Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) CEO Matt Bouttell has said that the start of the 760-kg Group G aircraft category is getting "awfully close".
In an communique sent to members yesterday, Bouttell said that a key step in the CASA approval process had been completed, clearing the way for a full approval to administer aircraft up to 760-kg maximum take-off weight (MTOW).
"I’m pleased to say that we are getting awfully close to obtaining our 760 kg MTOW (Group G) approval," Bouttell said in the communique.
"Pleasingly, CASA recently gave in-principle approval of the RAAus Flight Operations and Technical Manual revisions that are necessary to align our manuals to CASA regulations for this new group of aircraft.
"With this, I’m confident that our final approval shouldn’t be too far away.
"With the increased certainty around what will be approved by CASA, our staff are now busy, readying internal business systems, creating new forms, developing education and training programs and implementing a detailed member communication plan, to make this transition as easy as possible for members."
Group G will permit RAAus to administer aircraft with an MTOW in the 601-760-kg range. This is expected to include aeroplanes such as the C150 and many of the RV amateur-built experimental range.
Group G approval will not mean that aircraft with an existing MTOW below that range can automatically start carrying more useful load. The aeroplane's original certification needs to be adhered to. It does mean that GA aircraft that have MTOWs that fall within that range can be taken off the civil registered and registered with RAAus.
RAAus has created a series of FAQ surrounding Group G, which can be found on the RAAus website.