Nev, I posted to put the other side of the argument. With pilots wanting all of the GA privileges for a rec price and training, the need for a base level organisation/branch is becoming more urgent. I built my aircraft from a kit, I carry a 20ltr jerry can on the front passenger seat when doing cross country flights, and have the means to pump that into my main tanks while in flight for extra length. I have a range of 4 hrs on my main tanks which gives me plenty of range for long cross country flight.s. As I said, one to Cameron corner, 14 hrs out, 12 hrs back via Griffith, Ivanhoe, Broken hill and Packsaddle as refuelling points. I was headed for Birdsville but the winds and the price of fuel out there was against me. I dont fly in weather that is uncomfortable as I do this for fun, not as a means of getting from A to B no matter what. The only restriction in distance is refuelling points and weather as in any other flight. So it takes a little longer so be it. The speed of the aircraft in no way limits the cross countries I can do. I have a flight plan to do Perth from Goulburn in the aircraft and it is doable.
I have 2 people capacity, The aircraft, with instruments and new motor cost me $27000 in the air (and that includes the cost of the pilots cert training). It doesnt have to cost a fortune. Raa Aus were very helpful when I built it and the rego process was smooth as. I have been flying it for 8 years now and have only slowed down this year because of other non flying related issues.