gliding-chris-au

Thanks Thruster, I see your point, I think essentially we are both right (Screenshots below). You dont need a Class 1,2,3 Medical for an RPL* under certain conditions (1 passenger, 1500kg MTOW, No acrobatics, Day VFR, 10,000 ceiling). You do however require an "RAMPC" which is very basic general health checkup consisting of basic questions and a few basic tests signed off by you and your local GP (Any GP). The GP tests are extremely basic things, Blood Presure, Pulse, joint movements, eye test, hearing test etc. The requirements are essentially the same as a general checkup. https://www.casa.gov.au/recreational-aviation-medical-practitioners-certificate-rampc-application There is more to it than I was initially explained because the RAMPC form is required to be submitted every 2 years. I would expect the GP visit to be done in ~10 minute, plus the CASA $50 Admin fee. I've read through the questions/tests and TBH if I was answering "Yes" to any of them I probably wouldnt/shouldn't be flying regardless (RPC/RPL). The RAMPC (Limited RPL) is more than fine for my flying criteria (experimental, 1 passenger, 1500kg MTOW, No acrobatics, Day VFR, 10,000 ceiling). https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/aviation-medicals/medical-certificates/classes-medical-certificate# https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-certificates/pilots/pilot-licences/getting-recreational-pilot-licence-rpl

Thanks Mark, I've been recommended to convert to a RPL + NAV/XC etc sports license which I'm told solves any doubt on the MTOW, I'm told its the same medical standards as RAAUS and can VH register experimental at the 820 weight limit. Little bit of mucking around, but my instructor says the conversion wont be too long/expensive for me. I'm in my early 40's. Certainly learning lots. Thanks again for your responses, very much valued and appreciated. Looking forward to seeing your build take shape. Kind Regards, Chris.

Thanks Mark, You certainly have given me a lot to think about and thanks for sharing your video (subscribed), incidentally I did the exact same thing with my wife, we are lucky to know a very experienced local female pilot who took my wife up for a tour of our local valleys (Alpine Region Victoria) in her beautiful bright yellow foxbat, my wife loved it, as such I got the green light to get my license and a Foxbat/Vixen prior to the war. Happy Wife, Happy (flying) life 😉 Your aircraft sounds fantastic and well suited to your needs. Although for me personally that extra HP of the 915 would be appreciately for my use cases, its certainly not massive difference with the 912. I assume you are meaning the below LSA 600kg MTOW with the 915 and 340 are horsepower limited? I'm doing more research about "type certification" and whether perhaps the S21+915 combo will/would be possible with a letter from Rans gvien the LSA STOL charactoristics/performance of this aircraft. I am yet to read anything from a CASR/RAA regulatory point of view that would rule it out.... but i'm still reading.... and the Group G definitions are still being written as we speak. I couldn't find the type certificate for the S21, only the FAA kit build approval and builder assist approval (no mention of specific engines). As i said still reading... 😉 Thanks again for all your responses. Cheers, Chris.

Thanks Mark, Makes sense. Couple of quick questions about your build if you have time. Do you have an estimated idea of the empty weight of your build? What sort of comfortable cruise speed are you predicting/striving for with your build? Thanks again for your responses. Looking forward to seeing your build take shape. Kind Regards, Chris.

Thanks Mark, I think Randy has said 915iS is 820kg which I thought was the overall (VH) maximum limitation. Perhaps I have misunderstood how MTOW limitations work. I thought the Manuacturer sets the MTOW and the australian RAAUS legislation is <45 stall and the maximum MTOW (regardless of maufacturer) is 600kg. Which is why (i thought) RAA registered aircraft were limited to 600 dispite the manufacturer supporting heavier weights. For example: Jab J230 (RAA = 600kg / VH = 760kg) Sling 2 (RAA = 600 / VH = 700kg) thus my thinking was ~S21 (RAA = 600 / VH 820) currently -> but when Group G comes in (RAA+G = 760kg / VH = 820kg) I thought the way this worked was that as long as the stall speed is at or below 45kts then the MTOW was limited at the limitation for RAA (currently 600, soon 760). So for example although RANS say MTOW 820kg (915iS) {See attachment}, it could be registered as RAA at MTOW <760kg because stall is still <45kts at 820kg, surely be still less than 45kts at 760kg? From what you are saying, RANS would need to provide a different/seperate certificate/certification as proof the kit (S21+915) could support MTOW 760kg @ <45 knots stall to allow this build to happen? Even though it stalls at <45kts at 820kg already? Doesn't seem logical as to why it needs another certification. Unless it stalls at more than 45 kts once the MTOW is >600kg. Kind Regards, Chris.

Hi Aussie Aviators, Long time lurker, first time poster. I am a RAA pilot and have a some questions for those experienced in ordering/building aircraft from overseas, my questions are more related to legislation, requirements and ordering practises. I do understand Group G is not quite there yet but I'm keen on yours thoughts about whether this build does/would fit under RAAUS requirements and whether you would bank your deposit on it coming to fruition. 1. Would/will a RAN S21 + 915iS kit build be possible to register under RAAUS Group G? Stall is <45 (with Flaps) -> MTOW is >760kg thus I thought it will be fine to be eventually registered e.g 29-XXXX rego 760 MTOW. 2. What are the legislative requirements before undertaking/ordering a kit? i.e What are the general steps to ensure I am doing everything by the book (RAAUS? CASA?) For example Do I have to register the intension to build or seek approval prior to ordering with RAAUS or CASA... Which if it were today would need to be 600 MTOW e.g Rans S21 + 912/915 (600 MTOW). I'm 6'3" and 102kg... 3. Given the RANS kit current queue and wait time would it be wise or perhaps risky to order at least the airframe (Firewall back)? I suppose this really depends on the answers to Question 1 & 2 and whether you can (easily) change your planned MTOW during build also whether s21+915 does indeed fit under RAA criteria. 4. Assuming I clearly understand all of the above and are ready to purchase the kit, how do other recommend the following tasks be done; a. Make the transaction (most effective/safest way to pay USD)? I bank with CBA. b. Insure both the transaction and the order itself (Legal Contract?) c. Safest most reliable way to insure the delivery/shipping? Any other thoughts or comments or learnings from those with experience would be greatly appreciated. I apologise if these things are being rehashed somewhat, I've done some searching but couldnt find the exact answers I've been looking for. Thanks in advance for your time. Kind Regards, Chris. (RAA Pilot)