About Flight Operations

Flight Operations is an important department in the Air Safety Operations division of SACAA. The department is segmented into the appropriate aircraft categories and operational parts as determined in the regulations. Each section has a group of specialists who perform a number of duties and functions on behalf of Flight Operations.

Safety is the most important aspect of any operation. Within Flight Operations, each member of the team plays a vital role in enforcing regulations and conducting safety oversight within the industry. A few other aspects of Flight Operations are listed below.

AOC Audits

Audits are conducted by trained Flight Ops Inspectors who then carry out inspections on valid operators who hold an AOC (Aircraft Operation Certificate) to commence business. The audits may be carried out by individual inspectors, or as a team, depending on the size and complexity of the operation. During these audits, the whole operation is inspected to ensure safety, and compliance with the regulations. These audits may be done annually with regular ad-hoc inspections being conducted from time to time to maintain uniformity.

Inspections

The members of flight operations conduct inspections at various airports or facilities to ensure safety and compliance. These inspections may be done on the Ramp, or by surveillance. Ramp inspections are the visible policing efforts of the department to create the awareness in the industry that the Authority is able to reach all corners of the country to enforce the regulations, and to prevent accidents, before they happen.

Surveillance is normally done on an operator or individual who may be conducting an operation illegally, or without permission of the SACAA. These inspections can take place by day or night, often at remote locations.

Manuals

The Flight Operations personal are trained in the approval of Operations manuals for the operators that intend on conducting an air service. These manuals need to be read carefully to ensure compliance to all laws and regulations. Once satisfied with the content and presentation, the inspector would approve the manual, so that the Operator has a guideline by which to conduct the safe and effective operation. In addition to Flight Manuals, the department reviews manuals for Reduced Vertical Separation Minima, Maintenance Control Manuals and Operator specific manuals, such as Crop Sprayers.