Rediscovering Affordable Aviation

In the wake of the demise of yet another General Aviation flight school, one wonders what the future holds for the private pilot in Australia. Not the commercial candidates eyeing a career amongst the flight levels, but the pleasure pilots who populate the skies on fine days below 5,000 feet. The way ahead may well lie in the rapidly growing realm of Recreational Aviation.

No Lightweight.

The origins of Recreational Aviation Australia (RA-Aus) date back to 1983. Its predecessor, the Australian Ultralight Federation, oversaw the rise of lightweight aircraft constructed of tubing, fabric, a plastic garden seat and at times little more. Catering for those seeking a more affordable way to become airborne, the movement continued to grow and the distance in form between ultralight aircraft and the basic General Aviation trainer began to diminish.