Sport Aircraft Operations Group Inc.
Some History
Sport
Aircraft Operations Group Incorporated’s (SAOG Inc.) origin goes back
something over thirty years, and to understand the reason for the strange title,
it is necessary to go back a little further.
Following
World War II, it was not until the early 50’s that private aviation began to
gather some momentum, one of the early enthusiast groups being the ULAA (Ultra
Light Aircraft Association) who convinced the regulating body, DCA, (Department
of Civil Aviation), to develop regulations enabling the private individual to
construct and fly their own aircraft. The ULAA became an ideal vehicle to
encourage other enthusiast groups, vintage aircraft being the other major
interest area, resulting in a change of name and philosophy. The ULAA became the
SAAA (Sport Aircraft Association of Australia), and was to see and foster, the
ongoing enthusiasm for gyroplane, ex military and ultralight (or microlight)
aircraft.
In
Queensland, Archerfield aerodrome was the major general aviation centre of
activity, and at that time was the logical place for enthusiasts to meet.
Archerfield Branch of SAAA became the meeting place and headquarters of the
Queensland Division of SAAA, catering for all enthusiast groups. Time brings
change; in due course dedicated organisations developed to cater for Vintage,
Warbird, Ultralight and gyroplane types of aircraft. Amateur built aircraft have
remained in the SAAA domain.
With
changing times, Archerfield branch found it necessary to change identity and
purpose, becoming the Sport Aircraft Operations Group, with unspecified task
other than to assist sport aviation where possible or necessary, mostly aiming
at operational matters. As an independent body, incorporated in accord with
Queensland law, it is well placed to carry out any task within is financial
capability.
In
recent times, SAOG has assisted in several ventures, clubhouse expansion and
management at Archerfield, Fly-in activities on regular basis, and assisting in
airfield development at Watts Bridge. At this time it is necessary to provide an
alternative inspection procedure for amateur built aircraft, particularly those
being built under CASA ABAA type procedures.