1st Edition of Aero Files

[Aero Club Exco]

January 2012


The Aero Club of South Africa would like to wish all the members a prosperous New Year.

Newsletter Naming

After careful consideration as a name for the Aero Club of South Africa newsletter was the one that rose to the top.
We would like to thank all the members for the suggestions. There were some strong contenders.

Strange as it would seem, it is our very own chairman’s suggestion that won the day….congratulations to Jeff Earle for the suggestion .

Your AeCSA firmly believes this newsletter is a gateway to communicating to their members. It has humble beginnings but we believe it will grow into a newsletter of factual information as to what is happening in the aviation environment.

Campaign to help CAA gather information to correct and update the CAA Aircraft register with owners of aircraft particulars.


After good meetings with the CAA levels it has been decided that the need to reregister Aircraft is not practical. It will be separated into 3 categories namely; active aircraft, in-active aircraft and deregistered aircraft Comprising destroyed of fire damaged craft). Owner particulars will be collected from the forms when you apply for a Certificate of Airworthiness.




COP 17

Thank you to Recreational Aviators for complying with the COP 17 restrictions – yes you were doing your bit for the environment in a round about way. As far as we are aware there were no complaints logged.

Protected Area act implementation

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife is currently developing a concept development plan for areas including the khahlamba Drakensberg Park world heritage site and this plan is referred to as the UDP WHS IMP / WMP / CDP. AeCSA is involved with preserving the recreational aviation rights in this plan. AeCSA has already commented and will be involved in stakeholder workshops with the park planning committee. Should members and Interested parties wish to be included please contact AeCSA.

The Aero Club of South Africa membership Renewals

The AeCSA has implemented phase 1 of the new Fundi CRM system, this system will allow easier access control of memberships and movement of members compared to previous manual membership system that was used. All AeCSA members should receive a sms or E-mail notification with their Log in details to access his/her membership. The Fundi CRM system has facilities for credit cards and EFT process in place. A direct debit system will be in place in the near future.

All AeCSA memberships are due for renewal by the 1st of January, should you have difficulty doing the online renewal please contact the Aero Club office at 011 082 1100.

New members may as normal contact the office by email or phone as per details on our website and the wonderful team of Jackie and Sandra will assist you.

Coffee Table Book

The Aeroclub coffee table book is in process of being compiled and all AeCSA members can look forward to one in the New Year.

Airspace Project

AeCSA will be involved in “the redeveloping Gauteng Airspace project”, a massive process of redesign will be entered into insuring use of airspace for both commercial and airspace aviators in a safe and flow managed system.



Experimental Aircraft Chapter 322

EAA Chapter 322 is planning various breakfast Fly inns at various Aerodromes and Airfields in the New Year. Pop to their website for further info.

Aero Club of South Africa Safety Campaign

This safety campaign is currently in development for Roll-out in the New Year. Some more meetings need to be completed to fine tune the initiative which is on hold until after the silly season.

Soaring Society of South Africa SA Nationals 2012

SA Nationals are presently happening in Welkom and will continue until the 22nd December 2011.All affiliated sections welcome.

Aero Club of South Africa Centenary

AeCSA will be celebrating its centenary in 2020. Planning for this event will be commencing in the New Year. Far from statements made by some members of MISASA, AeCSA is growing and is far from “past its sell by date”. We are presently busy with the reinvention of what value it delivers to its members.

Sections must remember they are part of AeCSA and make AeCSA. What you put in is what you get out. Moaning and continually attempting to derail systems based on Ill informed presumptions does little to accelerate us on the planed route forward.

New systems and staff have been implemented replacing some of the older systems. Ramp up time is always needed and the team while noting the bad taste awards publicized in the recent MISASA magazine and the many incorrect “so called facts” and assumptions documented will continue striving towards the plans as decided in the boards strategic planning session held a few weeks back.

A sincere Thank you to the sections and their members that deliver and assist in growing your Aeroclub as cost effectively as possible. Few sections will see growth trying to damage another – rather by working together will see growth for all.
We believe AeCSA can be even bigger and better than it is now but systems that effectively support this must be in place and that is what we are doing.





AAD

Aero Club of South Africa will be hosting a Fun Fly Park at AAD event this year. This is an exciting addition to this internal event further detail to follow. Another initiative from AeCSA to raise awareness etc.

Strategic Planning

AeCSA conducted Strategic planning to re-develop the value add that members receive, more details to be made available once the final plan is assembled in a concise and readable manner.

South African Weather Service

The AeCSA has after many meetings informed SAWS of their unhappiness with charging of members via the SAWS website for aviation weather service.AeCSA has suggested to SAWS that they should re-look their funding and have reiterated that recreational aviation as all other aviation should fall under public good. Funding access to old aviation pages is this available if registered on the SAWS website. Should pilots need sinotec charts and access to other information no longer freely available from SAWS? Please look on Aero Club website where this info is available.

Facebook

The AeCSA new facebook (the aero club of South Africa) page has been launched as part of our cost effective marketing awareness campaign. Please follow our daily discussions, jokes, pictures and suggestions in The Aero Club of South Africa.

Feel free to send in similar stuff and become a friend of AeCSA online.

Watch our new youth membership plans for the year.

Look forward to receiving your updated details on our Fundi System – have a splendid vacation and safe flying and if you have to even safer driving.



MISASA Tedderfield Shootout

Microlight Africa "Spoilt by Choice" Aircraft Leaderboard Shootout.

Date: 4 February 2012
Where: Tedderfield

What:

It is a fun aviation ground show day organised by MISASA open to all forms of aviation. All Aero Club Members are encouraged to make a day of it for themselves plus family and friends. Bring your own tables, chairs, gazebo's, umbrellas, cool boxes, braais and whatever you want to make yourself comfortable. No fires on the ground - must be a Webber etc - braai's will be in demarcated area. If you disturb others you will be asked to leave - the Chairman of MISASA and or Tedderfield representatives/officials will have the final say. It is not an open airshow.

Breakfast fly-in. Early to 9am
* Members of the Aero Club (all sections) are invited to fly in to Tedderfield.
* A free breakfast will be on offer to members, their family and friends.
* There will be a prize awarded at the prize giving for the best trike and another prize for the best LSA aircraft.

Aircraft Show - all day

Members' & suppliers aircraft any aircraft is welcome to display eg models, gyros, EAA aircraft etc
* Walk and see more and or attend a presentation.
* Members get to see the aircraft on display (and those about) and to view the photo competition entries.
* Suppliers of aircraft and or accessories may display/sell and or promote their aircraft/products.

* Members may sell "what have you” but not soft drinks and other beverages.

8.00 to 13.00 Supplier and Regulatory & Advisory presentations over breakfast
* Suppliers may offer prizes and or products and or offer to help - e-mail nemo@webo.co.za

Please contact Alan Hussey 072 823 2341 husseyam@absamail.co.za

- Suppliers to book a display area for aviation related goods or services.

- Members may display/sell anything but not soft and other beverages.

RAASA Statement
08 January 2012

New Year's Statement 2012
The RAASA team sincerely thank all our friends in aviation for the tremendous support received during the past year. It will definitely spur us to new heights in 2012!
We continue to look for opportunities to improve our service, and welcome any suggestions and comments.
For the moment though, we wish you blue skies, stable weather and remember, safety first.
Recently we became aware of uncertainties about our operations, and have noted some rather unfortunate, unfounded and even malicious statements. These seem to be based on misinformation.
This communication is dedicated to clarifying these uncertainties and providing the facts.
We trust you will find the format of question and answer friendly and informative
Was RAASA in fact designated?
Yes, the designation of RAASA was done in accordance with Regulation 149 of the Civil Aviation Regulations (CAR).
This designation was a joint initiative of the Aero Club of SA and the SA Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
The purpose was to allow an industry driven group to deal with specified items relating to recreational aviation on behalf of the SACAA, and to report to the SACAA.
What is the Scope (duties / functions) of such designation?
Part 149 of the CAR broadly specifies the scope as:
(a) establish safety standards relating to aviation recreation;
(b) exercise control over an aviation recreation organisation approved under the provisions of this Part;
(c) determine standards for the operation or airworthiness of aircraft involved in aviation recreation;
(d) issue special flight permits;
(e) determine standards for the licensing of personnel involved in aviation recreation;
(f) issue licences to such personnel; and
(g) advise the Commissioner on any matter connected with the operation or airworthiness of aircraft or the licensing of personnel involved in aviation recreation.
RAASA formally entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the CAA which contains the specific functions. These functions are published on the RAASA website at http://www.raasa.co.za/images/PDF/functions.pdf
What is the duration of this designation?
The designation took effect on 1 November 2008, and ran for an uninterrupted period of three years. Thereafter it is automatically valid for a further three years, subject to certain conditions. During this time it is subject to amendment, both in functions and operation.
Can the designation of RAASA be amended to accommodate changes in circumstance and legislation?
Yes. During the first three years of the designation two amendments were made by way of addendum and duly signed. This first added NTCA up to 600Kg to accommodate training ATFs, and later added temporary parachute display jump approvals.
Further amendments to allow RAASA’s inspection of Part 62 training facilities for purpose of renewal such ATOs are currently underway
during 2011, the Board of the SACAA reviewed the current agreement, made further changes, and is currently finalising the updated agreement. When this takes effect, the current agreement will terminate.
Does the CAA have oversight over the activities of RAASA?
Yes. In terms of the agreement between CAA and RAASA, RAASA is subject to CAA oversight. The CAA is in constant contact with RAASA on a number of issues.
Data is shared and compared. RAASA supplies a monthly financial statement to the CAA, and provides the CAA annually with audited financial statements. Operations reports are supplied quarterly to the SACAA Executive committee.
RAASA has senior CAA officials permanently on its board.
RAASA has been subject to a detailed audit by a forensic auditor appointed by the Board of the CAA. All items in the report have been addressed.
Does RAASA have associates or member bodies?
No. RAASA does not have a membership system. It is a pure administration.
RAASA and the SACAA have been invited to attend meetings of the Aero Club of SA, and where possible these meetings are attended.
Does RAASA “force” people to be members of the Aero Club of SA?
No. In instances where NTC aircraft owners wish to use certain services of the Aero Club of SA Technical scheme, membership of the Aero Club is required. This is an Aero Club of SA requirement and relates to insurance issues. Should the applicant not wish to use the Aero Club’s service, he is welcome to source the service elsewhere from maintenance organisations and engineers.
In some instances Part 94 requires membership to certain Aviation Recreation Organisations, and RAASA has no authority to waive this requirement.
The SACAA was asked to supply some clarity to questions, and this is what they had to say:
Is it correct that some pilots do not have "legal" licences?
It is not correct. All licences issued by the SACAA and RAASA are issued in terms of the applicable Civil Aviation Regulations, i.e. being Part 61 and Part 62 respectively.
If so what is being done to rectify the problem?
There is no need to rectify anything as the designation of RAASA is in full compliance with both the Aviation Act and the Civil Aviation Regulations – in particular Parts 149 and 62.
If not, what is the true state of affairs?
The SACAA designated RAASA to oversee the activities of the Recreation Aviation activities in line with both the Aviation Act and Part 149 of the Civil Aviation Regulations.
The Aviation Act clearly states that the Minister is authorised to make Regulations pertaining to the designation of a body or institution for the purposes of this Act - ;
to exercise control over the aviation recreational activities specified in the regulations
to determine standards for the airworthiness or the operation of aircraft engaged in such activities;
To advise the Commissioner on any matter connected with the airworthiness or the operation of aircraft engaged in such activities and on the licensing of persons involved in such activities;”;
Furthermore, in terms of section 22(1)(v), regulations can be made “in general,(on) any matter which the Minister may consider necessary or expedient to prescribe in order that the objects of this Act may be achieved, and the generality of this paragraph shall not be limited by the preceding paragraphs.”
On the same note; Part 149 of the Civil Aviation Regulations,1997,(“the CAR”),promulgated in terms of section 22(1) of the Aviation Act, which relates to recreational aviation ,empowers the Commissioner for Civil Aviation (now the Director) to “subject to the provisions of section 4(2) and (3) of the Act, designate a body or institution to –
(a) establish safety standards relating to aviation recreation;
(b) exercise control over an aviation recreation organization approved under the provisions of this Part;
(c) determine standards for the operation or airworthiness of aircraft involved in aviation recreation;
(d) issue special flight permits;
(e) determine standards for the licensing of personnel involved in aviation recreation;
(f) issue licences to such personnel; and
(g) advise the Commissioner on any matter connected with the operation or airworthiness of aircraft or the licensing of personnel involved in aviation recreation.
RAASA is empowered to issue certain recreational licences in terms of clause 4.4.1(f) of the Agreement”. As stated above regulation 149.01.2(f), as quoted above, makes provision for the issuing of licenses to be designated to a recreational aviation entity
The Aviation Act was repealed by section 166(2) of the Civil Aviation Act. However, according to section 164(1) of the Act, “ Any proclamation and regulation made under the Aviation Act 1962 (Act No. 74 of 1962), Civil Aviation Offences Act, 1972 (Act No. 10 of 1972), and the South African Civil Aviation Authority Act 1998 (Act No. 40 of 1998), shall remain in force until replaced by an Act of Parliament, or regulation made under this Act, as the case may be” .The CAR 1997, is therefore still in force.
The contents of Section 155(1)(g) of the Civil Aviation Act is identical to the provisions of section 122(1)(g) of the Aviation Act, except as insofar more than one body or organization can be so designated. Section 155(1)(oo) is to the effect that regulations can be made “ generally, (on) any matter which the Minister may consider necessary or expedient to prescribe in order that the objects of this Act or the Convention may be achieved and the generality of this paragraph must not be limited by the preceding paragraphs. This provision is basically the same as section 22(1) (v) of the Aviation Act, quoted above.
It is emphasized that there is a legal difference between the concepts of “delegation” and “designation”.
In the matter under consideration, the concept of “delegation” does not play a role.
From the legal provisions quoted above, it is clear that the concept of “designation” is applicable to the matter under consideration and that designation can be legally effected.
It is also important to highlight that the practice of designating an industry body in the Recreation Aviation sector to perform certain oversight functions on behalf of the Civil Aviation Body is consistent with international best practices. In Australia, United States, United Kingdom, France, etc. – industry bodies such as RAASA are designated to carry out certain oversight functions on behalf of the Authorities.
Has there been an incident where an insurer refused to pay out due to the fact that the licence was "illegal"?
The SACAA is not aware of any incident where the insurer has refused to pay out any claims due to the deceased holding a licence issued by RAASA on behalf of the SACAA.
RAASA is designated and dedicated to serve the recreational flyer!

Yours in preserving Free flight

AeCSA