RAAus MTOW - Any Updates?

[PaulMilo2]

I noted that there appeared to have been a positive response (86% odd support) to the CASA request for feedback on the proposal for MTOW increase.

 

Does anyone know where the proposal is at and what the next step will be? I realise timing guestimates are just that.

 

I'm keen to transfer my aircraft across, although there does not appear to be any maintenance benefits that I was hoping to see. I am still hopeful that given that the aircraft would no longer be certified (I assume), it may allow some flexibility with respect to what you can install, eg: A non certified version of a G5 or Av30.

[robinsm]

given the time these things take, and the past history of this, I would not get too excited. Better off taking up watching grass growing as a hobby. In other words, low confidence level from this observer.

[Flightrite]

Let's just say that this won't happen anytime soon! Man on Mars is next, that's the time scale!?

[Mewp]

I believe the aircraft will still need to be maintained as per the manufacturers schedule and a LOA will still be required for all non standard installation of equipment just as any factory built (24) LSA is required to do.

[Kyle Communications]

I still have to build my aircraft (although it wont be long before I start it) that will drop perfectly into the Class G category thats been proposed. Until Part 149 is done I cant see anything happening. Class G will have special conditions which will be like the experimental category conditions for maint etc so it wont be that different I think from other regs just not being governed the way it is by CASA. I would say another year and it will be getting close

[Mike Borgelt]

I still have to build my aircraft (although it wont be long before I start it) that will drop perfectly into the Class G category thats been proposed. Until Part 149 is done I cant see anything happening. Class G will have special conditions which will be like the experimental category conditions for maint etc so it wont be that different I think from other regs just not being governed the way it is by CASA. I would say another year and it will be getting close

 

 

I'd have thought that 30+ years of Regulatory re-write would convince everyone that CASA isn't interested in actually finishing anything, they just want the "process" to be on-going so that they can claim they are doing their jobs.

[Kyle Communications]

SSSHHHHH Mike dont kick the bear you never know in a far far away universe maybe it will happen :)...hey they did get the cheap ADS-B stuff approved..it did take a couple of years but at least thats one good thing that has happened. The weight would be nice certainly in the next year or so...well for me that is

[facthunter]

CASA actually proposed 762 Kgs..so long ago. They've had enough time. You have to question their ability and genuine-ness. It cost me in real dollars so my advice is don't depend on it. When and IF it comes read all the fine print.. . THIS organisation advanced the concept of owner maintenance.. Has that been compromised? Nev

[Kyle Communications]

My mail is that Group G as it most probably will be known will basically be the Experimental aircraft rules but administered by RAA. Most likely to do your own maint you will be required to do a course like the SAAA maint course...which really is all doing the paperwork and being certified to do W&B. The issue will be and is currently the medical rules. So basically it will most probably be no different to what experimental is now but seems most are hoping for relaxed medical rules. RPL rules will be the same but the Basic Medical is of course envoked as a way of getting past the idiotic Class 2 medical system

[Mike Borgelt]

" Basic Medical is of course e(i - sic)nvoked as a way of getting past the idiotic Class 2 medical system"

 

Of course it is the same medical standard as the Class 2 but done by your GP. does not really help anyone at all.

[facthunter]

Any W&B Authority only last 2 years. Nev

[Kyle Communications]

The difference with the medical is that a actual Dr looks at you and decides if you are ok...not some office johnny at a desk in CASA....a sensible decision from a "proper" person makes it

[Flightrite]

I still get a full medical with a full blood work up even though I no longer need it. It's not about being legal for me it's about being fit to fly and I wanna know what's going on inside my body before something ugly happens, if possible. The cost is peanuts compared to not catching something ugly early!

[Mike Borgelt]

The difference with the medical is that a actual Dr looks at you and decides if you are ok...not some office johnny at a desk in CASA....a sensible decision from a "proper" person makes it

Um, for an actual Class 2 an actual Doctor looks at you. The paperwork is forwarded to CASA. The actual medical requirements are exactly the same. The problem with the medical non reform is that you still front to a doctor every two years. The Brits don't have this for smaller aircraft. It is a self declaration medical. The USA has an initial aeromedico look at you (probably reasonable) then an every two year on line questionaire. Canada is going that way also last I heard. We are out of line with major anglosphere countries (the bureaucrat ridden fools in New Zealand don't count).

 

If CASA simply added the following to the maintenance regs:

If the aircraft has a gross weight of less than 600 Kg the owner may, if desired, certify the annual airworthiness of the aircraft him or herself and perform any required maintenance. It is highly recommended that if there any doubts that the owner seek professional advice to resolve them.

 

And the following for the medical:

If the pilot flies an aircraft of less than 600 Kg the medical requirement for issue of a Restricted weight RPL is that a State Driver's Licence be held by the applicant with no medical restrictions.

 

The actual weight limit can be extended if desired.

 

This would remove the need for RAAus, GFA and the Part 149 Charlie Foxtrot.

[Jim McDowall]

I still get a full medical with a full blood work up even though I no longer need it. It's not about being legal for me it's about being fit to fly and I wanna know what's going on inside my body before something ugly happens, if possible. The cost is peanuts compared to not catching something ugly early!

The downside of this approach is that once you become aware of an issue you should inform RAAus or CASA even though it may not actually affect your performance as a pilot in the immediate term- eg skin cancer or prostate cancer. Then what happens if there is a mis-diagnosis or an overly cautious GP who has one eye on his insurance.

[facthunter]

Dumping you at a first diagnostic event would deter most from checking to see if there's any issues. in a timely manner.. In 87, I was taken off a flight as I was due to go to Perth in front of everyone by CREWING. FFS... .. Lovely way to find out.. I wasn't getting any follow up and I guess none was needed as last time I looked I'm still here. There was a time I got a bit concerned at what was on my medical file, so I made a few enquiries and finding some rubbish ( Personal comments NOT FACTS) asked for more details on other aspects and Guess what? They went missing. They said they couldn't find them.. Nev

[Kyle Communications]

Mike

yes thats right you still have to have a DAME go over you and all the other necessary stuff...BUT if you have any diabeties or heart history of had cancer CASA office bunny says no even thought the doc says ok. The basic medical takes the bunny out of the equation....and relys on just the Doctors opinion and being a DAME he knows more than the bunny

[pmccarthy]

I have had the DAME's opinion reversed by the bunny.

[Kyle Communications]

Did you buy a lotto ticket?

[pmccarthy]

DAME issued the medical, bunny cancelled it.

[Kyle Communications]

Yep that sounds right and it happens a lot...those bunnies have way too much say over the experts but doesnt happen with the Basic Class 2.....The CASA guy told me once the DAME takes the responsibility CASA then doesnt interfere

[Mike Borgelt]

However if you can't correctly tick the boxes on the Basic is goes to a Class 2 and CASA. If a DAME is required I can't see how the $75 saved for CASA registratio of the Class 2 is that big a deal. It also removes the silly restrictions.