rodgerc

Hi Danny….You likely haven’t had your “Ah hah!” moment yet….It will happen. I see you’re Brisbane based so I’m happy to meet up and go through your issues if that’s of interest. Unless you’re forgetting where you parked your plane, at 56 you’ve got a couple of decades of flying ahead of you before investigating bowls club memberships.

n!

It will be interesting to see how many light GA aircraft drop off the CASA register when annual registration fees are introduced….I personally know of 3. I spent just shy of 3h in the air last Sunday taking 7 youngsters on their first flights….I’ll wager that 2 of them (at least) will pursue aviation as their chosen career in a couple of years. Their enthusiasm for flight was palpable. (My messages have been running hot with texts of thanks from their parents.) From my viewpoint, one of the best parts of introducing youth to flying is that they have no idea that it was ever better in the good ole days. As far as (not) tuning in to the livestream goes….I know a couple of the RA-AUS directors and have confidence in their ability….Happy to let them get on with their jobs.

Only If you’re keen….you can buy online a low cost tension gauge that is used to tension balustrade cables. The spring it is supplied with is too strong, so you can make a lighter spring from piano (spring) wire. (Hobby shops supply) Then calibrate it with the required preload (22 lb +/- 2lb in my case) using a bucket containing steel scrap and water. Put your mark on the scale and bingo, you have a calibrated gauge for about 50 bucks. I use it at every annual to check.

Married Shiela at First Sight 😳

Did anyone say, ethylene diamine? If you’re short on time or fall asleep reading, jump to pages 61 and 62. https://www.atsb.gov.au/sites/default/files/media/33960/sir200103_001.pdf

Pantene Process: “It won't happen overnight, but it will happen.”

I replaced the Sonex wheel with the Vans RV (solid) wheel and a bracket that was supplied by Kip Laurie (see photo) at the time. During building I had ditched the Sonex push-rod for an aluminium version with a couple of rod ends. The wheel and bracket swap had negligible impact on weight and moment. Peter Anson’s bracket has been subject to FEA and validated in application.

Typically 5 or 6 hours dual in a 600kg MTOW (low inertia) aircraft.

From my point of view, it’s nothing more than a turf war….A bit like being a Ford or Holden supporter….There are disadvantages/advantages in both schools and don’t see an overwhelming reason to consider one any better than the other. Personally I maintain both licences and fly my amateur built RA-AUS registered taildragger on Saturdays and VH registered experimental RV on Thursdays. The costs are comparable in either camp and eventually I’ll be forced to drop one of the two options….It’s a toss-up at present, but if RA-Aus get CTA access over the line it’ll likely be my Part 61 license/VH aircraft that will go, simply because I’m finding my local RA flying community a lot more “relaxed” and “convivial”….And I find the folk at RA-Aus generally helpful and easy to approach. Happy to accept though that others’ experience may be different….No doubt the turf wars will continue until natural selection determines the dominant species.

Here’s their current schedule of fees https://raaus.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Schedule-of-fees-and-charges-V1.0-July-2025.pdf

From RA-AUS On May 15, 2026 CASA amended Civil Aviation Orders (CAOs) 95.55, 95.32 & 95.10 to allow a regulatory pathway for RAAus to obtain access to controlled airspace for our members. This achievement comes following many years of advocacy for members. So what does this mean? This amendment allows RAAus to apply to administer controlled airspace operations for members. This will be achieved through the introduction of a Controlled Airspace Endorsement within the RAAus Flight Operations Manual. Prior to operating in controlled airspace, RAAus members will be required to undertaking training in accordance with the RAAus Syllabus of Flight Training to ensure competency conducting control area (CTA) and control zone (CTR) operations. Training requirements are aligned with the RPL standards listed in the CASR Part 61 MOS. When will this be introduced? RAAus has already submitted a revised Flight Operations Manual, which includes criteria for the issue of a controlled airspace endorsement, to CASA for approval. These changes are currently expected to be approved and implemented within quarter 3 of 2026. What other requirements need to be met? In addition to controlled airspace training requirements, RAAus members will need to hold a CASA Class 5 (or higher) medical to operate in controlled airspace. The CASA Class 5 medical is a self-declaration similar to the RAAus self-declared medical requirements. . RAAus members will also need to hold an ICAO level 4 or higher Aviation English Language Proficiency standard. RAAus aircraft used in controlled airspace must also meet eligibility and equipment fitment requirements in accordance with the regulations What if I hold a CASA Part 61 Licence? The holder of a VALID CASA Part 61 licence who is authorised to operate in controlled airspace may continue to operate in accordance with their CASA licence (as was already permitted). RAAus is seeking to to accept CASA authorisations for the issue of an RAAus controlled airspace endorsement. What are flight training school requirements? Prior to undertaking training for the recommendation of controlled airspace endorsements, RAAus flight training schools will need to be issued with a controlled airspace training approval by RAAus. Final word: Whilst these changes are exciting for the future of recreational aviation activities in Australia, the success of the implementation of these changes relies on the ongoing competency and professionalism of RAAus members to ensure safe and compliant controlled airspace operations. Further updates will be provided to members in the coming months as progress is made with CASA approval and implementation of our revised Flight Operations Manual.

Ironically, there are precedents for “aircraft” that are not “aircraft”…. When the Shuttle passes the Karman Line, it ceases to be an “aircraft” and morphs into a “spacecraft”. Likewise, when a seaplane touches down on water it morphs into a “vessel”. So maybe there’s an argument that an RA-Aus registered flying machine is actually an “enjoymentcraft”….which exponentially increases the likelihood that it will be taxed.