Safety issue

Safety issue description

The Recreational Aviation Australia pilot theory examination system did not incorporate sufficient risk controls to ensure that their examination processes were followed as intended and their members had achieved the minimum required knowledge in accordance with the syllabus of flight training.
Issue number AO-2024-058-SI-02
Issue owner Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus)
Transport function Aviation: Other
Issue status Open – Safety action pending
Date issue released 19/01/2026
Issue status justification

To be advised

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number AO-2024-058-PSA-03
Organisation Recreational Aviation Australia
Action description

Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) advised the ATSB that redevelopment of their current digital systems was commenced prior to the accident with the scoping of user requirements completed in 2023 and with the redevelopment proposal signed in April 2025. This project is currently in progress and includes the implementation of an online exam system into the RAAus learning management system, which will require controlled access by RAAus senior instructors (or higher approval holders) prior to the access and completion of RAAus exams. 

The RAAus Flight Operations Manual version 9.0, which is in the process of being submitted to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for approval, adds strengthened controls for the conduct of RAAus examinations including supervision requirements. The manual also introduces the requirement for RAAus candidates to complete knowledge deficiency reviews which confirm 100% knowledge coverage for incorrect exam answers. These actions were proactive by RAAus and drafted prior to the accident.

RAAus will review application forms requiring confirmation of exam and knowledge deficiency review completion by examiners for the recommendation of all authorisations.
ATSB response

The ATSB acknowledges that RAAus safety action is underway, comprising the redevelopment of current digital systems, including the learning management system and the strengthened controls for the conduct of RAAus examinations. Additionally, Flight Operations Manual version 9.0 is in the process of being submitted to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for approval. The ATSB will monitor the progress of this safety action and will re-assess the safety issue once completed.
Action status Monitor

Organisation response

Date received 14/08/2026
Organisation Recreational Aviation Australia
Response text

On 14 August 2026, Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) provided the ATSB with a safety action progress update advising of the publication of an operations bulletin, redevelopment of digital systems and review of application forms. These are summarised below:

Operations Bulletin
Recreational Aviation Australia released Operations Bulletin (OB) 0126 in June 2026. OB 0126 provides strengthened requirements for Flight Training Schools regarding the oversight and conduct of RAAus examinations, including:

1. Knowledge Deficiency Reports (KDRs)
For a passed exam result of less than 100% but 80% or more, a knowledge deficiency report (KDR) must be prepared. The scope of the KDR will be those questions that have not been answered correctly to ensure a complete understanding of the subject matter by the candidate. At the successful completion of the Knowledge Deficiency Report (KDR) the outcome must be documented and signed off by an RAAus Senior Instructor, Deputy Chief Flying Instructor, Chief Flying Instructor or Pilot Examiner and retained in the students training record.

2. Exam Conduct
RAAus exams must be conducted at a Flight Training School under the direct supervision and in-person invigilation by an RAAus Senior Instructor, Deputy Chief Flying Instructor, Chief Flying Instructor or Pilot Examiner and must be delivered in the format provided by RAAus. Answers must be recorded on the answer sheet provided by RAAus which must also record the name of the student, exam topic including exam number e.g. exam one or exam two, date of the exam, and the result achieved (including any failed attempts). The exam must be conducted in an environment free from interruptions and without assistance. The examination must be completed in the permitted time allocation.

3. Storage & Reproduction
RAAus examinations must not be printed or distributed other than for the purpose of a candidate sitting an exam.
RAAus examinations must not be reproduced in a format which is not approved by RAAus.
RAAus examinations and answer sheets must be securely stored.

Redevelopment of Digital Systems
Recreational Aviation Australia has developed an electronic learning management system which requires authentication by an RAAus instructor to access and commence an RAAus exam utilising an RAAus-hosted platform. This system is currently undergoing final testing. Implementation is planned to occur following the approval and introduction of Flight Operations Manual V9.0 which is currently undergoing review by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). To access RAAus examinations, candidates will be required to login to their RAAus Learning Management System. Access to the individual exams will require secondary login on the same device by an RAAus instructor in order to start the exam session. This includes validation via a one-time passcode (OTP) sent to the instructor’s mobile phone or email address listed on the RAAus database. This system is developed to ensure that RAAus examinations are only conducted via an approved platform, that exam papers are no longer distributed to Flight Training Schools, and that access requires duplicate login by candidates and an instructor on the same device prior to commencing an exam session.

Review of Application Forms
Revised application forms will be implemented with the revised criteria incorporated within Flight Operations Manual V9.0 which is currently undergoing review by CASA.
ATSB response

The ATSB acknowledges the work undertaken by RAAus and will continue to monitor the progress.