Recreational Aviation Australia

EVENT UPDATE: CLIFTON FLY-IN CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER IMPACTS.

FLY IN CANCELLED:
Sadly our Fly-In has been cancelled for 2026 as the airstrip is too wet😢 We hope to see you at future Fly-In events 😊

On 21 May, RAAus was represented at the Safeskies Conference in Canberra by then Head of Safety, Chris Windle. This year’s conference centred on the theme Safety Collaboration 2.0, bringing together aviation professionals from across the industry to explore opportunities for stronger safety partnerships and knowledge sharing.

As part of the conference, Chris also participated in the Mini Safety Summit, where industry leaders discussed the key safety challenges facing their sectors and opportunities to work together on shared safety priorities.

While recreational aviation operates in a unique environment, many of the challenges discussed were familiar. Events like Safeskies provide a valuable opportunity to share lessons learned across different parts of the industry and identify ways we can continue to strengthen safety for all who fly.

Celebrate International Young Eagles Day! ✈️

This Saturday we celebrate the spirit of inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts and future pilots.

At RAAus, we're proud to support aspiring aviators through our Scholarship Program, helping passionate individuals take the next step in their aviation journey.

Learn more about RAAus Scholarships here: https://raaus.com.au/scholarships/

Temora Flyers Inc invites high school-aged students to explore the exciting world of aerospace technology through our hands-on introductory workshops.

Held monthly at Temora Airport, these three-hour workshops take place on Saturday mornings and provide participants with the opportunity to develop practical skills and gain insight into aerospace technology in a fun and supportive environment.

Participation is free of charge, with all materials, tools, safety equipment, and morning tea provided.

Upcoming workshop dates:
- 20 June
- 11 July

For applications, course information, and a detailed workshop description, please email: [email protected]

RAAus will be CLOSED on Monday 8th June for the Kings Birthday public holiday. Our office will reopen on Tuesday 9th June. To report an emergency during these times, please phone the office on 02 6280 4700 and follow the prompts.

Renewals for membership and aircraft registration will still be payable via the member portal. If you have not yet received log in information for the portal, please email [email protected]

Rising Security Check Fees Are Hurting Aviation and Small Businesses!

Australia's aviation industry is raising serious concerns about the escalating cost of mandatory security background checks, with pilots, flight instructors, flight schools, and small businesses bearing the brunt of increasing fees.

These checks are essential for many aviation professionals and workers who need access to secure areas, but the cost of compliance continues to rise. For many small operators already working with tight margins, these increases are becoming unsustainable.

RAAus Deputy Chair Michael Monck says:
"Security is a national priority, and its cost should be shared fairly. Instead, small businesses and individual workers are being asked to shoulder an ever-increasing burden."

The impact extends beyond aviation, affecting regional tourism, transport, logistics, agriculture, and other industries that rely on security clearances. Ultimately, these rising costs are likely to flow through to consumers, adding further pressure to the cost of living.

📢 We are calling on the Federal Government to review the current funding model and ensure the cost of national security is distributed more fairly.

Read more and support the petition here:
https://www.change.org/p/rising-government-fees-threatening-aviation-small-business-workers-security-clearances

Sign the Petition Rising Government Fees: Threatening aviation, small business & workers security clearances

You don’t have to be in the air to benefit from a Carbon Monoxide alarm!

Whether you're flying cross-country, exploring Australia in a caravan, spending weekends on the water, or travelling with fuel-burning appliances, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a risk that shouldn't be overlooked. Invisible, odourless and potentially deadly, CO can build up without warning.

Our CO Gas Alarm provides continuous monitoring and early detection, giving you valuable time to act before dangerous levels become a serious threat.

Compact, reliable and easy to install, it's a simple addition that can make a significant difference to your safety.

Suitable for:
✈️ Aircraft
🚐 Caravans & Motorhomes
⛵ Boats
🚗 Vehicles and enclosed spaces where exhaust gases may be present

Protect yourself, your passengers and your family with a CO Gas Alarm, order now at:

CO Gas Alarm Carbon Monoxide Gas Detector Alarm for an aircraft, vehicle, caravans and boats.

The Government’s new AusCheck fee increases come into effect on 1 July 2026 and it won’t just affect aviation. Farmers, freight operators, tourism businesses and regional Australians will all feel the impact through higher costs and more pressure on small businesses.

Most people probably don’t realise that the cost of mandatory security checks for pilots and aviation workers will skyrocket and it’s not just affecting aviation.
Small businesses, regional operators, tourism companies, freight operators, and even parts of the farming sector are all being hit with rising compliance costs.

For many pilots and aviation workers, these checks are compulsory just to access airports and do their jobs. But the increasing fees are becoming unsustainable, especially for small operators and people living in regional Australia.

At a time when the cost of living is already hurting families, these extra costs will only push prices higher and place more pressure on small businesses trying to survive.

RAAus is supporting the call for the Federal Government to review this unfair “user-pays” system for national security costs.

If you believe national security costs shouldn’t fall excessively on small businesses and regional communities, please take a moment to sign and share the petition below.

Sign the Petition Rising Government Fees: Threatening aviation, small business & workers security clearances

RAAus will be CLOSED on Monday 1st June for the Reconciliation Day public holiday. Our office will reopen on Tuesday 2nd June. To report an emergency during these times, please phone the office on 02 6280 4700 and follow the prompts.

Renewals for membership and aircraft registration will still be payable via the member portal. If you have not yet received log in information for the portal, please email [email protected]