Group G update from the CEO

19 May 2022

G’day folks, I’m very pleased to share with you that CASA has released its Summary of Consultation for the removal of a 45 kt stall speed limitation for aircraft designed to operate within the lightweight aeroplane category per CAO 95.55. The conclusion that CASA reached is that they will remove this limitation, and include, as appropriate, requirements in relation to competency standards and units of competency for the operation of lightweight aeroplanes, including for the flying training mentioned in section 11 of the CAO (95.55).

This is an outstanding outcome for our members and the industry more broadly, including aircraft manufacturers, to provide more choice in the types of aircraft that may safely operate under our simple and accessible ruleset.

Lightweight aeroplanes will be known by RAAus as ‘Group G’ and in simple terms, these aircraft are to be either an amateur built aircraft or a type certified aircraft designed to relevant standards and that are permitted within the pilot operating handbook (POH) to operate with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) between 601 kgs and 760 kgs. These aircraft will also need to be registered with RAAus in the Group G category and display different registration markings to aircraft in other Groups. Group G aircraft may not be a light sport aircraft (LSA) at this stage. For Group G operations, there will be some additional flight training requirements for Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) holders and instructors and the need to hold a specific Group G endorsement. Whilst we don’t believe these requirements will be onerous, it’s important that all RPC holders are aware that this is the case. Also, the maintenance requirements for Group G aircraft will be different to other Groups including L4/LAME maintenance requirements. We are aiming to host a Live Stream event in June to share more detail on Group G so please keep an eye out when we publish information on how to participate in that. When will Group G commence? Well, our team is working hard to develop a submission to CASA that will allow us to commence registering (applicable) Group G aircraft and to enable the granting of endorsements for those pilots wanting to fly them. We remain on track to make this submission to CASA by 30 June and then expect a bit of ‘backand-forth’ with them over a period of a couple of months, before we obtain the approval. That means that until we obtain this approval from CASA, we cannot take advantage of the increased MTOW. It’s a process that we always knew about and that as a Part 149 organisation, we must follow. I’m immensely proud of our whole team, who have worked tirelessly to advance these privileges for our members and to help grow the industry. So thanks team!

Stay safe out there folks, and lets all hope that the wet weather affecting so many of us disappears soon to allow us to clock some hours up! Cheers Matt