FlyingVizsla

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/

5 hours ago, FlyBoy1960 said:

Nope..  A lot of the filing cabinets went to the tip in error when they moved between offices.

Was this back when AUF moved from Victoria to ACT?

1 hour ago, jackc said:

I have also been told many paper records were lost

Not lost - they're in the archives.  Waste of money digitising files for planes that are no longer registered and haven't been heard of for 10 years.  In our case, staff got the file out for us, scanned the pages and we'll apply to have it returned to the register under its old number.  Just finishing a few things and waiting for the ACR.

Have a friend who just loves bringing these old planes back to life.  He is starting on an X-Air which needs "everything" redone.  He's doing a Zenith, Thruster, a couple of unique designs - only one of each in Australia.  They all have files in the archives.

I miss Major Millard.  Ross was good value, extensive knowledge of mechanics, loved Lightwings, good on the Board, easy to talk with, got on with people, infectious enthusiasm.  When it was thought to be a 'turn back on EFTO' people started to take the whole 'never turn back' seriously.  He was a great communicator.  I sometimes go back to his posts, even 10yrs on.

After waiting for our print edition of Kitplanes, and assuming it was held up by the US Govt shut down, I finally asked.

Unfortunately, due to ongoing global delivery challenges, we can no longer guarantee reliable print delivery outside of the U.S. As a result, we’ve made the difficult decision that, effective with the November 2025 issue, all Canadian and international subscriptions will be fulfilled in digital-only format. This change ensures that all readers continue to receive timely and uninterrupted access to our content.

Our October magazine is still missing, had no word from Kitplanes that print magazines had ceased.  After this enquiry on our 3 year subscription, they gave us an extension to account for the price difference.  Mr Z is bereft as he liked to settle down with Kitplanes and read it cover to cover.  Digital just isn't the same.

The shadow is wrong.

Looks like it is listed twice on the RAAus accident database.  Neither have a description yet.  Thelangerin Road intercepts Nullagong Road

2 hours ago, jackc said:

But you can’t have an RAAus registered aircraft, without being a member of.  RAAus

Yes you can.  An owner, or company does not have to be a member.  I know Grandparents who own the aircraft, but the son/grandy flies it.  People own one as an investment, but don't fly.  Medically unable to fly, they decide to cease being a member but still own an aircraft on the register.  Many reasons why the registered aircraft is not owned by a RAAus member.

Here's the actual news - it doesn't say aircraft will be affected

CHANGES TO RAAUS MEMBERSHIP TERMS & CONDITIONS

In the coming weeks RAAus will be introducing amended membership terms and conditions which will need to be signed by all members at the time of sign-up and renewal. RAAus members operate on the basis of informed participation, that is, that members are required to understand the risks involved in undertaking recreational aviation activities and agree to undertake these activities at their own risk. The new membership terms and conditions seek to ensure that new and existing members are better briefed on the risks involved in undertaking activities administered by RAAus and offer increased organisational protections by excluding liability for the provision of recreational services in accordance with Australian Consumer Law. These changes are consistent with the membership requirements of all other ASAOs including Gliding Australia, SAFA, ASRA and the APF.

Following implementation of these changes, RAAus will no longer be accepting membership renewals conducted via phone. This is on the basis that the membership terms and conditions form a legal document which must be signed. This process will be able to be conducted online via the membership application and renewal pages and for members who may not have access to the internet, paper versions will be made available. The membership terms and conditions contain specific wording which must also be signed for each state and territory. This is on the basis that each state requires specific wording and members are capable of operating across any state in Australia.

RAAus encourages all members to carefully read the terms and conditions prior to signing. It is recommended that membership renewals be carried out in plenty of time before planning to fly as last minute phone renewals will no longer be available.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-21/robbie-katter-crashes-plane-for-second-time-at-mount-isa-airport/105676612

Robbie Katter MP Mooney landing gear issue - Mount Isa airport

Mr Katter said the crash was caused by pilot error, related to the landing gear of the plane, during a three-day trip through his electorate in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

He had taken off from Normanton, 500 kilometres north of Mount Isa, earlier that day. 

Was an Ibis Magic GS-700 Rotax 912S.  According to locals at Boonooroo; A light plane has come down in the paddock opposite the golf club.  The pilot had a fractured knee.  The dog was found later unharmed on the golf course.  "It flew about 10 mtrs over our house before crashing…glad to hear pilot and his dog are ok."  Several other photos on social media.

52 minutes ago, Siso said:

How do you donate?

You can click on "Donate" on the Right side panel, or go to your account, under Settings - Donate. 

22 hours ago, skippydiesel said:

Simply because they ask for a particular nominal ($) amount.

Should you change your policy from "voluntary" to requested, I will be happy to pay.

As I understand it, for First Class Membership you make a donation of $50 per year.  I donate more than that per year as I get a lot out of this site.  Ian sends a reminder each year for the same amount you gave last year.  You can click on "Donate" or go to your account, under Settings - Donate.  I'm sure Ian would appreciate donations of any size.  This site costs money, and lots of time, to provide free.

An article from Sport Pilot (RAAus) - it's not in Australia yet.

https://sportpilot.net.au/news/mosaic-explained/

On 21/07/2025 at 7:53 PM, Marty_SP500 Jabiru said:

Help me find this course.

You have to log in, as a member, to the RAAus site.  Look under Member Training - L1 course.  All the materials you need to read are there.  It teaches you Where to Look for information, rather than specifically, hands on, what to do.  It is fully on-line.

RAAus also run a 2 day course, which is a mixture of theory and prac.  You may have to talk your local club into running one.  Our club ran one in June 2025 with 8 participants.  RAAus provides a trainer and the Club the venue, planes, catering etc.  Participants pay a fee to cover the instructor (usually a staff member).  We looked at a Jabiru engine and videos produced by Jabiru showing things like leak-down tests.  The whole event was well worth the time.  We did practical things like lock wiring, filter cutting and inspection, borescoping, etc.  Also did Rotax.  Contact Jarred at RAAus for more info.

Jabiru would prefer you did their specific course - contact them in Bundaberg Qld.  Alternatively, watch their videos.

Had a bit of a peek at the EAA live streams early this morning.  Had a first look at 3am their time and even then, there was some action on stage.  The numbers of people and planes are staggering to someone excited by 30 planes turning up to a fly-in here.  Unfortunately, I may never get to an Oshkosh.

Been there, done that, for RAAus & GA aircraft.  Didn't have a problem, except where the link was incorrect in the first email, but fixed in the second.

The Maryborough Military Aviation Museum is looking for the Rouseabout aircraft.  All the aircraft except 10-0281 have cancelled registration, so if still in existance they are probably in a shed somewhere.  Maryborough Qld.  Their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064738116772

RAAus register says its a J2 Auster

14 hours ago, turboplanner said:

RAA Ltd is just there to manage and take a fee for it

I have found them easily contactable, the staff & board.  They have been helpful with how to handle a couple of our aircraft, one for sale and one returning to the register.  Yes, they do hammer you with reminders that your Rego or Membership is coming due, but they were getting complaints that "No one told me it was about to expire.."  As for feedback - they ask what motivated you to take a plane off the Register, not renew your membership etc.

Admittedly, when it was the early days of the AUF, the Bunny Farmer & Myles used to visit our Club/Flying School each year to inspect and be entertained by the troops, so probably wider feedback than just listening to members at a Fly-in or seminar.

2 hours ago, Area-51 said:

Solution - Sack the entire Board swiftly in one go and move on by reinstating each vacant position with an officer that is able to display a proven track record of highly respected and developed standards of Ethics and Integrity.

OK, you've managed to convince 100 members to call a Special Meeting to sack the Board.  The meeting is announced along with the Motion.  

Let me rub my crystal ball .... Lots of enraged members then decide to oppose the Motion.  

If the Motion is successful, then the Board is sacked and RAAus operates in a vacuum, till they can call for nominations and conduct an election.  I predict most of the Board will be returned.   We whinged about some AUF Board members, but we voted them back in because the majority "knew the name."  Sacking the Board and sacking the employees won't solve anything.

2 hours ago, Area-51 said:

members signing their vote over to a Proxy (aka a Board Member)

Constitution again - "33.1 A Member may appoint a proxy to attend and vote at a general meeting on their behalf.
33.2 A proxy does not need to be a Member and may be the Chairman of the meeting." 

If you lodge a Proxy, then the person holding it must vote according to your instructions.