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RAAUS AT WORK MTOW INCREASE AND CTA ACCESS PROPOSALS – an update
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AAus continues to work behind the scenes on these important changes. The key thing for many members to remember is that these changes will have no effect on existing operations. The changes are an add-on and entirely optional for any member. Existing aircraft on the RAAus register will be able to operate as they do today. Pilots will continue to be able to fly exactly where they fly now. If you want to take advantage of the changes when they come in you will of course be required to meet the requirements attached to heavier aircraft and access to CTA.
MTOW Progress continues on this important proposal to increase the Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW) of aircraft available to RAAus members to operate. This proposal received agreement in principle from CASA Director of Aviation Safety Shane Carmody in May 2018. Since that time RAAus and CASA staff have been regularly meeting to cover key areas since the original proposal was provided to CASA in September 2016. One of CASA’s requirements was that RAAus be CASR Part 149 ready. RAAus has undertaken a review of internal and external documentation, including internal administrative manuals (“the how to” of RAAus management for pilots, aircraft and safety), creation of a number of other manuals and policies, including an Audit and Assurance Manual, various internal and external policies and external manuals. The Flight Operations and Technical Manuals will be reviewed in mid-2020, although it has been determined both manuals as they stand are “fit for purpose” for Part 149 now. During meetings with CASA and RAAus, staff have focused on key targeted outcomes and actions working towards the MTOW increase in aircraft operated by RAAus members. Key deliverables included: • Practical L1 training delivered and available for RAAus members (already in RAAus planned scope of projects) • A robust audit and assurance program for RAAus Flight Training Schools (already in RAAus planned scope of projects) • A standard document to be made available for RAAus members to record
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AUSTRALIAN SPORT PILOT | July 2019
scheduled and continued maintenance for RAAus aircraft (Hours and Maintenance record HAM) • RAAus to provide CASA with the outcomes of fatal accidents investigated by Police and the Coroner on an ongoing basis • CASA Sport Team audited the delivery of the initial RAAus L1 practical training – with positive outcomes • Determination of minimum instructor and PIC hours to be approved to deliver flight training in Group G aircraft (+600kg MTOW) • Creation of an RAAus Examiner theory and practical standardization program (already in RAAus planned scope of projects) • Public register of RAAus aircraft – preparatory to Part 149 implementation (already in RAAus planned scope of projects) • CASA to provide Part 149 education to RAAus staff and managers • Completion of the CASA Flight Examiner Rating Course (FERC) by RAAus Operational managers • CASA to supply FERC materials for RAAus use • Written commitment by RAAus to transition to Part 149 within 18 months of the regulation being made (already in RAAus planned scope of projects) • RAAus to develop and deliver spin awareness training for all Instructors (this has evolved into Upset Recovery and Prevention Training with spin awareness within 3 years from the introduction of the proposed changes) • The MTOW specified by the manufacturer will be the determining factor for acceptance by RAAus for registration Key points for members to consider include: • MTOW - RAAus has no intention or plans to change the existing requirements of flight operation, maintenance or training for pilots electing to operate aircraft up to 600kg MTOW - A maximum of two people aboard aircraft operating at +600kg and above - Interim approval for 760kg, with CASA
planning to release industry and public consultation on this proposal by the end of July - The same maintenance regime the aircraft currently operates under in the CASA world (for FTS a LAME/L4 will be required, for amateur built aircraft, the builder/owner can maintain if they have completed a recognised and approved maintenance course) - All outstanding AD/SB and other maintenance stipulations will be required to be completed prior to acceptance of registration by RAAus - The initial weight will be implemented at 760kg MTOW and after two years of continued safe operations, approval will be considered for 1500kg MTOW (still limited to twu people aboard) • CTA - Controlled airspace access Phase 2 has been implemented, allowing RAAus members to not only train for issue of RAAus Pilot Certificate in controlled airspace but also allow private hire of RAAus FTS aircraft - Proposed Phase 3 and 4 of the Controlled Airspace access will be implemented once the 760 kg MTOW proposal is active So what can RAAus members do right now to assist in gaining this increase in MTOW and eventual access to Controlled Airspace for all RAAus members who are appropriately trained and current? Keep operating as compliantly as you have been, keep reporting accidents and incidents, keep interacting professionally with other pilots and airports as you have been, keep doing all the good work RAAus pilots have been doing. Finally, when the CASA MTOW increase consultation is released, don’t be passive. Open the link RAAus will provide, complete the consultation and answer honestly and completely.