As you’re probably aware, Matt Bouttell has left RAAus as CEO to rejoin CASA in a senior role. Is it really only 3 years? It has felt like longer since he joined RAAus and a whole lot has happened in that time, even with COVID wreaking havoc.
Matt has had a great influence on RAAus. First of all, he came to the job as a true aviation enthusiast and pilot who had been working in aviation in senior roles for many years. That experience has set the tone for RAAus over the last 3 years. Importantly, Matt understands the intricacies of flying rules and regulations and the processes necessary to implement change. Personally, the various rules and regulations which apply to our segment leave me suffering MEGO (My Eyes Glaze Over). Matt, on the other hand, seemed to know them by heart. I can see why CASA wanted him back. To an extent it is our loss and their gain, but we now have a man on the inside, so to speak. That can’t be a bad thing. Some highlights for me include catching up with him and the board in South Australia for a day, the RAAus 40th Anniversary Gala at the Australian War Memorial and of course seeing the culmination of Group G and aircraft up to 760kg shortly being administered by RAAus. A lot of other important work has been done behind the scenes too that will bear future fruit, thanks in no small part to Matt’s hard work.
Matt has been very supportive of SportPilot and continued to allow us to have editorial independence and to follow our aviation interests (and occasional whims) in writing stories. I think it has made for a better read for members and subscribers.
I will miss our regular chats about flying. From the whole team at SportPilot, we wish Matt fair skies and a tailwind.
