9 August 2010:

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - 17th September 2010, commencing 1pm
Dear Members,

The Annual General Meeting of Recreational Aviation Australia Inc. will be held in Canberra (ACT) at 3/1 Pirie Street, Fyshwick on the 17th September 2010 commencing at 1pm.

On behalf of your Board I invite you to attend the meeting.

This meeting includes a motion for vote by members on a proposed change to our Constitution as explained in the August edition of our magazine (and also below). So, if you are unable to attend and you are entitled to vote, I encourage you to participate by appointing a Financial Member of the Association who will be attending the meeting as a proxy to vote on your behalf.

For your appointment of proxy and vote to be valid, the form which you should receive in the August magazine must reach the office at the address above no later than 1pm Thursday 16th September 2010, i.e. not less than twenty four hours before the time for holding the Annual General Meeting.

Please read the following instructions carefully before completing the Appointment of Proxy form.

I look forward to your attendance at the Annual General Meeting.

Lynn Jarvis
Secretary, Recreational Aviation Australia Inc.

HOW TO COMPLETE THE PROXY FORM
1 Your Name and Address
Please include your name, address and the state where you reside. Note that only “ordinary members” as defined in the Constitution are entitled to vote. Honorary, affiliate, temporary and life members are not entitled to vote.

2 Appointment of a Proxy
Please write the name and address of the individual that you wish to appoint as your proxy in the spaces provided. You can also appoint a second individual as proxy in the event that the first cannot attend the meeting. Note that only one vote may be cast on your behalf. If you do not appoint any proxy on this form, your vote will be invalid. This proxy only applies to the Annual General Meeting, and any adjournment of that meeting.

3 Voting
 You may direct your proxy how to vote, either IN FAVOUR or AGAINST the motion for the proposed resolution by deleting as applicable. If you do not delete one of the options, your vote will be invalid.

4 Signing
You must sign this form in the space provided.

LODGEMENT OF THE PROXY FORM
This Appointment of Proxy may be lodged using the reply paid envelope or otherwise by mail or in person to the office of Recreational Aviation Australia, PO Box 1265, 3/1 Pirie St. Fyshwick, A.C.T., 2609 or by fax to 02 6280 4775. Email is not accepted.

This form must reach the office no later than 1pm on Thursday 16th September 2010.
 



9 August 2010:

Notice of Proposed Amendment to our Constitution
RECOMMENDATION FOR CHANGE TO CONSTITUTION

BACKGROUND:
The RA-Aus Constitution provides for election of Board members by way of a “one member one vote” principle as well as allowing for state-based representation and for geographic isolation. After request by members to rectify the anomaly in the relationship between the number of Board members in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, the RA-Aus Board Election Subcommittee has recommended increasing the number of Board members in Victoria from 2 to 3 (representing 2143 members) while reducing the number of Board members in Queensland from 4 to 3 (representing 2202 members).

Because Queensland is geographically larger and more isolated in membership distribution, the Subcommittee undertook a geographical analysis using postcode data and recommended that the separate voting region for the Northern Queensland representative be retained with statistical analysis confirming the current latitude boundary.

The proposed change would occur concurrently when elections are due for Group B in 2011. At this time the position for South Queensland (No 3) would be replaced by Victoria (No 3).

The Board made a decision at the 27 February 2010 board meeting to accept the recommendation of the Election Subcommittee, and this Notice of Motion is duly given of the Special Resolution for the next AGM to be held in Canberra at the RA-Aus office on 17th September 2010.

SPECIAL RESOLUTION
Proposed Amendment to RA-Aus CONSTITUTION

The proposed changes are:

APPENDIX B REGIONAL DEFINITIONS AND GROUP ALLOCATION FOR BIENNIAL ELECTIONS
Regional Definitions and Representatives

South Queensland (South of latitude 22ºS)
The number of representatives will be changed from 3 to 2, making a total of 3 representatives for Queensland.

Victoria
The number of representatives will be changed from 2 to 3, making a total of 3 representatives for Victoria.

Group allocations
Regional Representatives:
Group B - Odd-numbered years “South Queensland (No3)” will be replaced with “Victoria (No 3)”

Steve Tizzard
Chief Executive Officer, RA-Aus



7 July 2010

Research in aviation — pilots wanted!

Dr Brett Molesworth, an aviation safety and human factors lecturer at the University of New South Wales is looking for pilots within the Sydney region to assist with research. At present, he is recruiting pilots for a study titled 'Risk Management in General Aviation' — referring to the non-commercial sector of aviation and its pilots; e.g. those who fly for fun. The aim of this study is two-fold; examine various risk management strategies in aviation, as well as the effectiveness of various training methods in improving pilot risk management behaviour.

UNSW flight simulator view Mr Daniel Kwon, an Honours student within the department is assisting Dr Molesworth where pilots are asked to complete two one-hour sessions on the department's flight simulator. The flight simulator is a computer-based simulator that has a 7.5 metre curved screen, providing pilots 180 degrees of scenery.

For assisting with the research, pilots are provided a $40 bookshop gift voucher at the end of the second session, which is redeemable at 90% of bookshops across Australia. If you can spare 2 hours, one hour each week for 2 weeks, have at least 20 hours of powered flight experience and are prepared to travel to UNSW Kensington, please contact Dr Molesworth.

      b.molesworth@unsw.edu.au


June 30, 2010: The need for knowledge of the civil aviation legislation

In common with the other member nations of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), aviation in Australia is a highly regulated activity. RA-Aus members must follow all applicable regulatory material unless it is covered differently in our exemptions. Our exemptions are contained in Civil Aviation Orders (CAO) 95.10, 95.32 and 95.55, and these are included in our Operations and Technical Manual. We understand that many 'weekend pilots' will find it difficult to identify which legislation applies, never mind trying to interpret all the regulatory material.

It is evident that some members know very little about those regulations, or perhaps have little regard for them; it is essential that we do not blindly ignore that legislation. All members associated with aircraft ownership, maintenance and/or flight operations must maintain an acceptable level of knowledge pertaining to the legislation which relates to aircraft ownership, maintenance and flight operations (under the day visual flight rules (VFR) and outside controlled airspace).

All members should review the material contained in the document 'The enabling regulatory framework', particularly sections 1 and 4. Please note the penalties prescribed for non-compliance with most regulations.

Steve Tizzard



Updated 3 June 2010:
AIP Book and ERSA changes are now in effect

Further to the 10 April 2010 notice & — Airservices Australia have released AIP Book amendment list 63 with an effective date of 3 June 2010 and the CAR amendments have been promulgated. The amended issues of the AIP Book and ERSA are available online at www.airservicesaustralia.com/publications/aip.asp (click the 'I agree' button to gain entry).

The changed communication requirements when operating in the vicinity of a non-towered aerodrome are defined in AIP ENR 1.1 section 20 — 'Radio communication and navigation requirements' (pages ENR 1.1 – 42 to ENR 1.1 – 51).

Changed 'Operations in Class G airspace' are defined in AIP ENR 1.1 sections 40 – 50 (pages ENR 1.1 – 69 to ENR 1.1 – 83).

Note that the CTAF(R) designation have disappeared from charts and other publications. When flight planning, the only sure way to identify which aerodromes are certified or registered — and thus associated with mandatory VHF radio carriage and use when operating in their vicinity, even at another airfield — is to gain the information from the aerodrome entry in ERSA FAC, or notam if an aerodrome is temporarily designated for mandatory carriage of VHF radio.

Members should be aware that, in general, there is an increasing need to familiarise themselves with all those parts of the Airservices Australia's Aeronautical Information Publications (i.e. AIP Book, ERSA, SUP/AICs, notam and charts) that are pertinent to flight outside controlled airspace under the visual flight rules. Also the exemptions to some Civil Aviation Regulations, currently provided by CAO 95.55, CAO 95.32 and CAO 95.10, will eventually no longer exist.

Please throw out your PCA, VNCs, VTCs and ERC-Ls and get a new set from the Airservices Australia online store or other source.

The only mandatory broadcast now defined in AIP is related to the new CAR 166C which makes an overriding ruling: 'The pilot must make a broadcast ... whenever it is reasonably necessary to do so to avoid a collision, or the risk of a collision, with another aircraft ...'

Note: in a regulatory or legal sense the word 'must' indicates a mandatory action or procedure while 'should' indicates a recommended action or procedure.

The requirement for mandatory broadcasts when (a) inbound to land, (b) before entering a runway and (c) when in the vicinity of the aerodrome has been removed from CAR 166A and does not re-appear elsewhere.

AIP recommends the following broadcasts:
The AIP no longer defines any mandatory or recommended in-circuit broadcasts such as 'turning downwind', 'turning base', 'turning final' or 'clear of runway'.

The effect of these changes is to considerably reduce the number of transmissions previously considered necessary in the regulations or AIP Book. Such operational decisions are now properly left to the pilot, who is expected to conduct operations in an airmanlike manner in accordance with the existing environment and traffic conditions. It might be that a pilot arriving at a CTAF airfield need only make an 'inbound' broadcast followed by (say) a 'joining circuit downwind' broadcast and then perhaps a 'turning final' broadcast.

The 'Radiotelephony communications and procedures' and the 'Australian airspace regulations' guides have been updated to incorporate these changes.

... JB



10 April 2010: CAAP 166-1(0) and CAAP 166-2(0)

CASA have released the two advisory publications associated with the changing operating and communications regulations* for all aircraft at the 300 or so certified and registered aerodromes. These new regulations will come into effect 3 June 2010.

*Mandatory carriage of radio — and being qualified to use the radio — when operating at those registered and certified non-towered aerodromes. Recommended radio broadcasts and circuit procedures for ALL non-towered aerodromes.

The Civil Aviation Advisory Publications are: CAAP 166-1 'Operations in the vicinity of non-towered (non-controlled) aerodromes' and CAAP 166-2 'Pilots responsibility in collision avoidance in the vicinity of non-towered (non-controlled) aerodromes by 'see and avoid'.

CAAPs (and ACs) do not define 'standard operating procedures'. They may suggest what appears to be a de facto standard but it is purely advisory, not compulsory. See the notes in 'The enabling regulatory framework' page.

Please note that the term 'ultralight' as used in the CAAPs when recommending a 500 feet circuit height, refers only to those RA-Aus aircraft which have a maximum cruising speed below 55 knots, or thereabouts. Please read the combined CAAP 166-1/166-2 document.

I have compiled a listing in text file format of CASR Part 139 certified aerodromes [184] and registered aerodromes [120] but it may not reflect current status so check ERSA.

... JB



9 April 2010: The Airservices Australia — RA-Aus 2010 flight training scholarship program awards.

Students awarded $2500 from the Airservices Australia grant:
Students each awarded $850 for flight training from the RA-Aus members GYFTS fund:


For more information see the Flight training scholarship program


January 25, 2010: Airservices Australia helps the GYFTS Program - Giving Young Flyers Training Support

Most members are now aware of the existence of GYFTS, a fund enabled by the generosity of our members which is awarded in the form of scholarships to deserving and capable young flyers. This is to enable them to continue their flight training when they may otherwise be unable to do so due to financial hardship.

Airservices Australia website For the the next three years, 2010-2012, Airservices Australia have very generously agreed to sponsor a number of additional scholarships for 15–20 year olds within the GYFTS program.

For more information see the Flight training scholarship program



January 22, 2010: 2009 highlights

Also see the 'Benchmark events in Australian Recreational Aviation' page.

The year was very disappointing in terms of our primary goal — safe flying. It started very well; there were no fatal accidents in the first seven months and it looked like the human factors training programs were starting to produce the required results.

Then there were five fatal accidents between August and December. Three of the accidents involved trikes, one of which was an unregistered aircraft. A passenger also died in one of the trike accidents. In addition, there was a sixth accident where an RA-Aus three-axis Pilot Certificate holder died in a trike registered with HGFA.

So, a year that started with a lot of promise — following the gains made in 2008 — ended very badly. In effect, maintaining the historical average annual number of 4.5 fatal accidents.

Past history shows that 87% of RA-Aus accidents involve, or are directly attributed to, critical decisional errors or human factor related events. The elimination of such events must be regarded as the last frontier to be conquered by the members of this association in our quest for fatality-free operations.

The only statistic that the membership must be striving for is zero — no fatal accidents and no bad injuries.

Growth in numbers

Although there was no evident growth in safety effectiveness; throughout 2009 there was very healthy growth in membership, flight training facilities and Recreational Aviation clubs. There are now 9186 ordinary members; reflecting an increase in numbers of 746. A similar increase occurring during 2010 would bring the voting membership close to 10 000.

The number of RA-Aus approved and independently operating flight training facilities increased by 15 (10%) during 2009, totalling 154 at December 31. That total excludes eight satellite FTFs currently operating under the control of a parent FTF.

The number of known clubs associated with Recreational Aviation now totals around 106; again, a healthy increase during 2009.

Economic conditions seem to have affected the number of new aircraft registrations and the number of registration cancellations. The number of aircraft on the RA-Aus register at the end of 2009 was 2955; an increase of only 2%. See the January 14, 2010 notice.

Regulatory environment

The continuing non-promulgation of CASR Part 103 and CASR Part 149 remains a major disappointment. This was exacerbated by CASA's October decision not to proceed with Project CS 06/01 'Proposed MTOW increase for aircraft operating under CAO 95.55'.

In 2008 CASA established Project OS 08/13 'Early implementation of certain proposed CASR Part 103 standards via CAO'. See the April 6, 2009 notice Changes to CAOs 95.10, 95.32 and 95.55. Promulgation seems to have stalled except that, in July, the Director of Aviation Safety, Mr. John McCormick, decided to maintain the current policy of entry into Controlled Airspace requiring a CASA Licence.

... JB


January 14, 2010: RA-Aus membership at 11 January 2010

StateStudent and pilot members
with no PC endorsements		Pilot members with
PC endorsements		Non-flying
members		Total
  members  
ACT 38 95 2 135
NSW 786 1554 48 2388
NT 54 85 2 141
Qld 741 1615 42 2398
SA 355 670 13 1038
Tas 81 177 3 261
Vic 724 1413 39 2176
WA 206 370 13 589
O'seas 13 47 0 60
Total 2998 6026 162 9186


Not included in the above table of 'Ordinary Members' are 12 non-voting Junior Members — a new category for this year of pre-solo student pilots who are under 15 years old.

The total, including those non-voting juniors, is 9198, which is up 9.5% from the 8400 at December 31 2008. The corresponding increase in 2008 over 2007 was 8%. The ratio of total members to registered aircraft hovered around 2.5:1 for some years but it has been drifting up during the last few years and is now 3.1:1. However, the ratio of Pilot Certificate holders with endorsements to registered aircraft is probably more meaningful; this is currently 2.0:1.

(Note: the RA-Aus Constitution allows — to deserving individuals — the reward of life membership or honorary membership; there are currently about twelve such appointments. Such members are not entitled to vote. In addition recreational pilots visiting Australia may take up free 28-day temporary membership; in January 2010 there were 27 visitors representing around 15 nations.)

... JB



January 14, 2010: Number of aircraft on RA-Aus register

The recent economic conditions seem to have slowed new registrations and affected registration renewals. There were 350 new registrations in 2006, 342 in 2007, 315 in 2008 and 247 in 2009; while registration cancellations in 2009 jumped to 183 aircraft.

Consequently, the number of aircraft on the register increased by only 2% during 2009 — the number of new registrations largely offset by aircraft dropping off the register, see table 2.

Over the last 3.5 years there has been a 10 percentage-point shift away from home-builts (now 43% of total aircraft) towards increasingly complex factory-built aircraft. This has resulted in a substantial increase in the market value of the RA-Aus flight line — currently estimated at $102 million; (see table 4). In the factory-built category, powered 'chutes and trikes are maintaining — if not expanding — their popularity amongst association members.

Category
prefix		Civil Aviation Order
& paragraph		  Number & % of total
at December 21, 2009		  % of total at
December 31, 2007		% of total at
June, 2006
10- CAO 95.10 250 – 8.5%12% 13%
19-CAO 95.55 para 1.5 & 1.9926 – 31% 32% 35%
28-CAO 95.55 para 1.2104 – 3.5%4%5%
 Total home-built 1280 – 43%48%53%
 
32-CAO 95.32 trikes & 'chutes433 – 15% 14%12%
24- CAO 95.55 para 1.6 & 1.8741 – 25%18%12%
25-CAO 95.55 para 1.4290 – 10% 11%10%
55- CAO 95.55 para 1.3211 – 7% 8%10%
 Total factory-built1675 – 57% 52%47%
 Total on register2955  


... JB




Cancellation of CASA Project CS 06/01 – proposed MTOW increase for aircraft operating under CAO 95.55

CASA has decided not to proceed with this project and it was closed 9 October 2009

See the April 6, 2009 notice Changes to CAOs 95.10, 95.32 and 95.55.



September 18, 2009: CASA's continuing AvSafety Seminar program

CASA is continuing with the Safety Seminar program, targeting pilots in regional Australia and run in partnership with local aero clubs.

Safety issues being covered are:
      •   Fuel management
      •   VFR into IMC
      •   Situational awareness
      •   Runway incursions
      •   Operations in and around controlled airspace
      •   Air safety and basic human performance
      •   Pilot maintenance
      •   Organisational culture
      •   Operations at uncontrolled airports
      •   Responsibilities of the pilot in command
      •   Airmanship
      •   Controlled flight into terrain

CASA and occasionally other experts will deliver a presentation on the chosen topics as well as engage pilots in lively discussions about relevant local issues. The local Aero Club will host the evening and will choose topics that give the most benefit to their local pilots. CASA also provides a free BBQ for all attending.

For current venues and dates, please check www.casa.gov.au/seminars/avsafety.asp.



2009 RA-Aus Board election voting

Members from NSW and Victoria voted in the Group B biennial election which closed August 14.

The results are:

New South Wales & ACT — David Caban was returned to the board.

Victoria — Ian Baker was elected as a new board member.

NSW/ACT voting
CandidateVotes
Dave Caban 177
Graeme Hutchison 43
Colin Evans 61
Wayne King 71
Total votes 352


Victoria voting
CandidateVotes
Ian Baker 187
Bill Cain 165
Total votes 352


Member election participation was again very disappointing. The percentage of eligible participants who lodged a vote was NSW/ACT 14.7%* and Victoria 16.2%. NSW participation was down 45% on last year and Victoria was down 17%. A possible inference to be drawn from the very low participation is that 85% of members are quite content with the way the association is being managed, which is also indicated by the fact that the board members who stand for re-election tend to be re-elected — and for several terms.

*Note that 607 NSW members voted in the NSW June 1, 2009 by-election; 329 of those votes went to one candidate — Paul Middleton.

Unfortunately only two persons (both existing board members) nominated for election to the two vacancies in South Queensland, so Myles Breitkreutz and John McKeown were returned unopposed in South Queensland. Thus, about 1500 South Queensland members did not get the opportunity to vote.

Only Lynn Jarvis nominated for election in South Australia, so he was also returned to the board without an election. The same happened in Western Australia where Edwin Smith was returned as a new board member. The board members-elect (Edwin Smith and Ian Baker) assume their seats at the September general meeting.

The overall result is that only 704 members were involved in the vote in this election.

... JB


Advice from the CEO regarding entry into controlled airspace

July 31, 2009

Dear RA-Aus members,

Developments have occurred in the last 24 hours that all Recreational Aviation Australia Inc. (RA-Aus) members must be made aware of. As many of you know, RA-Aus has been pursuing the introduction of Controlled Airspace to our certificates and this has been eagerly anticipated by many members. Today we received a letter from the Director of Aviation Safety, Mr. John McCormick advising us of his decision to maintain the current policy of entry into Controlled Airspace requiring a CASA Licence. RA-Aus continues to engage with CASA to provide an equitable outcome for members and urges RA-Aus members to allow the organisation to continue negotiation without undue interference.

As described previously the conditions for entry into Controlled Airspace for RA-Aus only certificated members has not been introduced by RA-Aus and as such it is important that all RA-Aus Members not holding a current PPL or higher Licence do not access Controlled Airspace.

Further implications for RA-Aus members in the upcoming months will be the CASA proposed introduction of Mandatory Radio Carriage (VHF) into all registered and certified Aerodromes* across Australia. This directive is subject to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) process and RA-Aus will notify members of it's progress and time to respond in the future.

For the majority of members, operation without a VHF Radio is minimal, however this will effect a significant proportion of our older, lower performance aircraft and as a result is of significant concern to RA-Aus. As and when further information is available it will be communicated by the RA-Aus website, bulk email and the RA-Aus Magazine.

The RA-Aus Board and Staff would ask that you remain patient while further information and negotiation on the topics listed above are pursued.

Lee Ungermann
Chief Executive Officer
Recreational Aviation Australia Inc.

Attachment: Letter from the Director of Aviation Safety, Mr. John McCormick

*(I have compiled a listing in text file format of the current CASR Part 139 certified aerodromes [184] and registered aerodromes [120] ... JB)

April 6, 2009: Changes to CAOs 95.10, 95.32 and 95.55

It appears that promulgation of the proposed CASR Parts 103 and 149 (see earlier notices) may be delayed for at least one year, possibly two years. The NPRMs for Part 103 and Part 149 were released in April and July 2007 following ten years consultation and negotiation with CASA by the various organisations within the recreational aviation community.

Subject to CASA legal drafting advice the CASA project team is now proposing to incorporate a number of publicly consulted standards (that are proposed for Part 103) by amending the CAOs 95.10, 95.32 and 95.55 (plus others not associated with RA-Aus operations). RA-Aus will then continue to operate under the exemption CAOs (rather than CASR Parts 103 and 149) for quite some time.

The proposed CAO amendments of interest to RA-Aus members are:

1. Extend the range of aircraft covered by CAO95.55 by raising the weight limit for all aeroplanes to 600 kg for landplanes and 650 kg for seaplanes — where a certification standard does not limit them to a lesser weight. A weight increase to 750/760 kg will not be implemented in CAO95.55.

2. Removal of the 5000 feet altitude limitation.

3. Access to controlled airspace on the basis of an RA-Aus qualification instead of relying on a CASA licence as evidence of competence, or the granting of a specific CASA permission.

4. CAO 95.10 to be amended so that operators of these aeroplanes have access to the same privileges as pilots of other RA-Aus aeroplanes whilst retaining restrictions on operation of such aeroplanes that relate to the safety of third parties.

Requirement to carry 406.025 MHz beacons. The requirement for an Australian aircraft to carry an approved distress beacon or emergency locating device is stated in CAR 252A (as amended 1 February 2009). However, CAOs 95.10, 95.32 and 95.55 currently allow an exemption for RA-Aus aircraft from that CAR; thus, RA-Aus aircraft are currently not required to carry an ELT, though many of our members wisely do so. However, it is most likely that — coincident with the implementation of the preceding changes — the CAR 252A exemption will be removed from those CAOs (the same effect will occur when CASR Part 103 is finally promulgated), so EVERY two-place RA-Aus aircraft operating beyond 50 nm from their starting point will then be required to conform with the regulation and carry a 406 MHz beacon registered with AMSA. See 'Distress beacons and AusSAR'.


The following is an abridged version of the CASA document appearing on the CASA website. It omits parts not directly relevant to RA-Aus operations. The complete document can be found at www.casa.gov.au. Click through Regulations and Policy → Changing the rules → Active projects → Project OS 08/13

... JB

CASA Project OS 08/13: early implementation of certain proposed CASR Part 103 standards via CAO

Background

Changes to CAO 95.4, 95.8, 95.10, 95.12, 95.12.1, 95.32, 95.54 and 95.55 are being proposed to give early effect to consulted changes in NPRM 0603OS - CASR Part 103 - Sport and Recreational Aviation Operations.

Some privileges that will become routine with proposed CASR Part 103 have been granted only by special approval on a one-off basis by operator and location, and sometimes for a limited timeframe, despite the industry being prepared in terms of Operations Manuals and assessment procedures to manage them more widely.

CASR Part 103 is now in an advanced stage of OLDP drafting and a Summary of Responses has been prepared identifying the privileges CASA intends to grant, following the NPRM process. Public and industry submissions received in response to this proposal, which closed in September 2007, were overwhelmingly in favour of the standards proposed in the NPRM.

However, finalisation and implementation of CASR Part 103 will be significantly delayed by factors outside CASA's control, namely the extended time that will be taken in drafting the final rules for the closely-related Part 149 and the loss of drafting priority for these Parts, which have been overtaken by higher priority 'mainstream' Operational CASR Parts

CASA intends ... early implementation via CAOs for some standards already publicly consulted in Part 103. Subject to CASA legal drafting advice it is proposed to incorporate a number of publicly consulted standards that it is proposed will be contained in Part 103 by amending the sport and recreational aviation CAO 95 series Orders.

Request for RAAO input
The following listed standards have been identified as "likely candidates" for change. RAAOs are invited to suggest additional changes that have been consulted in Part 103 NPRM for consideration for incorporation in this project.

Judgements will be made about the value of additional suggested changes (for RAAOs and for CASA) against the additional drafting workload to make and implement the change. It is unlikely that changes that involve any change to CAR or CASR or changes that involve large structural changes to CAO could reasonably be included in the scope of this project.

CAO 95.55 and CAO 95.32
Adoption of the CASR Part 103 proposals would slightly extend the range of aircraft covered by these CAOs by raising the weight limit for all aeroplanes, rather than just those certificated as a Light Sport Aircraft, to 600 kg for landplanes and 650 kg for seaplanes, where a certification standard does not limit them to a lesser weight. This may particularly advantage those operators who have voluntarily downgraded their aeroplanes to 544 kg in lieu of their original higher certificated weight.

Operating privileges that would be extended include access to controlled airspace on the basis of an RAAO qualification instead of relying on a CASA licence as evidence of competence, or the granting of a specific CASA permission. Access to Restricted airspace would also become subject to the same clearance requirements as other aircraft rather than requiring specific CASA approval, by applying CAR 140

CAO 95.10
Proposed to be amended so that operators of these aeroplanes in accordance with the RA-Aus Operations manual, have access to the same privileges as pilots of other RA-Aus aeroplanes whilst retaining restrictions on operation of such aeroplanes that relate to the safety of third parties, and revising the order to encompass single-place weight-shift aeroplanes operated by HGFA members.

General changes to all or most sport/recreational CAOs
All the proposed RAAOs under Part 149 would benefit from the inclusion of Air Experience Flights as agreed in the Part 103 applicability, contingent on acceptable rules and pilot qualifications in Operations Manuals. Most organisations already have these rules in place or in draft, and the change would confirm the legal acceptability of the practice.

RA-Aus and HGFA would also benefit from removal of the obsolete and generally ignored condition for aeroplanes to need to cross unfavourable terrain to operate above 5000 ft AMSL.

All RAAOs would gain from the ability of CASA to determine that further individual aircraft, or types by maker and design, were subject to these same operating rules. This would save CASA issuing a number of exemptions each year that require extensive drafting.

Part 103 NFRM In order to provide for a timely provisional conclusion to the Part 103 project an NFRM will be prepared to fully explain the changes that will be made to the CAOs as the result of this phase of the project. A summary of responses will be included to detail feedback on responses received on the Part 103 NPRM.

A further NFRM will be released to detail transition between (revised) CAOs and the new CASR when draft regulations are available for Part 103 and Part 149. CASR Parts 103, 105 and 149 are planned to be implemented at the same time, as there are interdependencies between the regulations.

March 29, 2009: Junior student pilot membership

The recent RA-Aus board meeting introduced a junior student pilot membership. This is for any aspiring pilot who will be under 15 years old during the whole 12 month period of membership. It will cost $80.00 for 12 months, provided the applicant's 15th birthday does not occur during the time of that membership. There is a separate application form for Junior Student Pilot Membership that can be found on this website with the other member forms. If you need further information please do not hesitate to contact the office – 02 6280 4700.



February 22, 2009: ADS-B technology implementation schedule changes.

Airservices Australia have advised their intentions regarding ADS-B air traffic surveillance technology. The implementation date for the upper airspace 1090ES ADS-B program has been revised. Eighteen ground stations are now operational, another 10 will be operational by December, 2009 allowing Airservices Australia to provide the traffic separation service across the current non-radar airways above FL290. So, from December 31, 2013, carriage of ADSB-Out equipment will be mandatory for aircraft operating at or above FL290.

An accelerated introduction of ADS-B surveillance into lower airspace was planned initially* but it is now agreed that a more gradual transition to satellite-based systems — harmonised with the North American and European transition plans — would be wiser. Airservices Australia will now "proceed with the replacement of enroute radars and ground navaids as necessary to ensure the integrity of Australia's air traffic control system." "The timing and scope of future steps will be progressed through normal regulatory processes and will take into account outcomes of the Government's Green and White Paper aviation policy development process." The previously announced cross-industry funding proposals for ADS-B will not go ahead.

It is possible that, for operations in controlled airspace and perhaps above 10 000 feet, Australian recreational aviation and general aviation aircraft will be required to fit ADS-B Out equipment (probably at own cost); if this eventuates it is unlikely to be mandatory before 2020.

You can read the NPRM issued October 1, 2007 by the US FAA regarding their plans for ADS-B implementation. For a general outline of ADS-B technology in Australia see ADS-B surveillance technology.

* A Joint Consultation Paper proposed that from June 2012, ADS-B OUT transmitters will be mandatory for all VFR operations (including RA-Aus registered aircraft) that currently require carriage and use of a transponder; which includes operations in Class E airspace, Class G above 10 000 feet and many control zones. From June 2014, ADS-B OUT transmitters would also be required for all VFR operations that currently require carriage and use of VHF radio; which includes operations in Class G airspace above 5000 feet and in CTAF (R).

... JB

February 1, 2009: Change-over to 406 MHz distress beacons

Today the SARSAT/COSPAS satellites ceased processing distress signals on 121.5 MHz and now only process signals from more advanced 406 MHz digitally encoded PLBs, ELTs or EPIRBs. While RA-Aus members are not required to carry a distress beacon, many of our members wisely do so. The 406 MHz beacons also transmit a fifteen character beacon identity code which is retransmitted by the satellite. This ID should be registered with AusSAR's data base and linked to your personal and aircraft details. Part of the functional working of the 406 MHz beacon system is having the owner of the beacon register it with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) — this will be compulsory under new CASA regulations.

Please switch to a 406 MHz beacon and register that beacon as soon as possible. In order to make the process of registration and upkeep of details easier, AMSA has developed an online registration program. This system is now available to all beacon owners to use and there is no charge for its use; go to beacons.amsa.gov.au to register your unit.

Link to AMSA

From February 1, 2010 the licence for 121.5 MHz distress beacons will be withdrawn and it will be illegal to use such beacons for ANY purpose.

... JB





August 19, 2008: Recreational Aviation Australia submission on the National Aviation Policy Statement

The June 27, 2008 RA-Aus submission in response to the Federal Government's call for input into the National Aviation Policy Green Paper, reviewing aviation and aviation training in Australia, is available in PDF format.



CASR Parts 103 and 149 — NPRM response

October 11, 2007 — Mike Cleaver, the CASA project leader for CASR Parts 103 and 149, advises that there were "lots of responses" to the NPRMs and that "I will be working on the responses for the next several weeks - and we will almost certainly have another meeting of the project team when we are closer to publishing our final rules."

Mike added "Please remember that the NPRM consultation process is NOT a voting exercise, and that responses that say "I support the proposal" without additional comment are of limited value - what we are looking for is people's views of ways to make the whole package better - for instance by indicating what areas might need explanatory material to be published in due course, or areas where the ideas put forward can be clarified. (Even common misunderstandings help us to identify these!)"

Note: Mike Cleaver retired from CASA January 11, 2008 after doing sterling work in the Sport & Recreational Aviation area for the prior 22 years of his 25 year service with CASA.

ADDENDA
MAY 23, 2008: NO PROGRESS CAN BE REPORTED BUT CASR PARTS 103 AND 149 ARE CERTAINLY UNLIKELY TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN 2008!

SEPTEMBER 24, 2008: PROMULGATION IN 2009 IS NOT A CERTAINTY EITHER!

APRIL 6, 2009: 2010 or 2011 is more likely!

... JB



July 30, 2007: CASR Part 149 'Certification and operation of the aviation administration organisations'

(The closing date of September 24, 2007 for response to this Notice of Proposed Rule Making related to the proposed CASR Part 149 has now passed as has the response date for NPRM 0603OS relating to CASR Part 103 'Sport and Recreational Aviation Operations'; see the April 30 notice below.)

Part 149 specifies the requirements for the certification and operation of the aviation administration organisations applicable to the administration of sport and recreational aircraft activities. This Part will allow existing organisations to continue to administer their own activities provided they meet, and continue to meet, the prescribed standards.

Recreational aviation administration organisations are to be approved to administer the regulatory authorisations for the following aviation activities:

  •   The issue of the certificate of registration for aircraft over 70 kg empty weight;

  •   The issue of airworthiness certificates (where applicable);

  •   The issue of pilot qualifications;

  •   The issue of maintainer qualifications;

  •   The approval of associated flying training and maintenance training facilities;

  •   Surveillance activities of members of the organisations; and

  •   Enforcement action where members are in breach of the regulations.

It is anticipated that, because no major departures from existing practice are called up by the new regulations, less cost and time will need to be devoted to this than other sectors of the aviation industry subject to more significant change in their regular operations. A period of time will be necessary for updating the manuals and standards of the existing organisations, but this will be within the likely time-frame of normal review and revision cycles for the most part, and will not involve lengthy delays negotiating for CASA approval of detailed word-for-word text. Many of the existing RAAOs have for some years been gradually updating their manuals in anticipation of proposed CASR Part 149. Proposed regulation 149.005 provides for a 3 year transition period for established RAAOs transitioning to proposed CASR Part 149.

The NPRM required a response to each of the following eight key change proposals

      1. Regulatory Philosophy — Concept of industry administration

      2. Classification of Aviation Activities — Sport/recreational aviation will be the classification requiring least involvement by CASA

      3. Delegation — CASA will by legal instrument, delegate to an RAAO the necessary functions and power

      4. The use of an exposition and the role of the procedures manual to set parameters for individuals to participate in their chosen aviation sport/recreation through an RAAO

      5. CASA may suspend or revoke a delegation — The power to suspend or revoke a delegation of an RAAO would be reserved at a high level within CASA

      6. CASA safety approval and full public consultation process required for new RAAOs

      7. CASR Part 149 will contain Penalty Units in the same way as do all other CASR Parts

      8. RAAO disciplinary systems to incorporate rules of natural justice

The RA-Aus Board suggested a suitable response to each proposal was "YES - acceptable without any changes".

... JB


April 30, 2007: NPRM 0603OS for CASR Part 103 'Sport and Recreational Aviation Operations'

(The closing date of September 24, 2007 for response to this Notice of Proposed Rule Making related to the proposed CASR Part 103 has now passed as has the response date for the NPRM relating to CASR Part 149 'Certification and operation of the aviation administration organisations'.)

Further to the notice published December 21, 2006 and others regarding CASA's release of the Notice of Proposed Rule Making 0603OS related to the proposed CASR Part 103 'Sport and Recreational Aviation Operations'.

The draft CASR Part 103 is the result of ten years consultation and negotiation by various members of the recreational aviation community including RA-Aus. The RA-Aus Board and executive have put an enormous effort into the task and desire that Part 103 is finally promulgated in the form detailed in the draft. However there is still resistance from some other aviation sectors to some content of that draft and it would appear that participation from RA-Aus members in the response is less than satisfactory.

The NPRM for CASR Part 149 which relates to Recreational Aviation Administration Authorities is likely to be released in July, 2007. This is possibly more important than Part 103, certainly to the future of RA-Aus and its members.

... JB

 

Previous items which are ongoing or may still be of general interest

February 2006 — An explanation of the Light Sport Aircraft category.

October 2005 — Jon Johanson receives the world's highest aviation award, the 2004 Gold Medal from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI).

August 1997 — AUF objectives and policy in the Review of the Australian Civil Aviation Regulations. This notice was published in the August, 1997 issue of the members' monthly journal Australian Ultralights and included the RA-Aus policy regarding 750 kg mtow. CASR Part 103 referred to in this notice has not yet (January 2009) been finally promulgated.