When Jim Tatlock first stood for the board of RAAus last November, he had no idea that within just a few months he would take over as Chair. But when Simon Ozanne had to relinquish the position after only a few months in the seat, Tatlock found himself elevated to the top job.
It was not his first time on the board; he had served once before about 16 years ago, and had no immediate aspirations to be anything but an ordinary director once again.
"I had no expectation of becoming Chair so quickly," he told Australian Flying. "However, when the previous Chair stepped aside due to other commitments, some fellow board members asked whether I would be willing to put my name forward.
"After careful consideration, I accepted, on the condition that the person who nominated me–Paul Reddish–would take on the deputy role."
For the Geelong-based aviator, taking the leadership role at RAAus is another step in his long aviation career.
Tatlock learnt to fly originally with the Scout Association at the now-closed Casey Field in Victoria, logging his first hours in C150M VH-TDX. But like many young pilots, life took him in another direction, leading to a long hiatus that finished in 2002 when he returned to flying via recreational aviation.
Today Tatlock is a serial aircraft owner who has had his name on the registration form for X-Air Hanuman, Cessna 172, Piper Archer, Cessna 150, Discovery XL and currently is the custodian of Alpi Pioneer 19-5100.
Currently a member of Geelong Sports Aviators based out of Lethbridge, Victoria, Tatlock understands the challenges facing recreational aviation in Australia, and believes RAAus is in a good position to take advantage of the benefits changes to general aviation environment are expected to bring, especially the new Modernisation of Special Airworthiness Certification (MOSAIC) standard, which will permit recreational pilots to fly larger and more capable aircraft.
"Recreational and sport aviation globally is undergoing significant change," he explains. "The FAA's MOSAIC initiative is creating exciting opportunities for aircraft manufacturers, owners and pilots, with the potential for a new generation of capable and sophisticated recreational aircraft.
"I believe RAAus is uniquely positioned to help Australia embrace these developments and work closely with CASA to create sensible pathways that allow Australian pilots to benefit from international advancements.
"The board has already indicated to CASA that we have the ability and appetite to take on the administration of MOSAIC regulations within Australia. Being an established approved self-administering organisation [ASAO], we are ideally set up and agile enough to rapidly allow the introduction into Australia."
As yet CASA has not given any firm indication of how it will handle MOSAIC, only that it understands the benefits and is currently analysing how the new standard will fit into the regulatory regime. This means that MOSAIC is aspirational for RAAus, whereas other goals are very close to fruition. Tatlock warns, however, that change often takes time.
"One of my key ambitions for RAAus is to continue expanding the privileges available to our members," he says. "Controlled airspace access for Recreational Pilot Certificate holders is now approaching reality, but it is worth remembering that this work began more than a decade ago.
"That alone demonstrates how persistent and patient aviation organisations must be when pursuing meaningful regulatory reform.
"Another major priority is ensuring we build a resilient and sustainable organisation that can continue championing recreational aviation in Australia while potentially expanding the services and expertise we can offer more broadly across the aviation sector."
Similar to his predecessor Simon Ozanne, Tatlock doesn't see the Chairman's role as one of individual leadership, but rather as a focal point that brings together the board and staff, giving the organisation shared goals and strategic direction. According to Tatlock, RAAus already has a lot of strengths for the board to harness effectively.
"We have a passionate membership, experienced staff and a strong reputation within Australian aviation," he points out. "Like any organisation, however, we must continue to evolve, embrace best practice and remain financially sustainable. By doing so, we can ensure we continue to protect and expand member privileges rather than allowing them to be restricted.
"Ultimately, my goal is simple: to help build a stronger, more capable Recreational Aviation Australia that advocates effectively for its members, embraces opportunities for growth and innovation, and enables more Australians to enjoy the freedom and adventure of flight."
It would seem the new Chair has a good handle on things, even if he has been on the board for less than a year.
- Steve Hitchen