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The RAA website states under L2/L4 Maintainers Members who are a CASA LAME (or equivalent acceptable to RAAus) may apply for a Level 4 Amateur Built Inspector (ABI) Authorisation. the applicant for a L4 Authorisation must hold a Level 2 Maintenance Authorisation prior to making the application, or co-incident with it. Maintenance Authority Renewal L2 privileges are valid for two years and are subject to renewal. In order to renew these privileges an L2 must conduct at least two annual inspections within two years. A LAME is issued with a perpetual L2, subject to continued validity of the LAME Licence. No L2 renewal is required. So it seems they may have to be RAA members and L2s before they can apply for a L4 (if I am reading it correctly) but they don't need to renew every 2 years. I guess they could become RAA if they want to pick up extra work in their spare time, and cover their costs with an increase in their fees. Would they also need to take out specific L2 insurance, or will their LAME insurance cover RAA aircraft. I guess it depends on who the LAME works for. If they work for a commercial entity they wouldn't be covered for work outside of their paid hours, would they?

Is there a list of suitably qualified LAMES anywhere?

That is the time to have your say, although I guess ex-GA may have a bigger say without realising the difference in cost would ultimately affect them too.

and two seats only?

I guess so, but I have only seen them referred to as WSM, or WM over here in Australia

ML?

and yet they send free copies out to schools? Sorry to see Brian lost the Sport Pilot (read the online copy) after all his hard work, but read with interest his comments about the magazine being a voice for the members not just a megaphone for the Board. We will just have to wait and see what the new publishers/editors bring. Fees wise, if this keeps up it will be cheaper to learn and fly GA. Add up what it all costs and subtract what a LAME would charge for an annual and see what the difference is. At the moment the figures don't seem to add up. An increase in membership numbers should keep the costs down, as the infrastructure and procedures are already in place, unless we are in for another round of big changes? What is the increase for?

Just looked at the HGFA forms and if it is a CAO 95:32 (Non-LSA) then the only time it needs an inspection is if it is a kit or amateur built under CAO 95:32 clause 1.4 (at the bottom of the form) Normally they don't have inspections on sale (different to RAAus) as they have inspections every 2 years instead. If it was RAAus it would have been deregistered and had an inspection on sale anyway, so I don't see that you would need one. Maybe they haven't received the de-registered paperwork from the previous owner? Regarding 2 yearly inspections, if you are a long way away from either HGFA or RAAus WM then you can get an exemption from the Ops Manager so its not normally a problem if you have been doing your own maintenance anyway. They used to be done by the owner.

At least with the HGFA it is only $20 every two years for the Rego (after the initial rego) whereas the RAA is $160 per year, every year. Soon adds up but if you have other trikes I would keep them the same. Changing them all over to HGFA would be a much cheaper option unless you also fly fixed wing.

It was announced by RAAus CEO to all the members present at the PDP, not just CFIs. I should have said 760kgs, not 750kgs (typo mistake on a small screen not picked up)

Anyway, they confirmed they have the 750kg but it wont be for LSA. All LSA stay at 600kgs. I guess they now have to change all the manuals to suit so it may take a while to come through. Flying schools will have to use LAMEs for the higher MTOW, but owners will still be able to do their own maintenance.

I guess they are choosing airfields close to where the majority of CFIs are. The communications officer said in his email that 80 were attending the Caboolture one, but only around 30 on the first day, maybe 40 on the second. Good weather too, so I guess it was either an exaggeration or half chose not to turn up after receiving confirmation of what they were going to talk about.

It’s all being explained in the PDPs at the moment. The RAAus team are travelling around the country to keep CfIs L2s and members informed

Any sign that a rodent may have chewed through something?

Mmmmm, I hadnt thought of that, Yenn. True that the organisers have to arange it so that the attendees have good access to everything. I didnt go to the Narromine one last year but did go one a couple of years ago there, which wasnt too bad but the Temora one quite a few years ago was probably the best for ease of walking around with plenty to see. I think Carol Richards was one of the organisers back then. Didnt hear too many complaints after that one. Hopefully there will be enough to see at this one ....

I agree with scre80 ... lets try it first. Its up to the attendees to make it sucessful. Make it a big fly-in and a meet and greet for all, regardless of what you fly. Cessnock should be a good venue for this to happen. Lets try and make it work this time. I for one will be driving down for the three days.

Both have put costs up, but RAA is still a lot more expensive for Trikes. If you fly a 95:55 aircraft as well, then you don't have much option but to keep your Trike with RAA, but it is a shame that we cannot get back to basics and offer cheap flying for those just starting out. The rest of us have to put up with the price increases if we want to continue, but if I was starting out now, it would be a struggle. Its good that RAA offer free flying to some through scholarships but other organisations like the EAA hold big fundraisers just to fund these. Their membership fees are separate. I assume from the price increase to members that some if not all of RAA money is coming from members and the increase in scholarships might also account for the increase in members (as per the last Board Communique)

and SAAA and RAA

Wow, I see the price has gone up over the years! Do you know what the cost would be for a new sail?

Can’t Airborne make you one?

For Weight shift microlights the HGFA have an annual membership on 31st August for everyone but the aircraft rego is every two years from original date of rego. Cost was $20 but I think this has increased recently. Certainly different from the RAAus system of rego every year (and much cheaper).

a few places sell them and although expensive, they are very useful: SkyShop Online - Jeppesen Garmin Lowrance AvMap Airservices Aircraft Spruce Bob Tait Aviation Theory Skylines Coolangatta Queensland David Clark Bose FlightCom - Portable 20 litre fuel bladder - Jerry Can

The latest RAAus email states that they are (or will be soon). No specific details have been announced yet though.

Yes, a friend completed the Jabiru course and became a restricted L2 (Jabiru). He had to gain experience to get an unrestricted L2 and can now work on any aircraft, any engine (he worked on Rotax engines, under supervision to gain the experience). The MRC and the HGFA Aircraft and Engine course both get you a L1 (for any type of aircraft). The iRMT Rotax courses held with Bert Floods in Vic, don't get you an L1, but would certainly count for a Rotax engine L2. Any course will help towards a L2. You need to send in a copy of your Certificate together with the paperwork to the Tech Office. I think the wording in the Technical Manual is that 'other forms of evidence may be considered on a case by case basis, by the Technical Manager'.

I agree wholeheartedly. It wouldn't be hard to point all owners in the right direction for learning how to maintain their own aircraft (manuals for the aircraft and engine) and to seek answers from the Manufacturer, if they need to. They don't need an exam to be able to do this. The Tech team should be on hand to offer advice, but ultimately help them source the right information. There are too many variables out there to put all maintenance into a simple 'test of knowledge'. It doesn't help those that genuinely want to learn how. and if someone is already competent ... then let them maintain their own, without interference. Education without enforcement. Works in the UK and as Jim says above, also in Canada.