Microlighters

Another year...another ATF renewal done.

RAASA, you continue to impress me with your efficiency. Drop off forms...brekkie at Harvard Cafe...and collect....Straight forward.

Guys, it seems (to me) that the problems come in when you pitch up with missing paperwork...follow the link below and make sure you have ALL the required copies/forms. Call them first if you are unsure and it will save you heaps of frustration.

http://www.raasa.co.za/index.php?option ... &Itemid=54

Well done to Niel and his staff. I have no complaints at all...

Same time next year...

Bundy wrote:Another year...another ATF renewal done.

RAASA, you continue to impress me with your efficiency. Drop off forms...brekkie at Harvard Cafe...and collect....Straight forward.

Guys, it seems (to me) that the problems come in when you pitch up with missing paperwork...follow the link below and make sure you have ALL the required copies/forms. Call them first if you are unsure and it will save you heaps of frustration.

http://www.raasa.co.za/index.php?option ... &Itemid=54

Well done to Niel and his staff. I have no complaints at all...

Same time next year...

Hey Bundy, ill second that!! RAASA has fantastic, efficient and fast service!

I have said it before and will say it again, my interaction with RAASA over the past number of years has always been pleasant with their staff being friendly and reliable.

Well done RAASA

Yip. Raasa is great.

Bundy wrote:Another year...another ATF renewal done.

RAASA, you continue to impress me with your efficiency. Drop off forms...brekkie at Harvard Cafe...and collect....Straight forward.

Guys, it seems (to me) that the problems come in when you pitch up with missing paperwork...follow the link below and make sure you have ALL the required copies/forms. Call them first if you are unsure and it will save you heaps of frustration.

http://www.raasa.co.za/index.php?option ... &Itemid=54

Well done to Niel and his staff. I have no complaints at all...

Same time next year...

+1 Alan! Yes, with the paperwork in order it is an absolute pleasure! Very friendly and efficient staff and as you say, a one hour turnaround allows for a lekker brekkie at Harvard!

Qualiy service for sure! My license and ATF renewal were handled professionally and without hitch by the RAASA team, never had any problems with previous interactions with them as well. I must add that the documentation completed by Fanie (Microland) are complete and thorough, the key to an enjoyable experience at RAASA. Thank you to all concerned.

This is an old thread...but nice to see the day to day paperwork is still being done efficiently by RAASA.

Very obliging people.

Yip - had the renewed documents in just over 30 mins.

Wel done RAASA

Took me THAT long , just to get to the front of the que at CAA. ( I was the 2rd person in the que )

Being foreign and having experience with three different aviation organizations located on three different continents, does make you a little bit confident to judge certain procedures and organizations.
In terms of personal service and willingness to deal with unusual requirements, I would consider RAASA being excellent and very very service oriented. If you compare that to the US (FAA/TSA) where everything a little bit off the unusual track causes the bureaucratic donkey to run nuts, I only can say “learn from Africa cowboys”.
But a few things are (from my point of view) are a little bit funny and not necessary.
Why do I have to renew my license every two years and why do I need a rating for every specific model?
In the US (license never expires) and Germany (valid 5 years) a documented check ride (within the last 24 month) in the logbook, signed by certified instructor is good enough and does not cause additional costs and time consuming actions.
Also the issue with SA type ratings. I could fly with my German license every plane that fits in the category (in my case fixed wings /Gyro).I do not need to be signed out by an instructor and have it added in my license (with all the bureaucratic heck). That also applies for my US license too, apart from taildraggers or complex plane endorsements where a sign out by an instructor (only to be documented in your log) is mandatory.
But even than it is category / rating orientated and not specific for a certain model.
Therefore, I would judge RAASA (and the folks there) as being top in service but certain procedures and regulations are difficult to understand and are also not ICAO compliant.

Yes, having a fast Pizza in the Havard Cafe is great while RAASA does the job, but only if you are
located in the Joburg area.
Nevertheless: Cheers to W. and his crew for being so helpful and service orientated.

An email I sent to RAASA today. My experience. BAD:

Dear Sir/Madam

It has now been two weeks since I couriered the ATF applications, I (my AP) supplied the Release to Service documents on the 29th, I asked when I could get my ATFs on the 01st of May. No response yet from RAASA.

Once again, WHEN CAN I EXPECT THE ATFS TO BE ISSUED, OR AT LEAST HAVE THE COURTESY OF LETTING ME KNOW WHAT PAPERWORK IS OUTSTANDING!

Yours

gertcoetzee wrote:An email I sent to RAASA today. My experience. BAD:

Dear Sir/Madam

It has now been two weeks since I couriered the ATF applications, I (my AP) supplied the Release to Service documents on the 29th, I asked when I could get my ATFs on the 01st of May. No response yet from RAASA.

Once again, WHEN CAN I EXPECT THE ATFS TO BE ISSUED, OR AT LEAST HAVE THE COURTESY OF LETTING ME KNOW WHAT PAPERWORK IS OUTSTANDING!

Yours

Sorry to hear this Gert.

It is easy for us "gautengers" as we are within driving distance but I really do feel sympathy for those far afield pilots who have to courier their documents through to satisfy such an unnecessary beurocratic paper trail?

I can still see no reason why a type of temporary ATF cannot be issued right there and then by an AP? He is afterall the one who takes responsibility to inspect the aircraft and make sure it is safe to fly?
My question to RAASA would be....why can they not issue an electronic "Temporary ATF" after receiving scanned copies of the documentation by e mail for example? This would then allow the pilot to fly while the original documents make their way by registered post/courier to and from the applicant?

I hate beurocracy just as much as you guys... and I feel this is where the laws and red tape are a major hinderance to pilots. Just because you fly from "pitsonderwaterfontein" does not mean you should have any more difficulty in applying for the same documents as someone who lives two doors down from the Issuing Authority. They need to design a practical system to accommodate everyone....it IS possible....just takes political will.

Good luck Gert, you are certainly not alone.

Thanks, got a reply email....since the person in question was on leave, my inquiries went awol (even though I cc'ed the lot). And don't start me on the month we lose every year - the ATF is valid until April, you do the ATF in March, next year is due March. It is a wonder more people do not thing f%ck this and fly illegal.