RAA Pilot Training

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You can also learn to fly as a "recreational" pilot and obtain a pilot certificate from Recreational Aviation Australia (RAA).

 

NOTE:  RAA training is not currently available due to damage to the Sportcruiser. Contact the club office on 62485370 for any news on when RAA flying may recommence.

 

This provides a less bureaucratic system for people who have no need or desire to pursue a commercial career in aviation but only want to fly for fun. There are some advantages and some disadvantages:

 

 

Advantages of RAA flying

 

•You do not require a class 2 aviation medical unless you also fly in controlled airspace. NOTE: Flying solo in the clubs Sportcruiser at Cambridge WILL require that you have a current class 2 medical because you will be flying in controlled airspace.
•It requires less hours of flight to obtain a RAA pilot certificate
•Most RAA aircraft are cheaper to run than GA aircraft because maintenance requirements are less onerous, insurance is generally cheaper and most use car fuels (mogas) which is cheaper than aviation fuel.
•Most RAA aircraft can be flown out of small airstrips as they do not require long runways for take off or landing.
•Modern high performance RAA aircraft, such as our Sportcruiser are just as sophisticated (if not more so) than light GA aircraft.

 

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"Sportcruiser 5324"
•It costs quite a lot less overall to learn to fly in a RAA aircraft.

 

 

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There are some restrictions on RAA flying. In most cases for recreational pilots these will not be a problem.

 

•RAA aircraft at the moment are only single or two seaters.
•There are restrictions on where you can fly in an RAA aircraft unless you also have  a PPL eg: you can not fly solo  in controlled airspace unless you have a class 2 medical.
 
Note that: If you are a member of the club and are flying the club Sportcruiser, you do not need a PPL to fly at Cambridge, but if you had your own RAA aircraft you would also need a PPL unless you kept and flew the aircraft only in uncontrolled airspace.