Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) has said a complete review of their operations manual has contributed to the delay in implementing the 760-kg Group G aircraft category.
Initially, Group G was to have started on 25 March this year, enabling aircraft owners to registered aircraft with certified MTOWs up to 760 kg with RAAus.
RAAus Chief of Aviation Cody Calder said that progress was being made, but a full review of the Flight Operations Manual had become necessary after discussions with CASA.
"Whilst our team had previously hoped to have already had these manuals in place, we have encountered a number of unexpected delays which have meant that we have not yet been able to commence these operations," Calder told members on Thursday.
"One of these delays occurred as a result of CASA questioning the interpretation of our existing manuals and a divergence of views between RAAus and CASA.
"As a result of this, further changes have been required to Flight Operations Manual V8.0 and we are carrying out a full review of this manual to ensure that the same potential for any possible ambiguity or differences in interpretation are unlikely to occur in the future.
"Whilst we are disappointed that this has led to extended wait times for the implementation of our MTOW increase, these changes will continue to protect the organisation, our flight training schools, and our members into the future, and we remain committed to delivering the new manuals as soon as possible."
Group G was originally intended to enable home-builders of recreational aircraft to build aircraft with higher Basic Empty Weights (BEW) and still maintain a useful load, and to attract builders to register with RAAus rather than CASA.
It is also expected to attract owners of type-certified aircraft with MTOWs below 760 kg such as Cessna 150/152 and Victa Airtourers.