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I think that Tonga comes under the NZ rules and regs. I am sure all aircraft in Tonga are registered ZK as they are in the Cook Islands. Cheers

http://www.sportflying.co.nz/ Cheers

Great stuff Ian, It should never of had to involve solicitors! RAAus is there to look after Recreational flying on behalf of CASA. Cheers

A bit of info has been published in this newsletter: http://www.wattsbridge.com.au/files/news_bvsac/bvsac1209_september2012.pdf Well worth a read.

NZ is much much smaller than Aus as far as Recrational Flying goes. Two governing bodies work there just fine. The only problem I see is that all aircraft would need to be registered under one umbrella (CASA) as an example. ANY licence / Certificate holders could then also fly the aircraft with appropriate endorsement. Cheers

How about a system that seems to work well in NZ. All aircraft are ZK-xyz registered. NZCAA certifies two organisations to run Microlight (Ultralight) Training, Certification and Maintenance etc. One is a club type organisation RAANZ (Recreational Aircraft Association of NZ) similar to RAAUS and has an annual membership fee and committee etc. The other is a Corporation and is run as follows: Sport Aviation Corp was established in 1995 to provide service to sport and recreational aviation in NZ. Sport Aviation Corp (SAC) looks after Microlight (Ultralight) Aircraft activities via a structure set up through out the country of Authorised Testing Officers - Instructors and aircraft Inspectors. SAC is certified under the Civil Aviation Rule Part 149 and is responsible for the flight standards and training of Microlight pilots and Instructors, as well as aircraft maintenance standards and training for aircraft inspectors. SAC is a seven day a week aviation business. The direction of the company is under the control of the CEO and two other Directors. The day to day operations of SAC are audited by the Civil Aviation Authority of NZ in line with the SAC Exposition or procedures manual approved by CAA. The aim of SAC is to provide a high standard of training and safety, a fast efficient service, and keeping the fun in aviation with minimum regulation. Our representatives throughout NZ are of the highest calibre, many from commercial backgrounds and general aviation, some are early pioneers of the sport, drawing from more than twenty years experience in NZ Microlight Aviation. There is also an annual Fee to the Corporation similar to the RAANZ membership. As all Ultralights are ZK registered they can be flown by anyyone issued with a pilot certificate by either organisation. Cheers

Ian, my understanding is that you were just renewing your membership as it had expired for a period of time. I let mine lapse for about a year as there seemed no point at the time to have two magazines etc as my wife was also a member and learning to fly. Prior to letting the membership lapse I called the RA office and asked what I needed to do if I let my membership lapse and what I would need to do to rejoin some time down the track. They (Office) said just pay the membership fee and update flying and medical details etc as you retain your member (Pilot Certificate) Nr for life. This (Renewal) I am sure would of been done with out any executive knowledge. I assume Ian's membership had been "flagged" for further discussion once a renewal application was received. Cheers

To all you Savannah owners. I am trying to find the certified MTOW of Australian built Savannahs. The early slat models seem to be certified to 454Kg as per BMAA requirements. I have seen the paperwork for one of these and it says MTOW 454kg but also states that it can go to 560kg if amateur built????? This does not seem right to me. When / what mods were required to bring that weight up to 560kgs? What does one need to look for if looking at earlier slat model aircraft that may or may not have had the slats removed and VG's fitted. What is the MTOW of the VG (sold from around 2006) or later VG XL models? Cheers

Having two Governing Organisations like in NZ would STOP this sort of thing. Something I might add I have not heard of before and these guys need to remember that it is the Members who keep them in a job. Cheers

My kit has the "optional" GA style engine cowl and Instrument panel along with dual brakes and the larger bush tyres otherwise similar to the pix posted above by eightyknots. I think it is ONLY Aus that has a different register for the ultralights. USA, Canada, UK and others just use the standard civil register. Aircraft are then classed as single or dual seat Microlight / Ultralights. Pilots still hold a Pilots Certificate issued by an organisation similar to RAAus. I think NZ has two organisations certified by NZCAA that look after this side of things. Cheers

Hi Dreamy, I have a complete kit including a Rotax 912UL 80hp engine in my hangar at Bundaberg. I will put aircraft together when I finish my contract (Jun 13) up here in Kununurra. There are a few Rans in Aus but there is currently NO rep here although there is no real requirement as most people deal direct with Rans. They are probably the most popular ultralight aircraft in NZ. http://www.caa.govt.nz/Script/Air_Mod.asp and check Rans alphabetically in the list. Cheers

I caught up with Scotty. His new Hornet is going well but unfortunately we will see no further posts from him. Cheers

Does any one know how Scottys Hornet Stol is performing? There was a thread running last year but can't find it now.

I believe you will still need a credit card IF ONLY SHELL is available on the field that you require fuel. Cheers

Look forward to a "review" Ian. Cheers

I am not sure about the others you mentioned Maj but the Luscombe 8A is fine on RAA rego from what I can see. BEW 340kgs MTOW 572kgs and a stall of 37kts. As the aircraft is factory built it carries a 24-xxxx rego. The Champs may also fit in. Cheers Mike

They may of taken them off Google Maps. They seem to be on Google Earth though. Cheers

It will be good to follow your progress Ben. The CX4 is is a nice looking aircraft. Cheers

And is that a glider tow hook out the back?

Robin, this from my mate Grant who used to fly at Whitemans Valley when he lived in Upper Hutt. Quote: My logbook shows last glider flight at the Whitemans Valley strip on 24/3/74, then Easter at Taupo and then the operation moved to Paraparaumu. I left and joined the airforce at the end of July 74. They operated at PP from then on until they developed the strip. My logbook shows me flying the UVGC gliders again at PP in Dec 1975 and I again flew at PP in Mar 76 but it was a Wellington GC glider so not sure if they were still there although I would imagine so as if they had moved I would have gone to Kaitoke. Not sure how long it took for them to develop the site at Kaitoke but I think it would have been a while as some major earthworks were required. I have only ever flown there once and that was when I flew our Jodel in there a few years later. Unquote I was a share holder in the Jodel with Grant and can remember him flying from Whenuapai to Kaitoke as I had just flown back from Palmerston North earlier in the day. I am not at home so can't check my log book but would of been around 79/80 or there abouts. Cheers

G'day Robin, I have asked the question of a mate who used to glide there . Should have some idea later today. Cheers

This guy in NZ may be able to offer some info on subject engine as he has one in a RV12. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/aircraft/aircraft/auction-459086118.htm Cheers

Hi Jem, was your LSA55 once registered VH registered? I am not sure how STC's work on RAus registered aircraft??? Others in the know may be able to clarify this. Cheers

Congratulations on the successful test flight Mark. Now for the 25 hours (or more) test flying. Cheers

I would suggest not as you need a minimum of a class 2 medical and an ICAO licence in most countries. That would be at least a PPL. Cheers