Password? feature below the login area. You will be asked to verify your account with some personal details and an email link will be sent to reset the password.
    
    Please note that the email sent after verifying your details times out after 60mins. Also ensure you check Junk and Spam folders if the email has not arrived in your Inbox.

15. File Uploads

    When uploading your Class 1 Certificate through the Renewals processes, ensure the below Evidence Upload box shows the filename under the Add documents button before trying to save. Depending on size of file, it can take up to 30 seconds. If the filename does not show, the system hasn’t accepted the file yet.
    

16. How do I update my Beneficiaries?

    Beneficiaries can be updated via MyPage at any time or during the Renewals process.
    
    To add an additional beneficiary and change the percentages, the new person needs to be added first and then once saved, the percentages can be adjusted and saved. Please ensure the amounts add to 100 percent.
    
    
    

1. What is a Notification?

   Rule 5 (Notification of an Aeromedical Significant Event/Condition)
   
   To meet your obligations under the Rules, you must notify the MBF within 30 days of any event or medical condition that may lead you to having your Class 1 Medical Certificate cancelled or suspended. A Notification is not a Claim, but a ‘heads-up’ that you are currently grounded, perhaps due to illness or injury, and working on regaining your Class 1, without currently needing any assistance from the MBF.

2. What is the 28-day eligibility period for making a Claim?

   Rule 1 (Introduction and Definitions - Definitions: Waiting Period)

   Once you’ve 'Notified' us that your Class 1 Medical Certificate has been cancelled or suspended you cannot receive funds from the MBF until you exhaust all your sick/personal leave and/or 28 days has passed since the incident or illness, whichever occurs last. The 28-day eligibility period is not paid.

3. Does the MBF make back-payments?

   Rule 7 (Monthly Benefits - Commencement of Monthly Benefits)

   No, the MBF pays benefits from the day of the Board meeting at which your claim is approved. As required under the Rules your claim is then reassessed every month by the Board at its meetings to determine if you are still eligible to receive benefit payments.

4. Do I have to pay tax on Monthly Benefits?

   
   Yes, as an Australian company the MBF is required to withhold tax on all Monthly Benefits paid, therefore tax is deducted from your gross benefit amount – even if you are an overseas-based pilot and do not usually pay tax.

5. Why do I have to provide medical reports?

   Rule 7 (Monthly Benefits - Medical Assessment)
   
   Members and the Board must comply with the obligations under the AAPMBF Rules. The Board is assisted by its Fund Medical Advisers and in order to assess a claim medical evidence is required; for example reports from your GP, specialists, hospital admission and discharge summaries, and treatment plans.

   To confirm that you are still unfit to fly you are required to provide a report from a medical practitioner when requested whilst receiving benefits.

6. If I’m receiving funds from WorkCover, or any other authority, do I still qualify to receive MBF benefits?

   Rule 6 (Restricted Benefits – Third Party Claim Liability 'Top Up' Payments)
   
   No, you have to fully extinguish your claim with WorkCover, the DVA, Traffic Accident Authority, or whatever statutory entity your event comes under, before you can make a claim with the MBF.

7. Why do I have to supply a letter from my employer confirming salary?

   Rule 7 (Monthly Benefits - Rates of Monthly Benefit Payments)
   
   The Monthly Benefit calculation is based on a combination of your level of Loss of Licence cover with the MBF and your piloting income (gross annual salary, without intermittent or occasional allowances and superannuation). The MBF must have this confirmed by your employer. 

8. Are there conditions that Im not covered for?

   Rule 6 (Restricted Benefits), Rule 7 (Monthly Benefits)
   
   Please refer to Appendix 6a of the Fund Rules for conditions that are ineligible for a Capital Benefit balance, and Appendix 7a for conditions with limited Monthly Benefits.

1. Not receiving our email communications?

   Always check your Junk/Spam folders if you are expecting email communication from MBF.
   
   We also use Mailchimp subscription for mass emails and Burst SMS subscription for mass SMS texts. If you have unsubscribed from these, you will not get any of our regular communications to all members. If this is the case, please contact us asking in writing to have yourself resubscribed.

2. Forgotten Password

   If you have forgotten your password, please use the Forgot your Password? feature below the login area. You will be asked to verify your account with some personal details and an email link will be sent to reset the password.
   
   Please note that the email sent after verifying your details times out after 60mins. Also ensure you check Junk and Spam folders if the email has not arrived in your Inbox.

3. Autofill

   A few members have advised problems entering data into some fields, especially when selecting Citizenship or Address. This has commonly been found to be cause by the web browser's Autofill function that tries to populate its saved data into these fields. Please see the attached document to learn how to disable or clear Autofill in your browser.

4. File Uploads

   When uploading documents through Join Online or Renewals processes or via MyPage, ensure the below Evidence Upload box shows the filename under the Add documents button before trying to save. Depending on size of file, it can take up to 30 seconds. If the filename does not show, the system hasn’t accepted the file yet.