RAAus V's GA

The times they are a-changing...

The path of recreational aviation in Australia over the last twenty seven years has experienced considerable growth and many changes while developing into a major player in Australian aviation today.  Originally formed in 1983 as the ‘Australian Ultralight Federation’ (AUF), from its humble beginnings of a few hundred courageous, often self taught, but always dedicated enthusiasts of minimal ‘ultralight’ aircraft types, into what we see today – a fully mature, large active membership of serious, trained pilots from all walks of life. Since 2004 the AUF has become known as ‘Recreational Aviation Australia Incorporated’ (RAAus) the governing body who regulates this type of flying. There have been big changes in both the type of aircraft flown and the pilots who fly them. Training, facilities and aeronautical knowledge has grown within the organisation; as has the mentality, maturity and safety culture. The RAAus continues to make significant transformations which has lead to a revolution in the way we look at flying for leisure here in Australia; if you haven’t looked at recreational aviation lately, you may find a complete different animal now-a-days.

Here in 2010 the RAAus now enjoys a membership fluttering around the 10,000 strong mark and is rapidly growing. More and more pilots, both new and experienced, are deciding to fly under the RAAus banner and not follow the traditional path of General Aviation (GA). So, what is it that is making RAAus so enticing? Why are so many pilots choosing to fly RAAus rather than the long-established path of GA in Australia? Not only new pilots, but pilots who have flown for 20 plus years are deciding to convert their licence over to a RAAus certificate.

For many people taking the RAAus route, it’s about belonging; a feeling of being a part of something big - a club or a group of friendly, approachable and like minded individuals who share dreams, stories and ideas while treating each other with respect. It’s about freedom and affordability – RAAus is not an exclusive club of rich people, in fact it is often just the opposite. While GA flying tends to be gaining the reputation of having more of an exclusive culture, RAAus is growing into and retaining an all-inclusive environment – a place where the old and young, the experienced and the novice, the enthusiast and the curious feel equally accepted and welcome.

With the main motto in recreational aviation being ‘flying for fun’ it is important to note that it is never at the expense of safety. The safety that RAAus offers is second to none; with a huge shift in mentality and culture from its humble beginnings, we see that safety has become the foremost concern of, not only the organisation, but flight training schools, instructors, aircraft manufacturers and even the recreational pilots themselves. RAAus pilots are highly trained people for the type of flying they do, with the ability to undergo further training and endorsements as they require; from cross country to tail wheel, from low performance minimal aircraft to sophisticated high performance aircraft with retractable undercarriage - RAAus pilots have the freedom and the choice to develop as they need. Cheap and affordable flying doesn’t mean unsafe aircraft or dodgy facilities – it’s about sensible flying in aircraft that are built and designed for a purpose, not a price. It’s also about instructors and schools set up all over this country, not to make big money, but rather to pass on the enthusiasm and skills that these pilots have, the passion and love of flying and the desire to share with others who also dream of flight.

Many people dream, not only of flight, but also to be able to build their very own aircraft. RAAus makes it possible to build your own plane – easily and without too much politics and ‘paper fuss’. There are many legitimate and safe aircraft designs that a novice can build in their home garage following specific easy to follow plans, with many of the kits already partly built by the manufacturer.

RAAus delivers a welcoming spirit and a diverse membership; you could be a highly paid business person, a factory worker, a farmer, a housewife, a young person of 15, a grandparent, or just a person who is keen to fly for the fun of it and you would be welcome in the RAAus. When you visit a RAAus flight training school you will notice the difference between GA and RAAus right away – it’s the culture, the enthusiasm and the all-inclusive welcoming spirit. You may even notice that recreational aircraft are often amongst the newer designs and built from lighter and stronger modern materials.

Times are definitely changing on the Australian aviation scene. No longer is the path of learning to fly just the traditional GA route, with its (comparatively) overpriced aircraft hire and instructors who are often just building hours with the airlines in their sites. RAAus is a serious contender in Australian aviation, has grown and continues to grow, while retaining its old fashioned ideals and beliefs, its all-inclusive attitude and culture where all feel welcome and all feel as though they are a part of something amazing – a large group of enthusiastic people flying for the absolute fun of it both safely and affordably. If you are interested in learning to fly, whether it is for your profession or just for fun, or maybe you are just sick of the politics and the prices of GA flying, why not take a look at what RAAus flying can offer you.