MTOW Increase to 760kg
Last updated 21 December 2022
RAAus continues to steadily progress the 760 kg MTOW application with CASA. Most recently, CASA staff reviewed draft Flight Operations and Technical Manuals edits which are required to support the registration and operation of Group G (Part 103 Lightweight aircraft), Internally, RAAus staff are working on preparing edits to database information, the creation of new forms, edits to internal processing manuals, development of communications packages and information for members applicable to this new category of aircraft.
Meetings are scheduled between RAAus and CASA staff to progress the manuals in January 2023. At this time, it is not possible to provide a confirmed date for implementation, but RAAus members may be assured the team are continuing to put significant efforts into enabling RAAus members use of aircraft up to 760 kg MTOW.
CASA released new legislation under Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 103, however that awaits the completion of the CASR Part 103 Manual of Standards. More information is available directly from the CASA website here https://www.casa.gov.au/search-centre/rules/part-103-casr-sport-and-recreation-aircraft
When will the MTOW increase take place?
Further information and a specific implementation date will be provided to members once CASA approval is provided and all pre-implementation steps are completed.
The FAQs below provide answers to the questions as RAAus understands them at this point in time. Once we have confirmation of the additional detail and approval from CASA, the answers to these FAQs will undoubtedly change. Members are encouraged to keep reviewing this page and reading enews from RAAus for the latest information.
What has been proposed?
The RAAus weight increase proposal delivered to CASA outlined clear separation between the operation of higher weight aircraft and the current operational requirements. The current Group A Recreational Pilot Certificate (RPC) for (fixed wing, 3 axis, single engine) will remain defined as aircraft with a MTOW up to 600KG (650Kg for water based aircraft) AND a stall speed of no more than 45 kts. The weight increase proposal provided by RAAus introduced a Group G RPC for fixed wing, 3 axis, single engine aircraft with an MTOW between 601 and 760 kg, regardless of stall speed.
What progress has been made to date?
CASA produced the discussion paper DP 1912SS Maximum take-off weight limit for aeroplanes managed by self-administering aviation organisations (ASAO) and released it in August 2019 for industry to comment on. On 02 December 2021 and additionally in June 2022 CAO 95.55 was updated to provide the regulatory pathway to permit the registration and operation of aircraft under RAAus up to 760Kg. However, until CASA approves the RAAus manuals and processes, no operation in these aircraft are yet permitted under RAAus.
General MTOW FAQs
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Will the weight increase affect my current operation?
No – The introduction of Group G aircraft will in no way affect the current operations of RAAus members, flying schools and maintainers. However, anyone who may want to operate a Group G aircraft in the RAAus system will have to comply with the Group G Pilot Certificate, Rating and Approval requirements as relevant. RAAus continues to work collaboratively with CASA to define the Group G operational requirements.
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What are some benefits of a weight increase?
A weight increase for RAAus will have positive impacts on the aviation industry such as improved aircraft utilisation and overall growth in aviation participation throughout Australia. Furthermore, some current RAAus registered aircraft will no longer have their MTOW artificially restricted therefore enabling more fuel to be carried on cross country flights.
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When will Group G be implemented?
CAO 95.55 will be updated to include the weight increase to 760Kg MTOW on 02 December 2021. This will provide a legislative pathway for RAAus to present CASA with updated Flight Operations and Technical manuals which will include the Group G procedures and processes. RAAus anticipates accepting aircraft for registration and issuing RAAus Pilot Certificates, Ratings and Approvals during the first half of 2022. As more details are known this FAQ page will be updated.
Aircraft FAQs
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Will I be able to operate my manufactured Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) above 600Kg when the weight increase is implemented?
No – LSA is a global standard with a MTOW limitation of 600Kg. Only Type Certified aircraft and Amateur Built aircraft capable of operating above 600Kg may be registered in the Group G category and operated and maintained in accordance with Group G requirements which will be defined in the RAAus manuals. RAAus will communicate with members once these details are finalised.
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Can the MTOW placard on my aircraft be amended on the 02 December?
No - A change to the MTOW placard may only occur after an application for a Group G aircraft registration has been approved.
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Is 760Kg the maximum possible operating weight?
Yes – If an aircraft is capable of operating above 760Kg it will not be able to be registered with RAAus as a Group G aircraft. If the MTOW of the aircraft as provided in the Pilot Operating Handbook is above 760Kg the aircraft will not be registrable as a Group G aircraft.
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Who can maintain a manufactured Group G aircraft?
A Part 66 licence holder with the relevant licence categories. A L1 or L2 will not be able to conduct maintenance on a manufactured Group G aircraft.
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Who can maintain a amateur built Group G aircraft?
A Part 66 licence holder or the builder of the amateur built aircraft, who holds a Level 1 maintenance authority and has completed an approved course (further details will be provided when finalised).
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Do I still have to comply with CAO100.5 requirements etc. when converting my aircraft across to RAAus registration?
Yes – CAO 100.5 is applicable to all RAAus registered aircraft fitted with transponders. It is also applicable to airspeed indicators and altimeters for aircraft operated in controlled airspace.
Flight Operations FAQs
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When will Group G be implemented?
CAO 95.55 has been updated to include the weight increase to 760Kg MTOW on 02 December 2021 with an additional amendment in June 2022. This provides the legislative pathway for RAAus and once the updated Flight Operations and Technical manuals are approved by CASA, RAAus will provide detailed communications to members which will include the Group G procedures and processes.
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Will I have to undertake extra training for a Group G RPC?
If you have previously only operated a Group A (3 axis), Group B (Weightshift Microlight) or Group D (Powered Parachute) aircraft, you will need to complete additional training to gain a Group G (3 axis 601 – 760 kg MTOW) aircraft.
If you hold a current CASA RPL or PPL and supply a copy of the licence and your latest flight review (as applicable) to RAAus, you should not have to complete any additional training for the issue of a Group G RAAus RPC.
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What additional training will I be required to complete for a Group G Pilot Certificate?
The syllabus will include all current requirements for a Group A Pilot Certificate with the addition of specific operational requirements relevant to a heavier aircraft. These include:
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Engine operating differences – mixture controls, spark plug management (fouling)
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Performance characteristics – take-off and landing differences on high density altitude days, etc
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W&B considerations for 760 kg aircraft
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Can I use my CASA PPL(A) or RPL to convert for a RAAus Group G Pilot Certificate?
Yes, as noted above, if your RPL or PPL is current, you can supply this documentation to RAAus and be issued with a Group G RPC, once the RAAus manuals are approved by CASA.
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What about endorsements I hold on my CASA Licence?
Any endorsements you hold on a CASA licence can already be recognised for your Group A, B or D Pilot Certificate. These endorsements will also be used for a Group G Pilot Certificate once RAAus manuals are approved by CASA.
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What do I need to convert my Group A Instructor rating or approval to Group G?
At this time, RAAus manuals are being assessed by CASA and the specific details are not confirmed. As RAAus learns more, these FAQs will be updated.
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Does my RPL or PPL need to be current to be issued with a Group G RPC?
Yes, a current CASA flight review will be required to have your licence recognised for RAAus Group G Pilot Certificate.
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Can I start instructing immediately at my FTS for Group G?
The RAAus manuals are being assessed by CASA and once this process is complete, we will be able to provide more detail about the requirements for FTS to deliver training in Group G aircraft.
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What aircraft can I use for instructing in Group G at my FTS?
Once the aircraft is registered with RAAus for Group G operations, a factory built and LAME maintained aircraft will be able to be used for delivery of Group G flight training. At the time of writing, the specific details for Group G aircraft registration are still being discussed with CASA and once RAAus knows more, we will update this page.