Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

 


If you have any question you want to ask us please e-mail them to mail@caa.co.za

FAQ's on:

 

 

 

 

 

Accidents & Incidents

Airworthiness

Finances

Examinations

Flight Operations

Medical

Advertisement of SACAA vacancies

Aeronautical Information Services

CAA’s in Africa


Accidents and Incidents FAQ's

Where is an accident or incident reported?

It can be reported to an Air Traffic Control tower nearest to you. It can also be reported to the SACAA Accident Investigators and their cell phone numbers can be found on the SACAA's website under “Contact Details for Specific Services” that can be found on the “Contact Us” page or on the SACAA home page under “How to report an accident”.

Where can I obtain an Accident/Incident Reporting form?

These forms are forwarded to pilots after the accident or incident has been reported to the Investigator in charge. Accidents or incidents must be reported just after it had occurred as only an Accident Investigator can give permission to remove or recover the wreckage or aircraft, as defined on CAR Part 12. Anyone who needs an accident or incident reporting form thus have to report an occurrence.

Why does it take so long for accident reports to become available to the public?

Accident reports take anything from three months to three years to be completed, depending on the complexity of the investigation. After completion of an investigation the reports are reviewed by the Office of the Executive Manager: Accident and Incident Investigation Division (AIID) and the report is submitted to an Advisory Safety Panel (ASP) to determine the adequacy of the investigation, as well as the feasibility of the implementation of the safety recommendations in the report. Only once the ASP is satisfied, is the report submitted to the Commissioner for Civil Aviation (CCA) for consideration and action deemed necessary. On acceptance of the report by the CCA the report is released as a Final Report in respect of the relevant accident investigation.

How can a copy of an accident report be obtained?

Accident summaries are available on the SACAA website. Complete reports can be obtained by submitting a written request to the Accident Incident Investigation Division on fax (011) 545 1466 or e-mail AiidInbox@caa.co.za.


Airworthiness

Who do I contact with regard to airworthiness matters?

Should you have any questions regarding the following: Aircraft Certificates of Airworthiness, Aircraft Special approvals, Aircraft Maintenance or Aircraft Maintenance Organisations please direct your questions to the Senior Manager Airworthiness at airworthiness@caa.co.za.

 

Should you have any questions regarding  the following: Aircraft Registration, Aircraft Certification, Defect Reporting and Manufacturing  Organisations please direct your questions to aircraftsafety@caa.co.za  

Do I need permission from the CAA to import an aircraft into the country?

Yes. Only if the aircraft is older than 15 years. This is a Trade and Industry requirement not a South African Civil Aviation Authority requirement. An application form is obtainable from the Certification Engineering Division and the applicable fee is in Part 187 of the CAR's. (PDF)

Do I need permission from the CAA if I want to incorporate a modification on my aircraft?

Yes. Contact your maintenance organisation or the CAA's Certification Engineering Division.

How do I apply for an exemption answer?

If the exemption requested forms part of the CAA regulations, follow Part 11.04.01 of the CARs. (PDF).  Please note that an exemption cannot be granted from a regulation that does not exist

Where do I report bad maintenance or non-compliances?

Please contact the Airworthiness Division.

Do I need a licence on a specific type of aircraft to enable me to release the aircraft back into service?

Yes. Please follow the requirements of Part 66 in the CARs.

How do I apply for special flight permits?

Please submit form CA21-15- and the prescribed fee to the Engineering Division. Contact details are available from the CAA website.

What documentation do I complete for applications?

Refer to the annexures in the Civil Aviation Technical Standards (CATS) documents - Volume 3 of the Digma Aviation Legislation. Alternatively, phone the Airworthiness Division and request the particular form. All forms can be sent via email or are available from the CAA website. Contact details are available from the CAA website.

How do I obtain an AMO licence?

Complete a manual of procedure as well as a quality manual which may form part of your manual of procedure. All requirements pertaining to what should be in the manuals are contained in SA CATS AMO. You will also be required to submit an application form and the fee as per CAR 187. (PDF)

Who may fly an aircraft after scheduled maintenance?

If it is not a test flight, the aircraft owner may fly the aircraft. In the case of a test flight, a test pilot is required to perform the flight test.

Can I extend my aircraft MPI?

Unfortunately not. The maintenance release only caters for the time for which it is made out.

If my MPI has run out, how do I get my aircraft to a maintenance facility?

Request a special flight permit from the Engineering Division. Any Airworthiness Inspector will assist with this matter. Application forms can be sent to you via e-mail or downloaded from the CAA website.

How can I get my manufacturing organisation approved?

  • Compile a Manual of Procedure as required by the SA CATS MORG, Vol 3..
  • Submit a Manual of Procedure to the CAA Manufacturing Section.
  • Submit the required application and fees as per CARs Part 187.00.25.
  • Arrange for a pre-assessment be conducted if required.
  • Arrange an audit date.
  • Take corrective actions on any deficiencies noted during the pre-assessment / Audit and submit a report to the CAA.
  • Agree on a follow-up audit if required by the CAA.
  • Rectify any deficiencies identified by the Engineering Review Board.
  • Display manufacturing organisation approval in a prominent place, generally accessible to the public at your principal place of business.

What ratings can I apply for?

There are three ratings that manufacturing organisations can apply for:

·         Manufacture specified product, parts or appliances (manufacturing rating).

·         Apply specified processes to products, parts or appliances (processing rating) e.g. Plating.

·         Carry out specified tests on products, parts and appliances (test rating) eg. Non-destructive testing.

How and when do I renew my MPT organisation licence?

Apply for renewal 60 days before licence expires

·         Submit application form CA148-01 and application fee as per CAR Part 187.00.25.  Application forms can be sent to you via e-mail or downloaded from the CAA website.

·         An audit date will be arranged by a CAA auditor

·         Renewal audits are subject to a hourly rate. The organisation will be invoiced for the total amount after the audit. The hourly rate is R480-00 per hour.


Finances

Why does the CAA not respond after a fee has been deposited into its bank account?

It could be that the deposit slip was faxed to the wrong department, or the clients have not specified what the payment is for or may not have used the correct reference codes.  Please ensure that all deposit slips are faxed to the Finance.  Please mark clearly what service is being paid for.

Where can money for services be paid?

Clients can pay at the Cashier's office at the CAA offices or fees can be paid into the CAA's bank account:

Implementation of the compulsory use of reference numbers for bank deposits made into the Civil Aviation Authority’s bank account

 

The South African Civil Aviation Authority is experiencing problems with unidentified bank deposits made by clients that resulted in amounts appearing on the bank statements that are not traceable and subsequently not invoiced or allocated to a client account.

 

Please note that our bankers will not accept any deposit (including electronic fund transfers) that is not correctly referenced according to a specified code from 5 January 2004.

 

The operational department will issue you with this reference code before you transfer or deposit any amount into our bank account.

 

We have also closed all other bank accounts for depositing purposes. 

Can I use m Amex card?

Yes, we now accept the Amex card, but only if you present it at the cashier.


Examinations

How many subjects do I need to enrol for the first time to carry credits, when doing my Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATP), Commercial Transport Licence (CPL) and instrument flight rating?

You need to enrol for four subjects and pass three of them.

How many subjects do I need to enrol for the first time to carry credits, when doing my Flight Engineer's Examination?

You need to enrol for all four subjects and pass two of them.

How many subjects do I need to enrol for the first time to carry credits, when doing my Flight Instructor Examination?

You need to enrol for two subjects and pass one of them.

What is the pass mark on examinations?

The pass mark on flight instructor's examinations is 70%. The pass mark on all other subjects is 75%.

Where do I obtain notes to study?

Training is done at Flying Schools, who supply students with study material.

Do I need a valid private pilot licence (PPL) to do my commercial pilot licence (CPL)?

Yes.

What are the minimum criteria for writing various pilot examinations?

You will need a valid private pilot licence (PPL) to sit for a commercial pilot licence (CPL) examination and a CPL to sit for an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATP) examination.

Where do I find the examination schedule with time, date and venue details?

The dates and venues are published in AIC 30.10 and can also be viewed on the CAA website. A map and the schedule of the examinations are forwarded with the acceptance letter to the candidate after the application has been received. Examination sittings start at 09:00 and 13:00 and candidates should register at least half an hour before the examination starts.

Where do I get an examination schedule for out-centres?

The dates are published in AIC 30.10 (PDF)

When can I apply for a re-mark?

You should apply for a re-mark within 30 days from result notification.

How long in advance must I make a booking to sit for my examinations and may I repeat a subject in the same week if I did not pass it?

Entries for online bookings will be by appointment only on a first come, first served basis. Subjects may not be repeated within the same sitting.

Where do I obtain application forms?

On the CAA website or from the CAA offices. Forms can also be faxed to applicants.

How long do I wait for my examination results? (out-centres)

Approximately two weeks.

How do I receive my examination results? (out-centres)

Examinations are marked within two weeks and results are posted to students. Results are also published on the CAA website.


Flight Operations

How is an aircraft added to an operating certificate?

  • Amend the  Operations  Manual.
  • Complete the amendment application form for the issuing of an operator's certificate, as well as the statement of compliance by the responsible person. Application forms are available from the Flight Operations Department.
  • Pay the application fees (as stated in Regulation I87).
  • Attach a copy of your operator's licence.  
  • Attach copies of all relevant required documents: Cof A, Cof R, Insurance, Lease agreements, AMO details,  Release to Service and Radio licence.  
  • If the aircraft is a new type to the Operator contact the relevant Flight Operations Line Manager.ie Part 121, Part 135  and part 127. He/she will set up a meeting to inform the client of the Five phases requirements. An established operator will join the process at Phase 3, Document verification.

What is the difference between the Aircraft Operating Certificate (AOC) and the Certificate of Approval (COA)?

The COA applies to accredited training schools (part 141) and the AOC to all other licenced commercial operators (part 121, 127, 135, etc.).

What is an operator's list and where do I find it?

It is a list of all operators with their addresses and contact numbers and can be obtained from the Flight Operations Department at a determined fee.

What steps must be followed when an AOC expires?

  • The applicable fees must be paid at least one month before the expiry date.
  • An application form for the issuing of an operator's certificate must be completed. 
    Application forms are available from the Flight Operations Department.

What steps must be followed when a COA expires?

  • Fees must be paid at least two months before the expiry date
  • Complete the application form for training schools. 
    These can be obtained from the Flight Operations Department.

How does an Inspector arrange an inspection with an operator?

The inspector phones the operator to set a date and time for the inspection and faxes the check list and notification letter to the client.

Where can I obtain a list with all CAA Accredited Training Oranisations?

A list with all CAA accredited training organizations can be obtained from the Aviation Personnel Standards link to the left of this page by clicking on Aviation Training Organisations.

How do I know which Air Charter to use?

Please see the Air Charter guide which may be found by clicking on the Flight Operations link to the left of this page and then on SA Air Charter Guide link.


Medical Department

What are the medical requirements for different classes of medicals?

There are 4 classes of medical examinations. The medical examination requirements differ for the different classes of medical certificates.

Requirement

Class 1

Class 2

Class 3

Class 4 

Includes

ALTP
Commercial pilot
Flight engineer
Flight test rating

Private pilot
Student pilot
Cabin crew 

Air traffic controller

Microlight
Glider
Gyroplane
Free balloon

Validity

ALTP < 40: 12 months
ALTP > 40: 6 months

Comm >60: 6 months

Comm <60 : 12 months but must submit 6-monthly report if suffering from a medical condition or a treatable risk factor

< 40: 24 months
> 40: 12 months

< 40: 60 months
> 40: 36 months

Stress ECG and lung function test

Initial exam
< 40: every 4 years

40-59: every 2 years

> 60: annually

Only resting at initial exam, then

first exam after 40

Then every 3 years

Chest X-ray

Initial examination, thereafter if indicated on clinical grounds

 

The frequency of examinations may also vary depending on medical conditions affecting the applicant. The aviation medical examiner can answer many of the queries regarding medicals. Further queries can be referred to the medical department of the CAA.

Can my general practitioner examine me for an aviation medical certificate?

Applicants for Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 licences have to be examined by a designated aviation medical examiner, which has been approved by the Commissioner for Civil Aviation. A Class 4 applicant may be examined by his general practitioner, provided that:

a.        The examination is conducted in accordance with the requirements of Civil Aviation Regulations Part 67 and the corresponding technical standards (SA-CATS-MR)

b.        The results are documented on the prescribed form and sent in to the Institute for Aviation Medicine for verification.

What happens to the medical examination results?

The medical examiner forwards all the medical information to the Institute of Aviation Medicine, for reviewing by medical officers. Once reviewed, the medical is endorsed as acceptable, or not endorsed if unacceptable for any reason. . All difficult cases are referred to a panel (consisting of aviation medical officers and specialists) for discussion. The decisions taken by the panel are relayed to the medical department of the CAA, and medical certificates (DD50) are issued for all cases discussed at panel. These are sent to  the medical department at the CAA, and certificates are sent out to the relevant aviators and medical examiners.

Confidentiality is maintained at all levels of these proceedings. Aviators wishing to appeal against decisions taken by the panel may apply to the Commissioner for Civil Aviation, and must also send the appeal notice to the Institute for Aviation Medicine. The Commissioner designates a panel of specialists to advise him on the adjudication of the appeal. This process may take up to 4 months to complete

Can I go to a foreign aviation examiner for my medical when I am in a foreign country?

Yes, you can contact an aviation medical examiner that has been approved by the Commissioner for Civil Aviation to perform medical examinations for South African pilots. A list of these approved aviation medical examiners can be found on the CAA web site. The examination has to be conducted in accordance with the requirements of Civil Aviation Regulations Part 67 (PDF) and the corresponding technical standards (SA-CATS-MR). The results have to be documented on the prescribed form and must be sent to the Institute for Aviation medicine for verification.

Alternatively, you can contact an examiner registered with other foreign civil aviation authorities to perform the relevant Authority's examination. All the results (that is all the examination forms and test results, and not only the medical certificate) have to be submitted to the CAA or the Institute for Aviation Medicine, as we need to have the medical details on our records. All the forms submitted have to be in English. The CAA or Institute for Aviation Medicine may request further additional examinations. The foreign medical examiner must hold a qualification recognised by the aviation authorities internationally and submit proof thereof to the Commissioner for Civil Aviation.

A medical certificate will be issued by the Institute for Aviation Medicine or the CAA and may be different from the certificate initially issued by the medical examiner.

Can I fly with a cold?

You should never fly with a cold. The pressure differences at altitude affect cavities found in the skull. When ill, these cavities which are lined by membranes get inflamed and may affect the normal equilibration important at altitude. Thus you may experience severe pain in the ears or sinuses. An eardrum might even rupture! In addition, having a cold and not feeling well may have an influence on your reaction time or decision making processes.

Is over the counter medications allowed?

An aviator should ground him/herself when not feeling well. The side effects of the medication can have an effect on flight safety and these effects can be worsened by altitude. One should avoid mixing various medication due to interactions that may occur that can prove fatal. One can also have allergic reactions to medication. Always consult your aviation medical examiner when you plan to take any medication before a flight.

How much alcohol can I drink before a flight?

None. The present rule is 8 hours between bottle and throttle. However, it is advisable to extend this period to 12 hours (preferably 24 hours). The maximum blood concentration allowed is 0,02 mg%. It is very important to remember that the effects of alcohol can last up to 72 hours. Therefore the blood alcohol concentration may be zero; but you can still suffer from the effects of alcohol which may have an impact on flight safety. The regulations state that you may not fly while under the influence of alcohol.

What are the visual requirements for different classes of medicals?

The visual examination has minimum requirements for different parameters examined depending on the class of medical applied for. You are allowed to fly with either spectacles or contact lenses. Surgical correction of refractive abnormalities is allowed but a three to six month waiting period is required before the applicant can be re-certified. The choice of the method of correction of visual abnormalities lies with the aviator and his ophthalmologist.

Can I fly if I have Diabetes?

Yes, if it is controlled well through a proper diet and oral medication. You will be required to submit additional medical reports to confirm control of blood sugar level. Presently diabetes treated with insulin is unacceptable and renders the applicant unfit.



AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION SERVICES

How much does a set of AICs and AIP supplements cost?

AICs and AIP supplements are provided free of charge.

How can I obtain a set of AICs and AIP supplements?

Upon application for a pilot’s licence, applicants are will automatically be added to the mailing list whereby they will receive the monthly updates. A full set of AIC’s and AIP supplements can also be obtained from the publications office.

Why does the NOTAM contained in the monthly NOTAM summary appear to be outdated?

The monthly NOTAM summary is a list of all NOTAM that were in force at the time of the publication. Should you require up-to-date NOTAM information, please contact the nearest briefing office for NOTAM affecting your flight.

Where can I obtain the latest NOTAM’s

The NOTAM contained in the monthly AIC package are a summary of the NOTAM that were in force at the time of publication. If you would like the latest NOTAM sent electronically to you, you need to contact the International NOTAM office at Johannesburg 011 928 6517/8 and ask them to place you on the mailing list.

Where can I find all the information relevant to aerodromes in South Africa?

In the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) which is on sale at the publications office and additional postage if required.

How often is the AIP updated?

Quarterly.

What other publications are available from the Publications Office and how much do they cost?

Please consult Annex 2.

Where can I obtain a copy of the civil aviation regulations (CARS)?

The CARS can be obtained from Butterworths publications. They can be reached on telephone (011) 883-4854 or (031) 368-3111.

 

 

Advertisements of SACAA Vacancies

How do I find out about SACAA vacancies and where are vacancies advertised?

The SACAA advertises vacancies in the following publications:

§  Sunday Times

§  Star Workplace

§  Bizz Community

§  African Pilot

§  Avcom

§  World Airnews

Please note that no applications or Curriculum Vitae’s will be accepted unless the applicant is responding to an advert in one of these publications and using the email address: recruitment@caa.co.za