FlyingVizsla

The Q&A mentioned a growth in young members who are pursuing an airline career. RAAus is a good and economical way to start on the journey, build some hours, but once they move on to PPL/CPL/GA they don't renew. So looking at retaining some of them.

Back to the topic. I logged in to the livestream with the new Chair & Deputy Chair tonight. Only 14 out of all the membership bothered to participate. There's the problem. We all "just want to fly". Seriously though, it appears flying is getting less popular both in RAAus and GA with numbers falling. 1,000 planes have gone off the RAAus register over 5 years. There's still 115 flight schools. They are hopping to take on MOSAIC, the Ops manual No.9 is being reviewed by CASA. Vertical take off aircraft can't be registered in Australia - they are hoping to take this one. New IT system in Beta testing, will bring electronic exams and School in a Box (everything to set up and run a Flight School). Brief mention of staffing changes. All over in less than 30 mins. The Q&A will be on youtube.

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.

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

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

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.

SOLD!

ATSB report out https://www.atsb.gov.au/investigations/ao-2025-068 Possibly a failure of a newly installed fuel pressure regulator, but the fire made determining a cause impossible.

I did that, and several other renditions, but no joy. I am beginning to suspect that RAAus may have expunged early records of aircraft that have not been registered for decades. One of our planes had been culled, but I managed to get it resurrected as we are returning it to the register after 10+ years.

It does have a rego number on the photo with the Sapphire. It is in black on the tail - looks like 19-1242, but I have looked that up on the RAAus site and nothing comes up. I will have a look at the early AUF mags. Frank Arri might know as the other photo is from North Qld. I remember it from an early ultralight video we have, but being ancient technology, it will take a while to rig the video up to the TV to look through them all. The wing joint and curved "pod" / engine mount is the most stand-out in my memory.

The ABC - not much detail, but will be updated. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-29/plane-crashes-at-parafield-airport-north-of-adelaide/106621632

The ABC report https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-06/light-plane-crash-at-goolwa-south/106316008

The pdf is here https://www.caa.co.uk/publication/download/26645 Reason: There have been five reported instances in the UK of Eurofox aircraft experiencing cracking in the vicinity of the welded joint between the rudder pedals and the rudder pedal torque tube, leading to the pedal no longer being rigidly attached to the torque tube.

Recreational Aviation Australia wishes to advise members of the issue of an Emergency Mandatory Permit Directive (MPD) released by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) that may be relevant to aircraft operated within the recreational aviation community. Emergency Mandatory Permit Directive Details: Directive Number: 2026-002-E Issue Date: 09 January 2026 Issuing Authority: UK Civil Aviation Authority Regulatory Basis: Issued in accordance with Regulation 41(1) of the Air Navigation Order 2016 (as amended) Applicable Aircraft: Design Approval Holder: Ascent Industries Ltd (trading as EuroFOX Aviation) Aircraft Type/Models: Eurofox aircraft – all models Applicability: Aircraft registered in the United Kingdom and operating under a UK CAA Permit to Fly The UK CAA has classified this directive as emergency and mandatory, requiring immediate compliance for affected aircraft operating under the UK Permit to Fly system. While this MPD applies directly to UK-registered aircraft, RAAus strongly encourages all Eurofox owners and operators, regardless of registration state, to: Review the details of this directive carefully Assess whether the identified issue may be relevant to their aircraft Consult with the aircraft manufacturer, maintainer, or appropriate technical authority as required Further guidance will be provided should additional information become available or if any action is required under Australian recreational aviation operations. Members with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the RAAus Technical Team for advice at [email protected].

AWPA Scholarships for 2026 (most) close 31st Jan. Have a look - wide range; for training, achievement trophies, some don't require membership. No late entries. Need applications! Recipients usually announced at the National Conference in May (at Airlie Beach Qld this year). https://awpa.org.au/scholarships-awards/