Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus) http://www.auf.asn.au Traditionally referred to as ‘ultra-lights’ and ‘micro-lights’ this group of planes had been thought to practice at the hubby aircraft end of the stream. This category includes those powered gliders and powered parachutes you sometimes see over the top of the Stuart Highway.RA-Aus aircraft includes the ‘Light Sport Aircraft’ (LSA) category such as the Jabiru range of aircraft http://www.jabiru.net.au, Tecnam’s http://www.tecnamaircraft.com/Tecnam_Aircraft.htm and other sport aircraft with a total weight below 600kg The LSA category aircraft will often have the stability, security, technology and safety to be registered with RA-Aus OR CASA as a VH-aircraft. There are some disadvantages with the LSA category, for instance there are currently no 4 seater LSA aircraft available for new purchase. However they still perform quite admirably, for instance the glass cockpit Jabiru 230, flies at 120knots with 2 people, full fuel and luggage, using 20ltrs/hr and an endurance of 700NM with a private hire rate of around $150 an hour see J230D at http://www.jabiru.net.au . For pilots already CASA licensed with PPL or above or Military aviators with no civilian recognition (medical certificates and currency required): RA-Aus requires only a conversion/endorsement in the new aircraft with no minimum hours required - regardless of currency in the GA license For those with an interest in learning to fly, a RA-Aus pilot certificate represents a very affordable alternative to the CASA license. ·
RA-Aus requires less medical certification and
lower fees for the student license. · The license that allows you to fly within 30NM of your aerodrome solo is a minimum 20hrs (under $4,000 once all landing fees and certification included) Further endorsements such as passenger carrying and cross country flight add around another 10-15hrs flying time (around $2,000 to $3,000 depending on skill). · Instructor ratings require a total flying time of 100hrs followed by around 50hours supervised instructor training. · NOTE: This does not allow you to fly in controlled airspace (for example Darwin Airport or Tindal when the airspace is active) However, CASA license holders are exempt, and RA-Aus is in the process of negotiating a ‘Controlled Airspace’ endorsement for RA-Aus pilots which will hopefully be available next year. · RA-Aus flying hours and certainly the skills learned may contribute significantly towards a CASA PPL or above. |