Chair Report
The 2023–24 year has been one of the most challenging since I have been on the board. During the financial year we have had a number of key staff changes take place, embarked on the implementation of our revised strategic plan and, less positively, faced some significant legal challenges.
In late 2022 an accident occurred in regional Australia which resulted in a coronial inquest being held. A scope was laid out and while RAAus was not required to give information, in an attempt to help the coroner, assistance was provided on an entirely voluntary basis. A scope was provided by the court and RAAus responded accordingly and under advice from legal counsel.
During the inquest, other interested parties made certain claims and allegations and as a result of these statements, RAAus had to engage further legal counsel which resulted in significant costs being incurred.
Throughout this process it has become abundantly clear that RAAus operates in a world that is increasingly litigious and as
such, the legal exposure we face is significant and the resulting costs quite damaging. This is so much so that our entire deficit this year is attributable to these legal costs alone, without them we would have managed a balanced budget.
We are reminded that we engage in aviation activities on a basis of informed participation and with that comes a responsibility to ensure that we, as pilots and maintainers, accept accountability for our own actions. When we do not, our individual actions may threaten the viability of the entire organisation. This a stark reality that we face right now.
To mitigate some of these risks the board has put in place a number of measures to grow revenues and reduce exposure. Some of these measures include diversification of income streams and the introduction of new roles within the organisational structure. With the departure of our previous CEO, Matt Bouttell, who has taken on a role with CASA, we have also taken the opportunity to improve the overall structure itself.
These measures have resulted in the appointment of Maxine Milera to the position of CEO and Cody Calder to the newly created Head of Aviation role. This new structure sees the CEO removed from the key personnel role which allows for the separation of responsibilities allowing a much more effective execution of duties. Likewise, we can now appoint key personnel based on particular skill sets rather than attempting to find a generalist with both aviation and business skills.
Another new role has been created to drive the development of new business activities and relieve the organisational reliance on membership and registration fees.
“This new role will see the introduction of new initiatives over the coming years and assist in applying downward pressure on fees.”
With inflation hitting all industries, not just RAAus, this is becoming more critical with time.
Over the year we have also said farewell to our long standing Head of Flight Operations, Jill Bailey. Jill has been a stalwart of the organisation for over a decade and her wealth of experience will be missed. Her replacement in Marty Peters will find it tough to fill her shoes but we have confidence in his ability to continue delivering on her legacy.
Her contribution, alongside Jared Smith and his team, has seen the successful gaining of new weight increases. This has been a longfought challenge years in the making and will be implemented in the coming financial year offering new privileges to pilots and aircraft owners alike.
Our election process has resulted in the addition of Jennifer Laird to our ranks who brings with her significant experience in the flight training world as well as a robust background in business management.
Governance
2023 Election Results
RAAus is pleased to announce the results of our 2023 Director Elections.
RAAus received five nominations for the two Director positions available. Each elected Director will serve a three-year term commencing at the end of our 2023 AGM.
Following the election results, the elected directors opted to appoint her early into the role in accordance with the constitutional powers afforded to us, and she will commence her elected role at the 2024 AGM.
The 2024–25 year will no doubt bring with it some more challenges along with the closing out of the aforementioned legal proceedings. I am proud to say that with the support of my fellow directors and the hard work of the management team responsible for the dayto-day operations of RAAus, we come into the new financial year in a healthy position.
The board as a whole welcomes this coming year and will work hard to continue to deliver on our commitment to provide service to our members.
Happy flying,
Michael Monck Chair
During the voting period (7 September –5 October 2023) a total of 958 members participated in the voting process.
Vero Voting has provided an independent declaration of the results per the following:
CEO Report
Looking back on 2023/24, it feels like the financial year has flown by, mainly because I love what I am doing, enjoy working with such a great team, and supporting the RAAus members. I’m proud to have been with RAAus for 18 years, starting out in various roles and learning so much from the organisation and its members. In March, I was honoured to step into the role of CEO, which has allowed me to continue driving our mission forward. I’ve stayed focused on creating a safe, inclusive, and progressive community for all our members, making sure RAAus stays a leader in recreational aviation in Australia.
As we reflect on another year of milestones and achievements, it is clear that 2023/24 has been a noteworthy year for RAAus. In August last year, we celebrated our 40th anniversary—a momentous occasion that allowed us to honour our past, celebrate our present, and look forward to a bright future. Our events this year, including the
Fly’n For Fun gathering at Parkes, the CFI Conference in Brisbane, and our 40th Birthday Gala Dinner, have not only strengthened the bonds within our community but also highlighted our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in recreational aviation.
We have launched the new-look RAAus website, and our IT company is working diligently in the background to develop a more user-friendly Aviation Classifieds website. These improvements are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance member experiences and ensure RAAus remains at the forefront of digital innovation.
This year also marks the retirement of Jill Bailey, who dedicated 13 years of service to RAAus. Starting as the Assistant Operations Manager and retiring as the Head of Flight Operations, Jill’s contributions have been invaluable, and her leadership will be greatly missed.
We are also proud of the recognition of our staff that received a nomination at the Australia Aviation Awards, a testament to the dedication and expertise that drives RAAus forward. As you read through this annual report, you will see the many ways in which we have continued to support and grow our community, enhance safety and training standards, and celebrate the passion that unites us all—our love of flying.
Fly’n For Fun at Parkes, NSW
This year, the AMDA Foundation and RAAus celebrated the bi-annual Fly’n For Fun event at Parkes, NSW, which brought together a vibrant community of aviation enthusiasts from all corners of the country. The event, a cornerstone in our calendar, was a testament to the strong bonds within our membership. Attendees ranged in age from 12 to 92, exemplifying the inclusivity and broad appeal of recreational aviation. The gathering provided a perfect mix of flying, camaraderie, and entertainment. Highlights included the Saturday night trivia event, where members showcased their knowledge, followed by
live music that brought everyone together around the campfire. The spirit of community and shared passion for aviation was palpable, reinforcing why Fly’n For Fun remains a beloved tradition.
40th Birthday Gala Dinner
In 2023, RAAus marked a significant milestone—our 40th anniversary. To commemorate this occasion, we hosted a grand Gala Dinner that brought together members, staff, and industry leaders to celebrate four decades of dedication to recreational aviation. The evening was a blend of nostalgia and forward-looking optimism, as we reflected on our journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading force in Australian aviation. Speeches from founding members and current leaders highlighted the evolution of RAAus, while video presentations took us on a visual journey through the past 40 years. We also took time to celebrate the winners of our 2023/24 scholarships. This commitment is helping the next generation of aviators and not only recognises the hard work and dedication of the recipient but also represents our hope for a lively and growing community of aviation enthusiasts. The Gala Dinner was not just a celebration of our history but also a reaffirmation of our commitment to the future, as we continue to innovate and grow.
CFI Conference in Brisbane
This year’s Chief Flying Instructor (CFI) Conference in Brisbane was an important event for RAAus. It brought together CFIs from all over Australia to share ideas and talk about the latest updates in aviation training and safety. This year, the focus was on new regulations in Group G. The sessions were both informative and interactive, with instructors sharing tips and discussing future challenges and opportunities. Overall, the conference highlighted how important it is for us to keep learning and adapting to ensure we provide the best instruction possible within our community.
Australian Aviation Awards
We are immensely proud to report that two of our staff members were nominated at the prestigious Australian Aviation Awards for 2023. These nominations reflect the hard work, dedication, and expertise of our team, and it is a significant achievement to be recognised on such a national stage. Although they did not secure a win, being nominated among the best in the industry is a testament to the quality and impact of the work we do at RAAus.
“It is also a reminder of the talent and commitment of our staff, who consistently go above and beyond to advance the interests of our members and the broader aviation community.”
The year 2023/24 has been a crucial time for RAAus. We’ve taken time to look back at our rich history while staying focused on moving forward. As we celebrate our past successes and the hard work that has built our organisation, we’re also excited about a bright future full of possibilities.
As we look ahead, we know there will be both opportunities and challenges. The world of recreational aviation is changing, and RAAus is ready to adapt and innovate to keep up with new developments in the industry. Our focus on improving safety standards, enhancing training programs, and growing our community will help us successfully navigate the ups and downs of the aviation world.
Maxine Milera CEO
Flight Operations
Marty Peters, Head of Flight Operations
As the newly appointed Head of Flight Operations (HFO), it is with great privilege that I present the Flight Operations report for the fiscal year 2023–24. Stepping into this role, I am acutely aware of the significant legacy left by my predecessor, Jill Bailey, who served RAAus with distinction for 13 years. Her time was marked by remarkable achievements and unwavering dedication to advancing our organisation.
Under Jill’s leadership, RAAus saw substantial growth and development. She was instrumental in implementing key safety protocols. RAAus participated in a CASA webinar on IFR and VFR interactions at noncontrolled aerodromes, which had over 300 attendees. This area remains a significant concern due to serious and fatal accidents.
Expanding on our training programs lead to the implementation of the Flight Operations Bulletin requiring W&B calculations to be recorded on the training files for all students. This initiative was well-received and highlighted the importance of this oftenoverlooked area.
Jill’s efforts have laid a solid foundation upon which we continue to build.
In September 2023, as AHFO I participated in the “Sharing the Air” webinar conducted in collaboration with CASA. This webinar focused on enhancing safety and operational efficiency at non-controlled aerodromes.
The webinar attracted a significant number of participants, reflecting the high level of interest and concern in this area. Topics covered included best practices for IFR and VFR interactions, strategies to mitigate risks, and recent updates on safety protocols. The session was well-received, providing valuable insights and practical advice to attendees, and reinforcing RAAus’s commitment to improving safety standards in recreational aviation.
The RAAus Professional Development Program (PDP) held in Brisbane in February 2024 was a highly successful event aimed at education and implementation of FOM 8. In addition to this, the program included enhancing the skills and knowledge of our higher approval holders. The program featured a variety of presentations delivered by our team, covering essential topics relevant to flight operations and safety. The event received significant positive feedback from attendees, who appreciated the depth and quality of the content. There were also numerous requests for more regular events of this nature. The PDP provided an excellent opportunity for higher approval holders to interact with RAAus staff and peers in a more relaxed setting, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Overall, the PDP in Brisbane was a valuable experience for all participants, contributing to their professional growth and reinforcing RAAus’s commitment to continuous improvement and education.
In April 2024 RAAus held Fly’n For Fun at Parkes NSW, a resounding success. This event brought together aviation enthusiasts from across the region for a weekend filled with activities, camaraderie, and flying. The event saw a significant turnout, with members and their families enjoying the various activities and displays, under-wing camping and a campfire singalong by Graham Hutchinson. A special aerobatic display was performed by world renowned Paul Bennet in his Wolf Pitts Pro gave the participants and locals a show to remember. It is important to note the event was conducted without any serious incidents, underscoring our commitment to safety. Member feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many appreciating the opportunity to connect with fellow aviators and participate in the fun-filled activities. Members had suggested that future events be held at non-secure airports to eliminate the need for ASICs, which would make participation easier and more enjoyable. A shout out to the ARO’s who assisted to keep this issue to a minimum. I need to mention RAAus’ appreciation of the volunteers and workers of the Parkes Rural Fire Brigade who kept the dust down while aircraft taxied in and out of the event. Overall, the Parkes Fly’n For Fun event was a testament to the vibrant and engaged RAAus community, and we look forward to hosting more such events in the future.
RAAus has seen both expansion and reduction in the number of Flight Training Schools (FTS). There have been changes in Chief Flying Instructors (CFIs) and the addition of Deputy Chief Flying Instructors (DCFIs) to schools.
“These changes highlight the schools’ dedication to mentoring new instructors and ensuring the sustainability of the aviation sector.”
Several new FTS were approved including growth in Group B & D operations.
Temporary Satellite FTS (SFTS) are expanding, allowing schools to operate in more remote areas, encouraging new memberships and increased activity.
The decision to temporarily roll back the FTS annual fee led to several FTS returning to active status, positively impacting membership and training opportunities.
Despite these positive developments, there was a net decrease in the total number of FTS, with some schools ceasing operations due to various challenges, including economic pressures and logistical issues.
Overall, while there were significant strides in expanding training opportunities and supporting existing schools, the financial year also highlighted areas where further support and strategic initiatives are needed to sustain and grow the network of FTS under RAAus.
As we move forward, I am dedicated to maintaining the high standards set by Jill and the RAAus team, advancing our operations further. This report outlines our successes and identifying areas for improvement. This year has been marked by significant achievements and progress in various areas of flight operations. As I continue the role of HFO, I am committed to sustaining this momentum and addressing the challenges ahead. I am eager to collaborate with all of you to achieve our shared goals and continue the legacy of excellence at RAAus. Thank you to all members and staff for their dedication and support.
Airworthiness and Maintenance
Jared Smith, Head of Airworthiness and Maintenance
The Airworthiness team is proud of their steady effort in assisting our many members and aircraft owners to go about their flying and maintenance activities safely and compliantly, alongside our other endeavours to continuously improve processes and advocate for our members within the industry.
Our team facilitated the addition of 44 new aircraft to the register, of which 40 were three-axis aircraft and four were weight-shift aircraft. We approved 25 modification and repair applications for our type accepted registered aircraft. Each approval represents rigorous analysis and an adherence to ensuring that safety and regulatory compliance remain our top priorities.
Additionally, 127 Level One Maintenance Authorisations were processed, which marks an essential step in equipping our members with the ability to undertake necessary maintenance on their own aircraft. Our dedication to developing maintenance competency was also evident through the delivery of five Maintenance First courses, which we conducted across various regions of Australia. These courses have been instrumental in enhancing maintenance knowledge and ensuring that best practices are shared among our members. We also issued/renewed 105 Level 2 Maintenance Authorities, supporting experienced maintainers across the RAAus network.
This year was incredibly busy with the activities of buying and selling recreational aircraft. RAAus facilitated 260 transfers of aircraft ownership. The transfer process provides for an aircraft to be independently reviewed, providing an opportunity for unscheduled maintenance and improvements, which supports the selfadministering philosophy of RAAus.
Significantly, we achieved the milestone of completing the update of the Technical Manual Version 4.2, which now includes provisions for Lightweight Aeroplanes. This crucial update has been approved by CASA and positions us to effectively manage the integration of these new aircraft types. Additionally, we drafted a brand-new RAAus Procedures Manual to guide the replacement of Certificates of Airworthiness and Experimental Certificates, further supporting the introduction of Lightweight Aeroplanes. This is the first RAAus manual to provide for CASA Authorised Person functions.
In addition to these core activities, the team has engaged with CASA and industry participants to ensure that the evolving needs of the recreational sector are incorporated into wider policy and enterprise. RAAus personnel are members of many Technical Working Groups including for Part 103, Part 43 and Part 66. One notable area of focus has been fostering the constant advancement of best practices in maintenance and airworthiness.
“The cumulative efforts of our team have aided an efficient and supportive environment for RAAus members.”
As we look ahead, our goals remain ambitious: to continue advancing our capabilities and to provide exemplary service to our membership. Our commitment to collaboration and ongoing education will remain central to our operations.
Thank you to all members and our extended aviation community for your engagement over the past year.
Safety
Chris Windle, Head of Safety
The 2023–24 year marked several key developments in RAAus’s safety landscape, including organisational changes and enhanced working relationships with CASA’s Aviation Safety Advisors and our ongoing relationship with the Sport team. Our audit team completed 25 comprehensive onsite assessments of Flight Training Schools nationwide, complemented by targeted desktop reviews. This ongoing oversight has helped identify key trends that will directly inform our upcoming 2024–2025 safety promotion campaign, ensuring our initiatives remain relevant and practical for our members.
“These findings continue to provide valuable insights into areas where we can support our Flight Training Schools.”
This year brought key organisational changes as Cody Calder moved into the role of Chief of Aviation. As part of this restructure, I moved from Audit Coordinator to Head of Safety while maintaining oversight of the audit program. These changes have enhanced our safety capabilities, with the Chief of Aviation serving as the accountable manager for RAAus.
As we prepared for the introduction of new operations and technical manuals, we took the opportunity to refine our audit approach, ensuring it aligned with upcoming procedural developments.
The approval of new operations and technical manuals this year has provided an opportunity to ensure robust safety principles are integrated throughout our procedures and processes. Planning is underway to update our safety manuals, including the audit policy and procedures manual, to align with these developments and further strengthen our safety systems. This review will ensure our documentation continues to support our safety oversight activities and accident prevention measures.
Tragically, RAAus recorded four fatal accidents during this period. In line with current protocols, RAAus provided support to state police investigations without direct site attendance. The ongoing relationship with the ATSB has provided valuable technical analysis support, deepening the understanding of accident causes and contributing factors. This approach has enhanced the ability to learn from these events and implement appropriate safety measures.
Our collaboration with both CASA’s Aviation Safety Advisors and the Sport team continues to grow, fostering aligned approaches to safety promotion and oversight across the recreational aviation sector. The annual National Safety Month campaign again proved a highlight, combining essential safety education with over $10,000 in member engagement prizes. This successful initiative demonstrates our ongoing commitment to promoting safety awareness and best practices throughout our aviation community. We look forward to building on these relationships and continuing to develop effective safety initiatives for our members.
Training Development
Neil Schaefer, Head of Training Development
Welcome from the RAAus Training Development desk. 2024 can probably best be described as a year of “measure twicecut once” an old builders’ anecdote that is particularly relevant to aviation training systems. Major projects such as the RAAus Syllabus of Flight Training redevelopment, design of new syllabus elements including a defined Instructor training and Controlled Airspace syllabus and associated theory examinations and resources have all been exhaustively reviewed and consulted on with all sectors of industry and are now ready for implementation on the imminent release of the new suite of RAAus manuals.
February saw RAAus deliver a successful Professional Development Program in Brisbane for higher approval holders, CFI’s and Instructors where the above initiatives were introduced and discussed in detail. There has been overwhelming support for the changes to be introduced and the feedback received has been integrated into the final project packages.
“Additionally, as part of the training development portfolio, RAAus remains focused on new training avenues and technologies for our members.”
Flight simulation, practical maintenance training options and new propulsion systems have all been on the radar with RAAus and these are all programmed for further development both next year and into the future. Many schools are already incorporating new training methods and technologies into their suite of tools with great success and RAAus will continue to work with these operators to ensure the best fit into RAAus training delivery.
Continuing on current RAAus safety initiatives and the RAAus Loss of Control series, RAAus has been extensively involved in upset prevention and recovery
development with both key industry providers and CASA. Significant work continues to bring the required awareness and skills back into general flight training and this will be ratified in a national workshop as you read this report. This also ties closely with workshops RAAus has been actively involved with, which focus on building better pilots and I was fortunate enough to participate in an event hosted by Strike Aviation and Flight Training Australia with key speaker and Master FAA Instructor, Rich Stowell, where current RAAus flight training initiatives were discussed, compared and tested in flight, giving us confidence that our training development programs are definitely on the right path.
Of course, these major projects and initiatives are continually underpinned by significant operation and technical support functions including development and maintenance of the RAAus Learning Management System, flight assessment functions and ongoing education programmes as we work closely with RAAus flight schools and industry to ensure both effective resources and compliant training activities continue to provide the best training value and environments for our members.
Fly’n For Fun, Parkes NSW
Maxine Milera, CEO
Fly’n For Fun Soars to Success
The weekend of 12-14 April marked a truly remarkable and successful event as aviation enthusiasts from near and far gathered at Parkes, NSW, for Fly’n For Fun. This exhilarating occasion, made possible by the dedication and support of numerous individuals and organisations, showcased the best of aviation and community spirit.
At the heart of this event stood our Principal Sponsor, the AMDA Foundation, whose unwavering support helped turn our vision into reality. Their commitment to fostering aviation excellence played a pivotal role in making Fly’n For Fun a resounding success.
In addition to the AMDA Foundation, we extend our deepest gratitude to our Platinum Sponsor OzRunways who sponsored breakfast for every pilot and passenger who flew in, and added significant value, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees. Their partnership and enthusiasm for aviation were crucial in creating an unforgettable event for everyone involved.
We received great feedback about the shuttle bus service that was offered to ferry people between the event site and the town of Parkes. We would like to thank ROTAX for their generous sponsorship, which allowed us to make this fantastic service free to all attendees.
Of course, our appreciation extends beyond our principal and platinum sponsors to encompass all our other sponsors and exhibitors. Your support and involvement enriched the event, providing attendees with unique insights and experiences that celebrated the diversity of aviation.
A special mention must be made to the HARS Aviation Museum for their invaluable contribution to the success of Fly’n For Fun. Their tireless efforts in developing the event site into a remarkable venue underscore their dedication to preserving aviation heritage and promoting the joy of flight. Witnessing the transformation of the site from a cow paddock to its current grandeur is a testament to the passion and hard work of everyone involved. HARS have more fantastic improvements planned for the site— stay tuned!
We also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our members who attended the event. Your continued support to aviation is overwhelming and inspiring. Your presence and enthusiasm contributed immeasurably to the vibrant atmosphere of Fly’n For Fun.
As we reflect on the event’s achievements, we are filled with excitement for the future of this event.
“With ambitious plans underway to further enhance the event site and expand its offerings, we are confident that this biennial gathering will continue to captivate aviation enthusiasts for many years to come.”
Once again, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors, exhibitors, partners, and members for their invaluable contributions. Your support has been instrumental in making Fly’n For Fun a highlight of the RAAus calendar, and we eagerly anticipate the continued growth and success of this fly-in.
Here’s to many more years of flying high together!
Here’s to 40 Years
A wrap of RAAus’ 40th Anniversary Gala Night
Tom Lyons, SportPilot
An organisation hitting its 40th birthday is an impressive milestone, one that’s cause for celebration. That’s exactly what transpired this September at the RAAus 40th Anniversary Gala; a fantastic celebration of the organisation’s past, present and blossoming future. Guests travelled from across the country to give RAAus the birthday party it deserved. The result did not
As we all know, 2023 marks the 40th year since Recreational Aviation Australia (originally the Australian Ultralight Federation) came into existence. What began in the early 1980s as a representative body for a sparse bunch of homebuilders and often self-taught pilots, has grown and evolved into a sophisticated organisation of over 10,000 members. Every day, across the country, these members are fulfilling their dreams of flying. Dreams made possible by RAAus’ continued hard work over the past four decades. Celebration of this achievement then, was undeniably due. On a typical brisk Canberra’s evening at the
magnificent Australian War Memorial, crowds gathered, glasses clinked, conversations sparked and festivities began for our beloved organisation. Laughter and conversation filled the air at Poppy’s Café on the Australian War Memorial grounds as guests began to arrive. Old friends from far across the country reunited and new friendships were made, keen to discuss everything aviation. Anticipation for the night’s festivities began to fill the room, as guests were led to the Aircraft Hall in the AWM’s main building.
A beautifully apt location for the night’s proceedings, Aircraft Hall is a testament to the aviation industry’s innovation and engineering ability. Several beautifully maintained aircraft are on permanent display in the Hall for visitors to browse. The P-51 Mustang, Hawker Sea Fury, Avro Anson, MiG15 and A6M Zero drew plenty of interest from the aviation-enthusiast crowd. Surrounded by these magnificent aircraft, there could be no doubt of our purpose here tonight; we were here to celebrate aviation in all its glory. The main event began with passionate
speeches by RAAus CEO Matt Bouttell and Chairman Michael Monck. Both touched on the importance of RAAus’ presence in the Australian aviation landscape, and thanked the hard work of staff past and present who have helped shape the organisation into what it is today. A common theme emerged between the two that there was still progress to be made, work to be done. It was clear that while we were here to celebrate RAAus’ first 40 years, the organisation was well and truly looking toward the future. As dinner service began, guests heard from OzRunways CEO, Bas Scheffers, who thanked RAAus for their early support of the OzRunways platform and reiterated the company’s commitment to serving its recreational pilot customer base. Airservices Australia CEO, Jason Harfield, spoke of the important partnership formed between his organisation and RAAus, and touched on the significance of recreational pilots’ airspace access. The night featured several fantastic guest speakers, such as Lloyd Galloway, a former RAAus Scholarship winner. Lloyd reminisced on the opportunities his scholarship presented
him, opening a door to his time with the likes of Precision Aviation Services and the Royal Flying Doctor Service. He encouraged everyone thinking of undertaking training to apply and chase their passion for aviation, even if it left him with “too many aeroplanes”.
The evening also featured presentations that highlighted the effect aviation can have on various communities. Tyeisha Clark, a.k.a The Barefoot Pilot, shared her story via video presentation. The 19-year old indigenous woman from Far North Queensland had dreamed of becoming a pilot, and found the opportunity to do so thanks to a chance meeting with Learn 2 Fly co-owner, John Sayers. Now, Tyeisha is the face of The Barefoot Academy, a program aimed at training indigenous pilots from remote communities. Also sharing via video was Hayden McDonald, a 22-year-old autistic pilot. Hayden is currently circumnavigating Australia for autism awareness, documenting the journey on his Wings Without Barriers YouTube channel. High above the Nullarbor, Hayden found the time to record a video
for the evening, expressing his thanks for RAAus’ assistance, acceptance and advocacy. Praising RAAus as one of the “most progressive” organisations he’s worked with, Hayden was hopeful that RAAus would remain a shining example of inclusiveness amongst the industry.
TV Presenter and new pilot, Catriona Rowntree, also appeared via video. Catriona’s journey to her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot was recently featured in Touch The Sky, a documentary exploring women in aviation.
The Getaway presenter thanked RAAus for their support, and was hopeful that her story would inspire more women to pursue aviation both recreationally and professionally. There was considerable buzz in the room for the featured speaker of the night. Former RAAF fighter pilot and Red Bull Air Race champion, Matt Hall, took the stage to rousing applause. Matt shared his journey from flying-crazed kid to Air Force pilot to Air Race Champion in a passionate speech about achieving your dreams, no matter how
ambitious they may be. Matt shared some thrilling stories from his impressive career, accompanied by head-spinning footage from the cockpit of both his F/A-18 Hornet during training missions, and his Zivko Edge 540 at the Red Bull Air Race. With speeches done, there was one more birthday tradition to tick off; the cake! And what a cake it was – an expertly crafted replica of the Infinitus Aero E22 Spark, Australia’s soon-to-be-first commercially produced electric aircraft. All in all, the RAAus 40th Anniversary Gala was a roaring success, offering an entertaining night of interesting speakers, delicious food and plenty of celebration. A huge thank you is deserved for the RAAus events team; Letesha Stretton, Maarit Maher, Maxine Milera, Candice Hagen and Jennifer Douglas whose hard work and planning ensured RAAus got the birthday party it deserved. After all, you only turn 40 once!
BJ Gill 1/07/2023
LP Biglands 1/07/2023
A Ray 1/07/2023
MR Aw 1/07/2023
A Dahms 2/07/2023
JB Sutton 2/07/2023
V Delgama 3/07/2023
SG Nott 3/07/2023
P Reddy 4/07/2023
D Timms 5/07/2023
KT Davies 5/07/2023
JA O'Connor 6/07/2023
AA Hussaini 6/07/2023
RG Braden 7/07/2023
A King 7/07/2023
M Goldsmith 8/07/2023
V Babu Vignesh 8/07/2023
M Jones 8/07/2023
NB Ravenscroft 8/07/2023
S De Silva 9/07/2023
S Parker 11/07/2023
JA Edwards 12/07/2023
G Lohrere 12/07/2023
EL Shackleford 14/07/2023
BA Unstead 14/07/2023
ML Le Donne 15/07/2023
K Pegler 15/07/2023
RD James 15/07/2023
NA Siddiqui 16/07/2023
L Swinkels 16/07/2023
TA Skinner 16/07/2023
CD Belcher 17/07/2023
JP Mcalindon 17/07/2023
F Saccuzzo 18/07/2023
PD Schwind 18/07/2023
TM Hewitt 19/07/2023
D Tapper 19/07/2023
JR Rappell 20/07/2023
MR Masson 22/07/2023
B Saunders 22/07/2023
CD Anger 23/07/2023
A Cooper 24/07/2023
JS Ramsay 25/07/2023
R Riley 25/07/2023
TS Barber 25/07/2023
MA Bin Mohamad Raizal 25/07/2023
CJ Watson 26/07/2023
P Norrie 26/07/2023
MS Noor Hassan 26/07/2023
J Balachandran 26/07/2023
DM Stewart 27/07/2023
N Pryzibilla 27/07/2023
K Chapman 28/07/2023
F Rigato 29/07/2023
T Dhaene 29/07/2023
G Proudford 29/07/2023
SG Voss 29/07/2023
CA Halfpenny 30/07/2023
PL Moller 30/07/2023
GD Martin 31/07/2023
G Volz 31/07/2023
J Bloom 31/07/2023
BD Gove 31/07/2023
S Shafie 1/08/2023
GD Halls-Assink 2/08/2023
RE Barnes 3/08/2023
M Doust 3/08/2023
AS Edwards 3/08/2023
E Korber 4/08/2023
T Saba 5/08/2023
A Burnett 5/08/2023
DJ Chiplin 6/08/2023
B Ranacher 6/08/2023
DA Strickland 7/08/2023
J Shepley 7/08/2023
M Hornos 8/08/2023
C Townsend 9/08/2023
W Nickolls 9/08/2023
S De Beer 9/08/2023
NW Mason 10/08/2023
C Nickolls 10/08/2023
TJ Pottle 11/08/2023
J Fracchia 11/08/2023
A Dawson 12/08/2023
K Duda 13/08/2023
L Kotykhov 13/08/2023
AH Reilly 16/08/2023
A Payne 17/08/2023
D Marsh 17/08/2023
P Geale 18/08/2023
DC Roberts 20/08/2023
D Allahverdy 20/08/2023
A Tan Yu Ren 20/08/2023
RK Sekar 21/08/2023
J Von Ell 22/08/2023
DL Staines 23/08/2023
G Nour 24/08/2023
A Sinkinson 24/08/2023
GJ Goode 25/08/2023
SD Johnstone 25/08/2023
M Normile 25/08/2023
MJ Flemming 25/08/2023
MS Pilkington 25/08/2023
L Al-Omaishi 25/08/2023
J Williams 27/08/2023
CC Lawrence 27/08/2023
T Holley 27/08/2023
N Cogger 28/08/2023
D Mcleod 29/08/2023
SL Divekar 29/08/2023
KA Vette 30/08/2023
A Yadav 30/08/2023
DR Curtin 31/08/2023
F Difranco 1/09/2023
JW Fensom 1/09/2023
JJ Van Der Schyff 1/09/2023
MA Robinson 2/09/2023
W Hicks 3/09/2023
R Pow 3/09/2023
AM Rennie 4/09/2023
J Howe 4/09/2023
AW Hudson 5/09/2023
T Hewamadduma 6/09/2023
BW McLaughlin 6/09/2023
BM Bartley 8/09/2023
J Friedensdorf 8/09/2023
M Griffiths 9/09/2023
BW Murphy 11/09/2023
N Allwright 11/09/2023
D Tucker 11/09/2023
RJ Hatton 12/09/2023
F Abdul Kahar 12/09/2023
W Tuck 13/09/2023
J Mckay 14/09/2023
PP Russell-Smith 15/09/2023
JA Wilkins 15/09/2023
S Rota 16/09/2023
SJ Mckeown 17/09/2023
BJ Thurman 17/09/2023
A Johnson 17/09/2023
YY Choe 17/09/2023
BJ Tindall 18/09/2023
MA Jackson 18/09/2023
J Simmons 20/09/2023
P Markey 20/09/2023
RB Doyle 21/09/2023
SJ Hunter 21/09/2023
DV Hill 21/09/2023
P Stephens 21/09/2023
PR Bourke 22/09/2023
M Helmy 22/09/2023
MA Logan 22/09/2023
S Contractor 23/09/2023
M Fichera 23/09/2023
I Wright 23/09/2023
T Singh 24/09/2023
WL Ng 25/09/2023
I Muhammad Imanullah 25/09/2023
JJ Flannery 26/09/2023
G Worner 28/09/2023
B Brereton 28/09/2023
JP Gileppa 29/09/2023
H Davey 1/10/2023
CD McCarthy 1/10/2023
T Robinson 2/10/2023
R Irvin 7/10/2023
O King 8/10/2023
J Plant 8/10/2023
CA Campbell 9/10/2023
N Edwards 10/10/2023
SJ Garden 10/10/2023
CJ Oastler 11/10/2023
J Cowell 11/10/2023
SA Rodden 12/10/2023
K Oldham 12/10/2023
CR Strange 12/10/2023
N Pienaar 13/10/2023
AJ Cooper 13/10/2023
DJ Micolaud 14/10/2023
K Markotic 14/10/2023
LE Brown 15/10/2023
J Bibby 17/10/2023
A Nadiraschwili 17/10/2023
LJ Harland 17/10/2023
R Jones 18/10/2023
A Bertini 18/10/2023
J O'Sullivan 18/10/2023
S Keliher 19/10/2023
GR Sutherland 19/10/2023
V Fousek 19/10/2023
SJ Close 20/10/2023
EJ Twite 20/10/2023
A Foster 21/10/2023
PB Cromarty 21/10/2023
DJ Harvison 21/10/2023
J Thornton 22/10/2023
M Everitt 22/10/2023
CJ Cole 23/10/2023
J Pappas 24/10/2023
BD Skuce 24/10/2023
JG Zyla-Cook 24/10/2023
MA Surmiak 25/10/2023
M Redmond 26/10/2023
Z Manning 26/10/2023
AK McSeveney 28/10/2023
L Dunnet 28/10/2023
JA Pell 29/10/2023
R Awate 29/10/2023
A Yeates 29/10/2023
A White 30/10/2023
T Dowler 30/10/2023
D Matheson 31/10/2023
J Van Kuyl 31/10/2023
AJ Garvey 1/11/2023
AJ Mckay 1/11/2023
VP Dave 1/11/2023
SA Ross 2/11/2023
LD Huynh 2/11/2023
H Chahine 2/11/2023
MA Upenieks 2/11/2023
P Goss 2/11/2023
M Singh 3/11/2023
AN Norris 4/11/2023
ZW Percy 5/11/2023
NZ Dong 5/11/2023
S Bharati 6/11/2023
A McGregor 7/11/2023
R Ellis 8/11/2023
AJ Verghese 9/11/2023
A Bettles 9/11/2023
G Laurie 10/11/2023
JW Bignell 10/11/2023
L Ma 11/11/2023
D Soccol 12/11/2023
A Baxter-Tomkins 12/11/2023
ON Van Der Walt 12/11/2023
DC Mills 13/11/2023
P Lobston 13/11/2023
R Furusugi 14/11/2023
T Hartley 14/11/2023
GG Lascelles 15/11/2023
M Elsley 16/11/2023
O Stockwell 16/11/2023
AP Burfield 17/11/2023
M Damacena Teixeira 18/11/2023
D Shorey 19/11/2023
P Parise 19/11/2023
PD Maharaj 20/11/2023
R Mackay 20/11/2023
DJ Hutton 22/11/2023
PA Png 22/11/2023
MX Yan 22/11/2023
AM Abdul Mateen 22/11/2023
P Richie 22/11/2023
J Kofoed 22/11/2023
S Rogers 23/11/2023
M Jones 25/11/2023
GM Meggs 25/11/2023
P Paterson 25/11/2023
A Anton Ulanov 25/11/2023
LA Pearce 26/11/2023
AM Snoxall 27/11/2023
AJ Pike 27/11/2023
AT Duffy 28/11/2023
M Bramich 28/11/2023
L Benedetto 28/11/2023
J Najera Mata 28/11/2023
WP Bartlett 30/11/2023
B Wills 30/11/2023
DL Bourne 1/12/2023
EJ Lushchayev 1/12/2023
S Dietschi 1/12/2023
G Dawson 1/12/2023
GR Sheehan 2/12/2023
AA Hagstrom 2/12/2023
B Jones 3/12/2023
N Mohammad 3/12/2023
C Rose 3/12/2023
T Murray 3/12/2023
AP Gilbert 4/12/2023
RA Read 4/12/2023
O Fleur 5/12/2023
B Buganey 5/12/2023
M Farley 6/12/2023
PN McDonald 7/12/2023
PD Nowicki 7/12/2023
PT Sparks 7/12/2023
T Jones 7/12/2023
J James 8/12/2023
LA Aguilar 8/12/2023
JK Cartledge 8/12/2023
SX Ramirez 9/12/2023
KL Orenshaw 10/12/2023
A Paroissien 10/12/2023
J Laundry 11/12/2023
RK Ahmed 12/12/2023
S Ahern 12/12/2023
CJ Van Der Walle 12/12/2023
H Fowler 12/12/2023
LG Bethencourt 12/12/2023
A Gray 12/12/2023
C Lord 13/12/2023
G Angelic 14/12/2023
SR Blair-Hickman 14/12/2023
AS Grant 14/12/2023
AJ Montgomery 14/12/2023
A Unwin 15/12/2023
FY Foo 15/12/2023
L Gonzalez 16/12/2023
AA Mohamed 16/12/2023
CL Lim 16/12/2023
WR Perera 16/12/2023
EA Mohammed Faizal 16/12/2023
S Tejwani 17/12/2023
FP Perrottet 19/12/2023
KL Lamont 20/12/2023
RA Bramley 20/12/2023
RG King 21/12/2023
A Wedderburn-Bisshop 21/12/2023
LW Adams 21/12/2023
CC Yang 21/12/2023
D Haylock 22/12/2023
P Manimaran 22/12/2023
AL Hart 23/12/2023
T Kille 23/12/2023
HJ Russell 24/12/2023
C Woodfield 27/12/2023
JJ Roche 28/12/2023
J Hill 28/12/2023
T Fitzpatrick 29/12/2023
AK Ayaan 29/12/2023
JP Milsom 30/12/2023
RT Tejaswi 30/12/2023
SA Ahuja 3/01/2024
BF Nel 6/01/2024
B Lord 6/01/2024
CS Weiss 7/01/2024
ZA Malakellis 7/01/2024
KJ Bartlett 8/01/2024
G McMahon 9/01/2024
C Rymer 9/01/2024
MJ Whitehouse 10/01/2024
TR Bean 11/01/2024
T Grimshaw 11/01/2024
DJ Jamieson 12/01/2024
M Henwood 13/01/2024
L Beckett 13/01/2024
J Taylor 13/01/2024
JF Owens 15/01/2024
RJ Beatty 18/01/2024
I Gill 19/01/2024
J Wilkinson 19/01/2024
EG Blackburn 20/01/2024
VC Naylor 20/01/2024
H Shaw 20/01/2024
K Hutt 20/01/2024
J Moore 20/01/2024
PP Ruwald 21/01/2024
JR Tyrrell 21/01/2024
T Liu 21/01/2024
TH Delahunty 22/01/2024
JT Tremewen 23/01/2024
ML Scott 23/01/2024
ZR Shukla 23/01/2024
DJ Phillips 24/01/2024
IP Ryan 24/01/2024
KR Brown 25/01/2024
JA Dwyer 25/01/2024
C Sinclair 26/01/2024
R Sterenberg 26/01/2024
IA Crawford 27/01/2024
T Hall-Matthews 27/01/2024
B Jung 27/01/2024
D Papasidero 28/01/2024
C Anil 28/01/2024
F Suhaimi 28/01/2024
S Mordi 28/01/2024
T Scheffers 29/01/2024
J Cole 29/01/2024
SW Foo 29/01/2024
H Gschwend 30/01/2024
SC Mogg 31/01/2024
A Hamit 31/01/2024
J Foenander 31/01/2024
M Lukumar 2/02/2024
BH Smith 3/02/2024
CW Herbert 4/02/2024
TL Kotzur 4/02/2024
R Crawford 4/02/2024
L White 4/02/2024
J Webber 5/02/2024
PJ Magill 5/02/2024
AJ Matthews 5/02/2024
A Darling 5/02/2024
GR Anthony 6/02/2024
RJ Gostelow 6/02/2024
J Jordaan 7/02/2024
P Hourigan 9/02/2024
HJ Fuller 9/02/2024
WM Mackenzie 9/02/2024
MJ Mackenzie 9/02/2024
N Wu 9/02/2024
K Bramich 11/02/2024
J Kennedy 11/02/2024
A Boehm 12/02/2024
D Calvert 13/02/2024
H Kim 13/02/2024
T Lawless 13/02/2024
AR Draper 15/02/2024
K Vipiana 15/02/2024
JC Thornhill 17/02/2024
AG Aitken 17/02/2024
MS Alam 18/02/2024
W Erasmus 20/02/2024
P McCarthy 20/02/2024
SK Krockenberger 22/02/2024
M Hardy 22/02/2024
EK Weber 25/02/2024
C Wong Hui Shing 27/02/2024
JP McKenna 28/02/2024
NJ Weedon 28/02/2024
Y Sasso 28/02/2024
CL Coffey 29/02/2024
BC Warwick 29/02/2024
DW Sandow 29/02/2024
S Cadogan-Cowper 1/03/2024
ED Allen 2/03/2024
DJ Lynch 3/03/2024
C Chang 3/03/2024
D Carter 4/03/2024
S Messenger 5/03/2024
J Congerton 6/03/2024
AW Bland 7/03/2024
C Oakley 7/03/2024
S Bemmer 7/03/2024
R Messenger 7/03/2024
D Cheremissin 8/03/2024
BT De Courteney 8/03/2024
D Stendt 9/03/2024
S Cook 10/03/2024
M Webster 10/03/2024
Z Chivell 11/03/2024
B Anderson 12/03/2024
NR Buckthought 13/03/2024
MS Forster 13/03/2024
D Ferraris 14/03/2024
D Strudwick 15/03/2024
C Warner 16/03/2024
G Matthews 16/03/2024
RG Taylor 16/03/2024
DJ Ferguson 19/03/2024
S Scotchmer 20/03/2024
X Feng 21/03/2024
S Xu 21/03/2024
JA Nixon 21/03/2024
K Reed 22/03/2024
P O'Sullivan 23/03/2024
W Myall 24/03/2024
M Armessen 26/03/2024
J Coughlan 27/03/2024
MA Rajab Ali 27/03/2024
KS Lim 27/03/2024
L Stewart 29/03/2024
MA Brandle 30/03/2024
C Hooker 31/03/2024
G Keath 31/03/2024
RJ Lucas 1/04/2024
K Senthamil Selvan 1/04/2024
JJ Liao 1/04/2024
RG Chapman 2/04/2024
N Kuun 2/04/2024
ED Welter Giraldes 3/04/2024
MJ Van-der-ley 3/04/2024
DG Smedley 3/04/2024
CJ Milligan 4/04/2024
SM Underwood 4/04/2024
M Johns 5/04/2024
PG Lombard 5/04/2024
T Meads 6/04/2024
EH Strijbis 7/04/2024
CJ Dailey 7/04/2024
H Hurford 8/04/2024
JY Chan 8/04/2024
G Ramm 9/04/2024
SW Tan 9/04/2024
D Swain 9/04/2024
B Fletcher 10/04/2024
S Williams 10/04/2024
J Nubley 10/04/2024
A Judd 10/04/2024
C Godden 10/04/2024
JB Davies 10/04/2024
I Constantine 10/04/2024
I Wilkinson 11/04/2024
TJ Mowbray 11/04/2024
ER Nigol 12/04/2024
D Massacci 13/04/2024
JG Toole 13/04/2024
S Keily 13/04/2024
JP Emonson 14/04/2024
NG Oconnor 14/04/2024
J Wigan 14/04/2024
SG Moore 14/04/2024
D Poh 14/04/2024
P Nestorovic 14/04/2024
MT Millsteed 15/04/2024
E Fink 15/04/2024
G Smith 15/04/2024
T Turner 15/04/2024
SM Barlow 17/04/2024
J Lefebvre 17/04/2024
L Du Plessis 17/04/2024
D Caruso 18/04/2024
M Rowson 18/04/2024
M Hawke 18/04/2024
CP Stewart 20/04/2024
J Monk 21/04/2024
W Reichelt 21/04/2024
KM Wing 21/04/2024
B Liddle 22/04/2024
TL Jones 23/04/2024
N Hiku 23/04/2024
F Kabir 24/04/2024
X Neves 24/04/2024
BJ Marcinkowski 25/04/2024
JO Rennick 25/04/2024
DJ Stiles 25/04/2024
D See 25/04/2024
R Neo 25/04/2024
G Huerta 28/04/2024
A Derrig 28/04/2024
AB Joyce 29/04/2024
RB McCarthy 29/04/2024
C Wise 29/04/2024
BJ Smith 29/04/2024
I Uys 30/04/2024
A Green 2/05/2024
FG Belser 3/05/2024
HJ Barden 3/05/2024
T Flynn 4/05/2024
L Green 4/05/2024
W McGuinness 4/05/2024
NS Rutledge 5/05/2024
N Ryan 5/05/2024
MP Pursehouse 6/05/2024
M McNair 6/05/2024
JP Wiltshire 8/05/2024
MJ Manning 9/05/2024
P Ryan 9/05/2024
MG Williams 10/05/2024
M Parsons 11/05/2024
K Juma 13/05/2024
HY Oh 13/05/2024
Z Apap 13/05/2024
WT Stoios 13/05/2024
C Raftery 13/05/2024
B Mistry 13/05/2024
MC Dent 14/05/2024
T Parrott 14/05/2024
DG Lawrence 14/05/2024
S Mc Williams 14/05/2024
MJ Boyle 14/05/2024
S Newton 15/05/2024
AM Finlayson 15/05/2024
E Sarajlic 17/05/2024
A Sandy 17/05/2024
S Foreman 18/05/2024
F Koeppen 18/05/2024
N Costello-Ramirez 19/05/2024
SJ Ure 19/05/2024
TB Flanagan 20/05/2024
N Leibinger 20/05/2024
TJ Hood 20/05/2024
MA Rahman 20/05/2024
NS Mostyn 21/05/2024
J Macdonald 21/05/2024
B Jones 22/05/2024
BE Arnold 22/05/2024
M Broughton 22/05/2024
JL Patterson 23/05/2024
M Hartley 23/05/2024
BJ Robinson 23/05/2024
RH Warren 23/05/2024
GJ Combrinck 23/05/2024
S Parsons 23/05/2024
JS Fielding 24/05/2024
A Steer 24/05/2024
K Wise 24/05/2024
AR Walsh 25/05/2024
J Gulpilil 25/05/2024
D Fleming 25/05/2024
W Buchanan 25/05/2024
T Duncombe 25/05/2024
BM Horneman 26/05/2024
HA Zogan 26/05/2024
WJ Bartlett 26/05/2024
BD James 27/05/2024
G Angeli 27/05/2024
J Spicer 28/05/2024
T Spicer 28/05/2024
N Blake 29/05/2024
D Irvine 30/05/2024
BM Marsh 30/05/2024
N Kunasegaran 30/05/2024
TH Guang 30/05/2024
CS Wong 30/05/2024
C Ee Guorong 30/05/2024
GD Young 31/05/2024
LH Fong 31/05/2024
S Stanton 1/06/2024
HA Gresham 1/06/2024
B Koivu 3/06/2024
J Kennett 3/06/2024
A Walker 4/06/2024
C Palmer 5/06/2024
GJ Hulst 7/06/2024
SR Davies 8/06/2024
C Lu 8/06/2024
B Quinn 9/06/2024
P Shepperd 10/06/2024
E Souto Araujo 10/06/2024
A Saravanan Pillai 10/06/2024
A Singh 10/06/2024
RJ McBride 11/06/2024
M Thomas 11/06/2024
J Tulloch 11/06/2024
PJ Cohoe 11/06/2024
L Williamson 11/06/2024
LL Milthorpe 13/06/2024
KH Al-Azzawi 13/06/2024
T Gleeson 13/06/2024
SH Naylor 14/06/2024
M Mitcham 14/06/2024
L Santucci 14/06/2024
K Coote 15/06/2024
SJ Bottrill 16/06/2024
MP Runciman 16/06/2024
MR Heath 16/06/2024
RE Barnett 16/06/2024
MK Sutton 17/06/2024
LK Page 17/06/2024
CC Davies 17/06/2024
V Sintraveevongse 17/06/2024
N Bunt 18/06/2024
YY Chan 18/06/2024
GH Clarke 20/06/2024
JW Jager 21/06/2024
A Russell 21/06/2024
ZL Sichere 21/06/2024
RJ Goh 21/06/2024
MD Rochford 22/06/2024
KJ Lim 22/06/2024
J Sun 23/06/2024
EG Webster 23/06/2024
JW Munday 23/06/2024
RR Chulani 23/06/2024
A Cadee 24/06/2024
M Ratcliffe 24/06/2024
D Peiris 24/06/2024
R Inglis 25/06/2024
JA Rodda 25/06/2024
G Goh 26/06/2024
AA Bin Muhammad Rashidi 27/06/2024
JR Heard 28/06/2024
KW Ravenhill 29/06/2024
V Lambin-Noiret 30/06/2024
OCCURRENCES
MEMBERS
30-Sep 31-Dec 31-Mar 30-Jun
2023–2024 10156 9871 9732 9549
2022–2023 10111 10186 10337 10095
2021–2022 9620 9878 9978 9946
9731 9874 10262 10140
9597 9700 9662 9289
*Figure excludes Life Members
SCHOOLS AND CLUBS
Financial Statements
RECREATIONAL AVIATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
ABN: 40 070 931 645
DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Directors' report
The Directors present their report on Recreational Aviation Australia Limited for the financial year ended 30 June 2024.
Directors
The following persons held office as directors of Recreational Aviation Australia Limited during the financial year:
Michael Monck (Chair)
Luke Bayly (Deputy Chair)
Trevor Bange
Andrew Scheiffers
Simon Ozanne
Mark Ferraretto (Resigned 26 May 2024)
Paul Reddish
Principal activities
The principal activity of the Company during the year was to administer light aircraft in Australia. The Company has delegated functions from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for the control and management of light aircraft registrations and pilot training and certification. The Company is responsible for setting standards for light aircraft maintenance and the training of pilots.
Review of operations
There were no significant changes to the operations of the Company during the year ended 30 June 2024.
Significant changes in the state of affairs
No significant changes in the nature of these activities occurred during the year.
Matters subsequent to the end of the financial year
No matter or circumstance has arisen since 30 June 2024 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect:
(a) the Company's operations in future financial years, or (b) the results of those operations in future financial years, or (c) the Company's state of affairs in future financial years.
Likely developments and expected results of operations
The Company will continue the same operations as described in the principal activity section in future years. The Company will commence the administration of larger aircraft within the next year under CASR Part149. This will add to the existing administration functions performed.
Mission statement
A respected organisation that continues to advance safe aviation and encourage training across our industry. We do this by creating opportunities for a wide range of aviation activities, through industry leadership, fostering a diverse community, and innovating across light aviation.
ABN: 40 070 931 645
DIRECTORS’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Meetings of directors
The following table sets out the number of meetings of the directors attended by each director.
Board Meetings
Committee Meetings
Contributions on winding up In the event of the Company being wound up, ordinary members are required to contribute a maximum of $1 each. Honorary members are not required to contribute.
The total amount that members of the company are liable to contribute if the company is wound up is $11,476 based on 11,476 current ordinary members.
Operating result
The total comprehensive deficit for the year amounted to $202,362 (2023: comprehensive deficit of $52,238).
Signed in accordance with a resolution of the Board.
Michael Monck Director
Dated:
Andrew Scheiffers Director
Dated: 23 October 2024 23 October 2024
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2024
AVIATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED ABN: 40 070 931 645
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements
RECREATIONAL AVIATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
ABN: 40 070 931 645
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Receipts from members and others 3,583,001 3,374,815 Interest received 2,512 11,067
Payments to suppliers and employees (3,663,894) (3,220,195) Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (78,381)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (10,593) (179,615)
Purchase of intangibles (89,200) (66,505)
Purchase of investments - (1,400,000)
Dividend income 51,147 -
Net cash used in investing activities (48,646) (1,646,120)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents held (127,027) (1,480,433)
The accompanying notes form part of the financial statements
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
The financial statements cover Recreational Aviation Australia Limited as an individual entity. Recreational Aviation Australia Limited is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001.
Note 1: Material accounting policies
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
New or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations adopted
The entity has adopted all of the new or amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board ('AASB') that are mandatory for the current reporting period.
Any new or amended Accounting Standards or Interpretations that are not yet mandatory have not been early adopted.
Basis of preparation
These general purpose financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards - Simplified Disclosures issued by the Australian Accounting Standards Board ('AASB'), and the Corporations Act 2001, as appropriate for not-for-profit oriented entities.
Historical cost convention
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income tax
As the company is a charitable institution in terms of subsection 50-5 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, as amended, it is exempt from paying income tax.
Current and non-current classification
Assets and liabilities are presented in the statement of financial position based on current and non-current classification.
An asset is classified as current when: it is either expected to be realised or intended to be sold or consumed in the company's normal operating cycle; it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it is expected to be realised within 12 months after the reporting period; or the asset is cash or cash equivalent unless restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. All other assets are classified as non-current.
A liability is classified as current when: it is either expected to be settled in the company's normal operating cycle; it is held primarily for the purpose of trading; it is due to be settled within 12 months after the reporting period; or there is no unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the reporting period. All other liabilities are classified as non-current.
Impairment of non-financial assets
Non-financial assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the amount by which the asset's carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount.
Recoverable amount is the higher of an asset's fair value less costs of disposal and value-in-use. The value-inuse is the present value of the estimated future cash flows relating to the asset using a pre-tax discount rate specific to the asset or cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. Assets that do not have independent cash flows are grouped together to form a cash-generating unit.
Note 1: Material accounting policies (continued)
Fair value measurement
When an asset or liability, financial or non-financial, is measured at fair value for recognition or disclosure purposes, the fair value is based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date; and assumes that the transaction will take place either: in the principal market; or in the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market.
Fair value is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming they act in their economic best interests. For non-financial assets, the fair value measurement is based on its highest and best use. Valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, are used, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.
Goods and Services Tax ('GST') and other similar taxes
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of associated GST, unless the GST incurred is not recoverable from the tax authority. In this case it is recognised as part of the cost of the acquisition of the asset or as part of the expense.
Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of the amount of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority is included in other receivables or other payables in the statement of financial position.
Cash flows are presented on a gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investing or financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to the tax authority, are presented as operating cash flows.
Commitments and contingencies are disclosed net of the amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, the tax authority.
Critical accounting estimates
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the financial statements. Management continually evaluates its judgements and estimates in relation to assets, liabilities, contingent liabilities, revenue and expenses. Management bases its judgements, estimates and assumptions on historical experience and on other various factors, including expectations of future events, management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The resulting accounting judgements and estimates will seldom equal the related actual results. The judgements, estimates and assumptions that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities (refer to the respective notes) within the next financial year are discussed below.
Estimation of useful lives of assets
The company determines the estimated useful lives and related depreciation and amortisation charges for its property, plant and equipment and finite life intangible assets. The useful lives could change significantly as a result of technical innovations or some other event. The depreciation and amortisation charge will increase where the useful lives are less than previously estimated lives, or technically obsolete or non-strategic assets that have been abandoned or sold will be written off or written down.
RECREATIONAL AVIATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
ABN: 40 070 931 645
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Note 1: Material accounting policies (continued)
Impairment
The Company assesses impairment at each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific to the company that may lead to impairment of assets. Should an impairment indicator exist, the determination of the recoverable amount of the asset may require incorporation of a number of key estimates. No impairment indicators were present as at year end.
Employee benefits provision
The liability for employee benefits expected to be settled more than 12 months from the reporting date are recognised and measured at the present value of the estimated future cash flows to be made in respect of all employees at the reporting date. In determining the present value of the liability, estimates of attrition rates and pay increases through promotion and inflation have been taken into account.
Note 2: Revenue
Accounting policy
Revenue from contracts with customers
Revenue is recognised at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company is expected to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer. For each contract with a customer, the company: identifies the contract with a customer; identifies the performance obligations in the contract; determines the transaction price which takes into account estimates of variable consideration and the time value of money; allocates the transaction price to the separate performance obligations on the basis of the relative stand-alone selling price of each distinct good or service to be delivered; and recognises revenue when or as each performance obligation is satisfied in a manner that depicts the transfer to the customer of the goods or services promised.
Variable consideration within the transaction price, if any, reflects concessions provided to the customer such as discounts, rebates and refunds, any potential bonuses receivable from the customer and any other contingent events. Such estimates are determined using either the 'expected value' or 'most likely amount' method. The measurement of variable consideration is subject to a constraining principle whereby revenue will only be recognised to the extent that it is highly probable that a si gnificant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognised will not occur. The measurement constraint continues until the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. Amounts received that are subject to the constraining principle are recognised as a refund liability.
Sales revenue
Revenue from sale of goods is recognised when received or receivable.
Grants
Grant revenue is recognised in profit or loss when the company satisfies the performance obligations stated within the funding agreements.
RECREATIONAL AVIATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
ABN: 40 070 931 645
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Interest
Interest revenue is recognised as interest accrues using the effective interest method. This is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and allocating the interest income over the relevant period using the effective interest rate, which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to the net carrying amount of the financial asset.
Membership subscriptions
The Company’s membership subscription runs for periods of either 12 months, 24 months, 36 months or 60 months. The subscription is recognised over the period the membership relates to.
Other revenue
Other revenue is recognised when it is received or when the right to receive payment is established.
Note 3: Other expenses
Note 4: Cash and cash equivalents
Accounting policy
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.
Note 5: Inventories
Accounting policy
Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost of inventory is determined using the weighted average costs basis and is net of any rebates and discounts received.
RECREATIONAL AVIATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
ABN: 40 070 931 645
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Note 6: Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss Investments
The Investments have been valued based on their quoted market prices in active markets.
Accounting policy
Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets not measured at amortised cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income are classified as financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. Typically, such financial assets will be either: (i) held for trading, where they are acquired for the purpose of selling in the short-term with an intention of making a profit, or a derivative; or (ii) designated as such upon initial recognition where permitted. Fair value movements are recognised in profit or loss.
Note 7: Other current assets
Note 8: Property, plant and equipment
RECREATIONAL AVIATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
ABN: 40 070 931 645
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Note 8: Property, plant and equipment (continued) Movements in Carrying Amounts
Movement in the carrying amounts for each class of property, plant and equipment between the beginning and the end of the current financial year:
The building was revalued based on a valuation by Egan National Valuers as at 31 May 2023. The valuation has been determined on the basis current market value assuming vacant possession. Market value was determined by reference to comparable sales.
Accounting policy
Plant and equipment is stated at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment. Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of the items. Buildings are recorded at fair value and subject to periodical independent valuations.
Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis to write off the net cost of each item of property, plant and equipment (excluding land) over their expected useful lives as follows:
The residual values, useful lives and depreciation methods are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each reporting date.
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when there is no future economic benefit to the company. Gains and losses between the carrying amount and the disposal proceeds are taken to profit or loss.
Note 9: Intangible assets
RECREATIONAL AVIATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
ABN: 40 070 931 645
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Accounting policy
Intangible assets relate to developed software used in the provision of services to members. The costs capitalised relate to development costs only and exclude the costs of research. Developed software is amortised on a straight line basis over 10 years. Amortisation methods, assets’ useful lives and residual values are reviewed at each reporting date and adjusted if appropriate.
Note 10: Trade and other payables
Accounting policy
These amounts represent liabilities fo r goods and services provided to the company prior to the end of the financial year and which are unpaid. Due to their short-term nature they are measured at amortised cost and are not discounted. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.
Note 11: Provisions
Accounting policy
Short-term employee benefits
Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and long service leave expected to be settled wholly within 12 months of the reporting date are measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled.
RECREATIONAL AVIATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
ABN: 40 070 931 645
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Note 11: Provisions (continued)
Other long-term employee benefits
The liability for annual leave and long service leave not expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are measured at the present value of expected future payments to be made in respect of services provided by employees up to the reporting date using the projected unit credit method. Consideration is given to expected future wage and salary levels, experience of employee departures and periods of service. Expected future payments are discounted using market yields at the reporting date on national government bonds with terms to maturity and currency that match, as closely as possible, the estimated future cash outflows.
Defined contribution superannuation expense
Contributions to defined contribution superannuation plans are expensed in the period in which they are incurred.
Note 12: Income in advance
The Company maintains a nil refund policy on subscriptions except in exceptional circumstances or as required by law. Subscriptions for services yet to be delivered will be realised as revenue over the subscription period/s.
Note 13: Remuneration of auditors
During the financial year the following fees were paid or payable for services provided by RSM Australia Partners, the auditor of the company
Note 14: Government funding
The Company receives financial assistance from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority on an annual basis. The assistance is provided pursuant to a Memorandum of Agreement. There is a separate Memorandum of Agreement each financial year and assistance is provided only on a basis of certain functions being performed by the Company
Note 15: Related Party Transactions
The Directors and their related entities transact with the Company from time to time on normal terms and conditions that are no more favourable than those available to others. The types of transactions involved include those that are provided by the Company as part of its normal operations. The transactions are settled at the time of the transaction, and no amounts are owing to the Company at year end in respect of these transactions. The total value of these transactions is low and is considered by the Company to be immaterial.
With the exception of compensation of key management personnel, which is separately disclosed in these statements, there were no other related party transaction during the financial year.
RECREATIONAL AVIATION AUSTRALIA LIMITED
ABN: 40 070 931 645
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024
Note 16: Key Management Personnel Compensation Compensation
The aggregate compensation made to members of key management personnel of the company is set out below:
Note 17: Contingent Liabilities
RAAus is an interested party to an Inquest involving the death of a former member which is ongoing. RAAus are legally represented at the Inquest. At this stage no civil claim has been made against RAAus.
The company had no other contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2024.
Note 18: Commitments
The company had no commitments for expenditure as at 30 June 2024 .
Note 19: Events After The Reporting Period
No other matter or circumstance has arisen since 30 June 2024 that has significantly affected, or may significantly affect the company's operations, the results of those operations, or the company's state of affairs in future financial years.
Note 20: Company Details
The registered office and principal places of business of the Company is: Recreational Aviation Australia Limited Unit 3, 1 Pirie Street Fyshwick ACT 2609
ABN: 40 070 931 645
DIRECTORS’ DECLARATION
The directors of the Company declare that:
a) the attached financial statements and notes comply with the Corporations Act 2001, the Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified Disclosures, the Corporations Regulations 2001 and other mandatory professional reporting requirements; and
b) the attached financial statements and notes give a true and fair view of the company's financial position as at 30 June 2024 and of its performance for the financial year ended on that date; and
c) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the company will be able to pay its debts as and when they become due and payable.
Signed in accordance with a resolution of directors made pursuant to section 295(5)(a) of the Corporations Act 2001.
On behalf of the directors
Dated: 23 October 2024
AUDITOR’S INDEPENDENCE DECLARATION
As lead auditor for the audit of the financial report of Recreational Aviation Australia Limited for the year ended 30 June 2024, I declare that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, there have been no contraventions of:
(i) the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 in relation to the audit; and
(ii) any applicable code of professional conduct in relation to the audit.
RSM AUSTRALIA PARTNERS
Rodney Miller Partner
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Dated: 24/10/2024
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
To the Members of Recreational Aviation Australia Limited
Opinion
We have audited the financial report of Recreational Aviation Australia Limited (the Company), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2024, the statement of comprehensive income, the statement of changes in equity and the statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of material accounting policies, and the directors' declaration.
In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Company is in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001, including:
(i) giving a true and fair view of the Company's financial position as at 30 June 2024 and of its financial performance for the year then ended; and
(ii) complying with Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified Disclosures and the Corporations Regulations 2001.
Basis for Opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the Company in accordance with the auditor independence requirements of the Corporations Act 2001 and the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board's APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.
We confirm that the independence declaration required by the Corporations Act 2001, which has been given to the directors of the Company, would be in the same terms if given to the directors as at the time of this auditor's report.
We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Other Information
The directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Company's annual report for the year ended 30 June 2024 but does not include the financial report and the auditor's report thereon.
Our opinion on the financial report does not cover the other information and accordingly we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
In connection with our audit of the financial report, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial report or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.
If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.
Responsibilities of the Direct ors for the Financial Report
The directors of the Company are responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards – Simplified Disclosures and the Corporations Act 2001 and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view and is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial report, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the Company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor's Responsibilities for th e Audit of the Financial Report
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial report is located at the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board website at: http://www.auasb.gov.au/auditors_responsibilities/ar4.pdf. This description forms part of our auditor's report.
RSM Australia Partners
Rodney Miller Partner
Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
Date: 24/10/2024
