• To seek to be the pre-eminent industry representative organisation for the Australian Flying Training Industry
• To represent our members at all levels of government and industry
• To promote general aviation to the public of Australia as a safe and viable means of transport and as a satisfying sporting, recreational and leisure activity
• To promote flying training general aviation to Australians as a legitimate and rewarding form of education

RFACA POLICIES ON ISSUES
Whilst objectives are very important so are the policies of the RFACA has on issues in the Industry. The Technical Advisory Committee is our source of policy making. Below are our policies on some very pertinent issues:

REGULATORY REFORM

• Regulatory Reform Programme:
  The RRP in its various forms has occupied a considerable amount of the Federation’s time over the last many years. It has proved frustrating as the goal posts have kept changing and much effort appears to have been wasted.
  
  The RFACA participated in the recent review of the RRP and welcomes the initiatives resulting from this. Notwithstanding the Review the RFACA considers that the RRP should be conducted by an organisation which is independent of CASA. The most likely option being an office within the DOT.



• Classification of Operations:
  RFACA considers that the classification of operations is the keystone of the RRP and further considers that the current CASA proposal to eliminate the Charter category of operations by amalgamating it into the Air Transport Category is flawed and not in the national interest.
  
  The RFACA is in favour of adopting the FAA approach to FAR 119, which exempts certain operations from the provisions of the FAR 119.

FLYING TRAINING

• Flying Training:
  The RFACA is committed to the provision of high quality flying training and to the standardisation of flying training.



• Level Playing Field
  The RFACA is committed to achieving a level playing field for all providers of flying training. We are not seeking to impose further burdens or restrictions on the Sport Aviation fraternity but rather to have regulations and CASA oversight appropriate to the level of training provided.
  
  We are not proposing any lowering of standards but advocate the direction of effort and resources to more appropriate areas than those currently imposed under the CASA AOC/Surveillance regime.
  
  The opportunity does not currently exist for the RFACA or any other GA organisation to become an aviation administration organisation. When CASR Part 149 is developed this opportunity may become available.



• Recreation Pilot Licence:
  The RFACA supports and promotes the concept of a GA Recreational Pilots Licence (A draft proposal of the RPL by the RFACA is available from the office).



• Approved Test Office Scheme:
  The RFACA policy is that the present scheme for all its alleged faults is as good a scheme as can be devised considering the geography and demography of Australia. The RFACA position on the draft proposal to issue a Flight Examiner Rating, as Part of CASR Part 61 is that regardless of the name given Test Officers must retain a CASA delegated status and be insured by CASA against professional liability.



• Cyber Exams:
  The RFACA have welcomed Cyber exams as a generally satisfactory method of providing exams on a one off basis to candidates, however the RFACA still has an issue with CASA over the case of multiple sittings of exams as at end of course. We have made a proposal for the availability of paper exams for such occasions and dialogue with CASA is proceeding.

AIRSPACE & AIRWAYS PROCEDURES

• Airspace:
  RFACA is committed to achieving a simple workable airways and airspace system that provides safe and efficient air navigation for all users.
  
  We promote the usage of affordable electronic means of enhancing the see and be seen, see and avoid concept of VFR flight.



• LLAMP:
  We support the general thrust of LLAMP in particular the use of E airspace and Designated Area Frequencies. The RFACA supports the retention of Directed traffic Information (DTI) to IFR aircraft in non-controlled airspace by whatever designation (F or G) is affixed to that airspace. We support the use of transponders by VFR aircraft in class E airspace although there is a case for gliders and balloons.



• Pilot Education:
  The RFACA is not satisfied with the ASA/CASA initiatives in the area of pilot education and airways procedures. Whilst welcoming the VFR Pilots Guide and the various Visual Flight Guides issued by CASA the RFACA believes that there is more to be done, particularly by Air Services, and seeks to provide assistance in any program to this end.
  
  The likely option being an office within the DOT.