I’ve held a GA (CASA and its predecessors) licence for >40 years and a RA-Aus pilot certificate for ~15 years….I fell for the promise of a Basic Class 2 medical being equal to heavy vehicle standard and was then disappointed to find it wasn’t.
I am a SAAA member and see value in their experimental/amateur builder support, camaraderie, the role of Chapters and TC’s….but I do wish that SAAA and RA-Aus would become more closely aligned and cooperate with each other.
These days my aspirations seem to be more closely aligned with the RA-Aus model….My flying does not involve NVFR/IFR, aeros, >2 seats or CTA other than the occasional transit.
I prefer the RA-Aus style of customer service and thus, that is the direction I’ll be heading with my current build project’s registration.
I appreciate and respect others may prefer the CASA license and registration option.