Hi all As very new, but I feel well trained RAA Pilot thanks to my instructors,here is my current situation. The airfield that I fly at is adjascent to a RPT Capital city airport, and falls within the CTA of that airport. Since day one of my training I have been flying in and out of CTA.(with all the clearance requests and radio calls that go with that, as well as responding to tower requests to alter course or runway to facilitate RPT Jets and other traffic ) I did my first solo in CTA, when I was allowed to fly to the training area solo, which is out of controlled area I did so, then back again to land ETC. Now I have my RAA Pilot certificate and am allowed to fly within 25nm of the airfield. Provided that I get authorisation from one of our instructors to do so.
This makes me feel so second rate, that after all my training I still have to ask permission to go flying because I don't have a PPL, but have been doing what all the PPL pilots do for the past two years.
It might seem strange to some PPL GA pilots, but I feel like a proper pilot.
The CTA indorsement on the certificate will be most welcom, and I think CASA should be encouraged to proceed with haste in this area.
I love Flying and see the need for good training, but RAA flying should not be looked down on, it is the way of the future.
I probably will go on to do my PPL if I am spared enough life to do it.
Love this forum. Henry