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or maybe they did just say 'No'?

The HGFA have the same aircraft on their register as RAAus but the HGFA owners are allowed to maintain and modify without training, so I can't see that it comes from CASA.

The fact is that if it is my backside in the aircraft, I would prefer to have maintained it myself than trust someone else to do it (providing I felt competent enough). We used to do that with parachutes. Would you rather jump with a chute you had packed yourself (under direct supervision) or one that had been packed by a stranger? The UK system works very well with no oversight of maintenance. Since they de-regulated their single seat aircraft, the onus is all on the pilot to look after his/her own safety. So far it has worked very well, also for the USA . Unfortunately for us, it seems that Australia is heading in the opposite direction.

So, just to recap: PPG are flown under CAO 95.8 which would be HGFA only (as long as they remain under 70kg) PPG (over 70kg) are flown under CAO 95.32 and can be registered under RAA or the HGFA. PPCs are flown under CAO 95.32 and can be registered under RAA or the HGFA and would be classed the same as Trikes (weightshift microlights) So, are they also covered under the MOU between the HGFA and RAA, for training and maintenance?

So, just to recap: PPG are flown under CAO 95.8 which would be HGFA only (as long as they remain under 70kg) PPG (over 70kg) are flown under CAO 95.32 and can be registered under RAA or the HGFA. PPCs are flown under CAO 95.32 and can be registered under RAA or the HGFA and would be classed the same as Trikes (weightshift microlights) So, are they also covered under the MOU between the HGFA and RAA, for training and maintenance?

Surely some of the L1 incidents could/should have been picked up on a pre-flight. Therefore, inadequate pre-flight = pilot responsible. But who is at fault here - the pilot, the Instructor who taught him to do a preflight, or the CFI who did his last BFR? and does this come under Operations, or Maintenance?

Well, I have just received an email from RAA entitled: Professional Development Program which announces the rollout of practical Level One owner maintainer courses. We will have to wait and see what that means and how they are going to do it. Lets hope that once everyone has completed it ..... there will be no L1 shortcomings at all! Then it will be on to the L2s and then the L4s but they will have to continue through to LAMEs who are not familiar with our aircraft and engines. The sky's the limit, so to speak.

Sorry for your situation but it is certainly good news for all Tecnam owners in Australia.

Exactly. I agree and the solution would be to run a practical course for those who would like one, and not have it forced upon them. For instance, go back to being able to maintain your own aircraft if you feel competent, if not get someone else to do your maintenance or book yourself onto a course. The Organisations should be promoting EDUCATION but allow those owners to choose their own levels as required.

I agree with you Frank, but I was referring to the reference below and pointing out that the HGFA Engine and Airframe course does provide practical aspects for anyone seeking assistance to enable them to do their own maintenance. It is not mandatory but available for those who want it.

I agree, as it depends on what else you fly as to the advantages of each Organisation. If you fly weightshift and also fly Hang-gliders then the HGFA is for you, if your other aircraft/passion is 3 axis then it would be RAAus. Powered paraglider vs powered parachute? I have no idea what the differences are, but surely by now you should also have the choice between the two, if not I guess they will have to specify the reasons why you can't fly with one. Aren't they under the same CAO?

The MOU is just for Flight Training to be aligned between the two Organisations. No word on whether they have had a meeting since 2015, or whether there is an up to date MOU. RAAus no longer list it on their website. No reason not to keep the two Organisations for weightshift aircraft. Some models are now as expensive as 3 axis aircraft and there will always be Hang gliding and WM owners who want to belong to the same Organisation for both disciplines. The HGFA wins out on costs at the moment, much cheaper than RAAus, for now at least (although their costs went up recently, they just didn't tell anyone).

but not for LSA, as below: check the Rotax documentation, some are 1500hr/12 years and some are 2000hr/15 years and some 1500hr can be upgraded to 2000hr by doing a modification to the oil pump relief valve, if it has the later type crankcase (check serial numbers).

recognised courses on the L1 syllabus page. The HGFA course has practicals. I have completed the SAAA MPC/ HGFA Engine and Airframe course, do I need to complete the L1 exam? No, but you will need to provide RAAus with evidence before this can be recognised. If you have completed the SAAA MPC/ HGFA Engine and Airframe course and would like to apply for recognition of prior learning, please email [email protected] with a copy of your course certificate so that we can update your member record.

Make the wing into solar panels and it would really make it cheap flying!

You don't say who the Manufacturer is but I would contact them directly by email and send a photo to check their tolerances for wear and gain some advice. They may respond better to email than by phone.

Yes, very glad to hear both Instructor and student received minor injuries only.

We have seen some progress between the two Organisations. For a while now you can have your Bienniel Fight Review with either, regardless of who you are a registered with. This was always a definite no before.

Rotax Line Maintenance Manual 05-10-00 (page 5) states that the maximum possible storage period of the engine is limited to 24 months. and that is providing the preservation directives have been followed.

Rotax agents Bert Floods will also post to anywhere in Australia. Bert Flood Imports Home | Australian Aircraft Engine Distributer, Rotax Engines

I think everyone on this site would wish him well and hope that he will feel fit enough to fly again in the future.

Something that would normally be covered in training, so makes you wonder why he was caught up in it. Trying to outrun it maybe? Hope the pilot was ok?

You can complete the survey on your laptop via the RAA Survey email link, as well as through this post ... I have just tried it and it let me complete it twice!

Strange that you don't have to be a member, or even an ex-member to be able to complete the survey. I wonder how many responses they are expecting to receive?

I also go to the RAA website to download it as a .pdf. Much easier and will download to both laptop and ipad. Couldn't always download it from ISSU, but no problem at all as a .pdf. I would still prefer to read a hard copy but I am not keen to pay extra for it.