RAAus shuffling positions

[FlyingVizsla]

The latest from RAAus - (snippets)

Maxine Milera recently advised the Board of her decision to step down from the role of Chief Executive Officer.  Maxine has chosen to remain with RAAus and will continue to contribute to the organisation in a different capacity.  The Board is pleased to announce the re-appointment of Michael Linke as Chief Executive Officer.

 

Earlier this month (snippets)

Jim Tatlock - I'm writing to introduce myself as the new Chair of Recreational Aviation Australia, alongside Paul Reddish as Deputy Chair.  Michael (Monk), who has stepped back from the Deputy Chair role after more than a decade of service to RAAus, first as Chair and most recently as Deputy Chair.  Simon, who stepped down as Chair due to other commitments.

 

I can copy & paste the full media releases if any one is interested.

[FlyBoy1960]

sure, please paste the release.

[Reynard]

Using a recruitment consultant to fill an executive position usually costs around 30% of the targeted annual salary. Recruiting internally, assuming the candidate is appropriate, represents a significant cost saving.

[FlyingVizsla]

 

Dear RAAus Members,

Maxine Milera recently advised the Board of her decision to step down from the role of Chief Executive Officer.   The Board would like to acknowledge and thank Maxine for her dedication to RAAus over almost 20 years, including her leadership as CEO over the past few years. Her passion for recreational aviation and commitment to the organisation have been instrumental in supporting both RAAus and its members. Maxine has chosen to remain with RAAus and will continue to contribute to the organisation in a different capacity, ensuring her extensive knowledge and experience continue to benefit the organisation and its members. The Board is pleased to announce the re-appointment of Michael Linke as Chief Executive Officer. The Board's first priority is addressing the challenges currently facing the aviation sector, strengthening membership and improving the long-term financial sustainability of RAAus. After reviewing the organisation's current position and future requirements, the Board concluded that Michael's experience, demonstrated performance, and deep understanding of RAAus make him the right person to lead the organisation at this time.               The Board made a deliberate decision not to undertake a market recruitment process. The reason is straightforward. The Board believes the organisation requires immediate leadership from someone with a demonstrated record of success within RAAus, a detailed understanding of the recreational aviation sector, and the ability to commence work without an extended transition period.    Given Michael's previous performance and familiarity with the organisation, the Board determined that a direct appointment was in the best interests of members. The Board does not see this appointment as a return to the past. What Michael brings is proven experience in leading RAAus through difficult circumstances and delivering measurable results. We welcome Michael and look forward to continuing to serve the members, building a stronger organisation for the future.   Regards,   Jim Tatlock RAAus Chair

[FlyingVizsla]

Dear Members,

I'm writing to introduce myself as the new Chair of Recreational Aviation Australia, alongside Paul Reddish as Deputy Chair.   Before I go any further, I want to acknowledge Michael, who has stepped back from the Deputy Chair role after more than a decade of service to RAAus, first as Chair and most recently as Deputy Chair. Michael led this organisation through some of the most challenging periods in its history, and the fact that RAAus is here to have the conversations we now need to have is in no small part due to his stewardship. Michael continues on the board through to November, and there will be a proper opportunity to thank him closer to that time. I'd also like to thank Simon, who stepped down as Chair due to other commitments and who we're fortunate continues to bring his wisdom as he serves on the board, along with the board members who have continued through this transition.   I'm not going to use this first message to list credentials or make promises I haven't yet earned the right to make. You'll judge Paul and me on what we do, not what we say in week one. What I will tell you is this: I took on this role with my eyes open. RAAus is at a point where the decisions made over the next twelve months will shape the organisation for the next decade. That's not a position any incoming Chair takes lightly.     Meet the Chair and Deputy Chair forum Before we say much more, Paul and I want to introduce ourselves properly and hear from you directly. We'll be hosting an online "Meet the Chair and Deputy Chair" forum on the 4th of August at 6pm, open to all members, no agenda beyond who we are, how we see the year ahead, and your questions. Details and registration will follow. If you can't make the date, the session will be recorded and made available afterwards.   How to reach us between now and then A direct line via  [email protected] or  [email protected] comes to Paul and me. Beyond that, board members in each state will be feeding back what they're hearing from their regions.   You'll hear from me again before the end of August, with what we've heard and what we intend to do about it. That next message will deal directly with the membership picture. As it deserves its own conversation, not a paragraph at the bottom of an introduction. Blue skies,   Jim Tatlock Chair, Recreational Aviation Australia

[jackc]

Word on the grapevine IS, the staff are not happy. I’ll leave it here……….

[FlyingVizsla]

There will be a live stream - Join RAAus Chair Jim Tatlock and Deputy Chair Paul Reddish for an informal online member forum on Tuesday, 4 August at 6:00 pm. where you can ask any question you want.  The link has been emailed to RAAus members.

 

It seems odd that several senior RAAus people have stepped down, but not left; but on the other hand, their replacements have years of experience with the company.

 

Jim is a mixed bag - Police, fuel refining, psychology, presently on the Board of a Private hospital.  Paul is essentially aviation.  He had a long career as an airline pilot, CASA & RAAus flight examiner, director of Bob Tait's Aviation Theory School.

 

I wish them well, and look forward to the questions on Tuesday.

[facthunter]

It's not an easy job running RAAus. Nev

[FlyBoy1960]

1 hour ago, FlyingVizsla said:

It seems odd that several senior RAAus people have stepped down, but not left; but on the other hand, their replacements have years of experience with the company.

would it be something to do with coroners inquests and things like that which have caused ongoing problems for RA-Aus

[facthunter]

It carries too much Liability to be sustainable.. Nev

[jackc]

50 minutes ago, facthunter said:

It's not an easy job running RAAus. Nev

It’s a thankless task,  But those who have taken the positions know a lot of its history, where it’s come from and trying to plan where it needs to go and I’m not so sure that that could be in a direction beneficial to members?

They have left their  Rag and Tube roots  behind, and they’re trying to work towards the super plastic fantastic’s, and be the NEW GA?

AND, RAAus are lobbying CASA for 
MOSAIC?

[Thruster88]

5 hours ago, jackc said:

 

They have left their  Rag and Tube roots  behind,

There is nothing to stop people flying Thrusters, Drifters and other early ultralights. The fees are getting up there, $335 membership $225 single seat rego, $359 two seat rego = $919 per annum for me.

[facthunter]

Lets face it. Most People want More and the 2 stroke Motors are  a bit out of fashion. Holbrook as it was is a distant Memory. Nev

[jackc]

1 minute ago, facthunter said:

Let’s face it. Most People want More and the 2 stroke Motors are  a bit out of fashion. Holbrook as it was is a distant Memory. Nev

Plenty  of two-stroke motors still around and people who want to fly them?

The word below 500 feet is ,  that many people are going to drop out of RAA but simply continue to fly, unregistered ?

[facthunter]

Not really Jack. Rotax 2stokes are Out of Production. I've never had a Failure but generally it's not a good record. People prefer 4 strokes, I reckon. Nev

[BrendAn]

11 hours ago, facthunter said:

It's not an easy job running RAAus. Nev

it is not getting easier either.  they are losing instructors and l2s because they reckon it is just getting too hard to bother continuing.

i know one school in nsw where the cfi has dropped RAAus and gone to ga only. he was cfi for 3 clubs.

tooradin looks like it might get another school ga only . no raaus.

what is it that is pushing key people away. 

ending up with an organisation where training is difficult to obtain can't be good. 

i know an l2 that now refuses to do aircraft condition reports.

Edited Friday at 10:54 AM by BrendAn

[KRviator]

On 31/07/2026 at 3:34 PM, Thruster88 said:

There is nothing to stop people flying Thrusters, Drifters and other early ultralights. The fees are getting up there, $335 membership $225 single seat rego, $359 two seat rego = $919 per annum for me.

Plus ASIC, plus insurance, plus landing fees. Even RAAus is becoming cost-prohibitive for a lot of people.

[facthunter]

You have to Look at Bang for your Bucks. (and weigh up all the BS that's inherent with flying these days). Nev

[BrendAn]

When I get to fly on a beautiful day like today I remember why I started doing it in the first place.

[BrendAn]

On 31/07/2026 at 4:01 PM, facthunter said:

Not really Jack. Rotax 2stokes are Out of Production. I've never had a Failure but generally it's not a good record. People prefer 4 strokes, I reckon. Nev

there are heaps of 2 strokes flying around still.

[facthunter]

Nothing like it used to be. How many in a heap? Where  would you go the train on one these days? A lot used to fly to Narromine.  Nev

[BrendAn]

48 minutes ago, facthunter said:

Nothing like it used to be. How many in a heap? Where  would you go the train on one these days? A lot used to fly to Narromine.  Nev

All the thrusters , most xairs. A lot of earlier light wings, most trikes except for the large 912 versions. All aero chutes , Mosquito choppers , air command gyros, drifters. I am sure there plenty I don't know about. Just because you don't see them don't assume they are not out there. 

Edited yesterday at 06:38 AM by BrendAn

[facthunter]

  I used to see them but now I don't, but they are still there. OK Got it. You ARE pulling my leg aren't you?   Nev

 

[BrendAn]

9 minutes ago, facthunter said:

  I used to see them but now I don't, but they are still there. OK Got it. You ARE pulling my leg aren't you?   Nev

 

wtf do you mean pulling your leg. there are plenty of 2 strokes still flying. quicksilvers are another i can think of. 

 

[facthunter]

You are Just listing types that used to be flying and haven't answered directly anything I've said . What's the wtf also.? Surely that's not acceptable in a discussion on Ian's Forum?  Nev