SPECIAL MEMBER UPDATE: CASA REGISTRATION AND ACCREDITATION SCHEME

On behalf of the MAAA, I am sending through this email to update our members on the proposed CASA Registration and Accreditation Scheme outcome for MAAA Clubs and Members. Your Executive prepared significant supporting documentation for Mr Shane Carmody, the Director of Aviation Safety (CASA) in light of the proposed registration and Accreditation of RPA’s within Australia. On Monday 25th March the MAAA Secretary met with three high level managers of CASA in Chris Monaghan, Anthony Stanton and Luke Gumley. This was in relation to the direction of the CASA registration and accreditation system. The material presented included significant information on the historical safety performance of the MAAA.

The MAAA Executive is pleased to confirm that the exemption for all MAAA club locations and other flying sites will be achieved. Flying sites other than actual club sites, for example once a year float plane sites, will need to be identified, confirmed and approved by your State Association. Once these sites are confirmed, the MAAA membership will not be required to undertake any further registration or accreditation for these sites. Documenting these sites in the MAAA exemption list will require your clubs’ involvement with your State Association. The MAAA has again worked tirelessly to achieve these exemptions.

In summary:

1. No operational change or registration required for any MAAA member flying at a MAAA Club.
2. No operational change or registration required for any MAAA member flying at a MAAA flying site outside of a club location (locations to be identified and included on a flying site list to be established by your State Association).
3. Clubs or flying sites currently operated with a current Area Approval (height extension etc.) are NOT affected by any proposed CASA Registration or accreditation scheme. (i.e. These sites already have an instrument and conditions in place for MAAA members at those sites and are exempt from impacts).
4. Operation of non-motorised models/gliders is currently exempt from CASA registration at any location (all MAAA clubs/flying sites and other locations). This includes but not limited to Discuss Launch Gliders and slope soaring activities etc.

I hope this information serves to further reduce any of our memberships fear on the impact of the CASA Registration and Accreditation scheme and demonstrates the continued dedication of the MAAA to our members, clubs and state associations. On saying this the MAAA will continue to work with CASA to ensure the rights of MAAA members are considered in any further discussions. We will continue to monitor the progress to ensure what has been agreed is implemented.

Best Regards,

Tyson Dodd
Secretary, MAAA