Mr M J Welgemoed
AOPA SA is proud to announce that the potholes on the road to viable private aviation have been repaired. Our team of experts have determined that two important issues which have cost hundreds of aircraft owners millions of rands no longer need to be the cause of great concern. These two issues are the so-called mod (modification) approval process and “on condition” maintenance of private aircraft.
Certain officials have, over the past few years, demanded that owners apply for mod approvals, an expensive and tedious process when in fact it had been totally unnecessary. If for instance an STC for certain equipment, eg auxiliary fuel tanks, VG kits, radios, etc exists there is no need for a mod approval. All that is required is a simple log book entry by the AMO.
Similarly, certain officials have forced private aircraft owners to service or replace components just because a SB, Sl or SI exists or a certain time limit has been reached. For private owners, who don’t fly for reward, there is no need to comply. Once again the AMO can just do a log book entry and state “Not complied” against the relevant item. This also includes your engine. There is no need to replace or overhaul your engine just because it has reached TBO.This information should keep many of us flying for many years. If any member encounter any problems with these issues we would like to become involved on a large scale. We are prepared to force the issue at the highest level, no matter what it will cost.
It has come to light that the CAA board had been appointed more than a month ago. However there has been a deliberate attempt to keep the matter under wraps for a few more weeks. Check out CAA’s website- still no announcement. Unfortunately our nomination has not been accepted.
Last night we appointed a very high profile and arguably the most knowledgeable expert in South Africa to represent AOPA at the monthly CARCOM meetings. For the time being we will follow the “secret” line, but suffice to say that we can now have the fullest confidence in the future.
On a more personal note, I will attend the President’s Trophy Air Race as a guest and representative of AOPA this weekend. Hope to meet a few members there, and recruit a few more!
Fly safely!
Regards
Dr. Koos Marais
www.aopa.co.za
Well done AOPA
does it mean that I can finally fly my baby 