Afican Pilot news letter

[The Agent]

African Pilot’s open letter to the Aero Club of South Africa

For the attention of Mr. Stan Oliver

Dear Stan,
Firstly, my congratulations on being re-elected as the Aero Club of South Africa chairman and for chairing a well managed meeting.

Thank you for allowing me to address the meeting about my heartfelt fears that South African General Aviation is entering a crisis situation. As with the rest of Africa, it has become apparent that the CAA that does not understand the NTCA (Non Type Certified Aircraft) sector and will do everything in its power to eliminate it. This has happened in almost every other African country, so why should this not happen in South Africa?

On a personal level, I have much to lose if the NTCA sector is driven into obscurity by the 'law makers' at the SA CAA. It is for this reason that I appeal for all sections of the Aero Club to put their differences behind them, forget about what has happened in the past and get on with the job of forming one strong unified body in general aviation that is representative of this particular sector. This will require considerable skills at the negotiating table because so many of the individuals concerned are only interested in their own particular section and do not understand the 'bigger picture'. This also applies to bodies outside the Aero Club such as AOPA.

I believe that for the first time in many years my message is getting through. The flip side is too terrible to contemplate. We will see the total destruction of recreational, competitive and private aviation in South Africa within ten years. The 'rot' has already started with officious officials within the SA CAA stating openly that they 'do not recognise the NTCA sector'. Let us think about all the empty promises that have already been made to the Aero Club and other aviation bodies in South Africa. Is this not part of the strategy, to wear us down and keep us at arm’s length, whilst legislation continues to be promulgated against General Aviation?

What we believe we are hearing from the CAA, and this must be advised to all sections of the Aero Club is as follows: There will be no parachuting without a three week to three month application for an event. No soaring -how can a flying machine possibly fly without an engine? No Microlights- they are a danger to state security and a nuisance. No paragliding -humans don't fly like birds. No experimental aircraft –Eisch! Too much (sic) problems. No hot air balloons -another danger to national security, and ultimately no Aero Club, except one that represents type certified aircraft, which are only partially understood by the authorities.

This situation has already happened to Kenyan aviation. The East African Aero Club is the second oldest Aero Club in the world, and was once a thriving aviation centre. Today the East African Aero Club only represents a handful of the remaining enthusiasts and commercial operators. Wilson Airport is littered with aircraft wrecks and the authorities have made aviation almost dysfunctional. From where do you think the idea of closing farm strips and private runways comes? This has all happened in Kenya already. There are less that 250 serviceable aircraft remaining in Kenya, which includes airliners and commercial planes. I have been there several times and witnessed the demise of aviation. Our flying friends have been legislated out of existence.

I sincerely hope that this message gets through to the Aero Club's membership and through AVCOM before it is too late to make meaningful changes to rescue South African general aviation from the clutches of a sometimes confused and ignorant SA CAA.

[The Agent]

I know it is also on another thread BUT we need action.