What is this????????

[The Agent]

I read on AvCom that if you plan an event like say a breakfast fly in, do we have to comply with this.

APPLICATION FOR AVIATION EVENT from SAPFA

[powerfly]

Obviosly those guys dont know that every time you fly, it is an event. Does that have to be filled in even if it is by coincidence that there are many people meeting at an airfield?

Noel

[The Agent]

Why I put this here is the fact that we at Rhino are haveing a gathering of a few planes and some guy's for a braai on the 9 th August.
Now it's not a show but some flying will be done in and out of Rhino so what now?

[Wargames]

If you get spread eagled and questioned by CAA, just say it is the law of physics that everybody was flying there. Then you can ask what their reason is for being there!!

[Gyronaut]

Um..., forgive me if I am being doff but what is SAPFA? Not much of a 'clubbie' meself so its probably just me.
I have worked out acronyms like MISASA/SAGPA/EAA/SACAA etc. over time but this is a new one to me? There is a logo of the Aero Club of SA on the document but no reference to SAPFA.

[grostek]

South African Power Flying Association?

Gunter Rostek

[Eggbeater]

Hi All

Agent, I think that you should be careful when you decide on which terms to use.

For a fly in I think that approval must be granted but, and I am not joking, if you say that you are having a breakfast braai at Rhino on 9 August and anyone visiting Rhino then is welcome to join in then I don't see that any approval is necessary.

I think the big difference is that the fly in is a formal event whereas a brreakfast braai is not.

[The Agent]

Yes agree Eggman but with the CAA walking around I want to make sure I am on the right track.

BTW you are also welcome that morning and any other morning.

Got a call from the Duck yesterday and hard to believe he is also joining us by road, seems he is not ready to fly yet.
Will be nice to see him after the shunt's.

Ok so no paper work for us and see you'all there.

[Eggbeater]

Hi Again

I just wanted to make sure so I checked the relevant AICs (19-1 and 19-2) and there is no need for any form of authorisation for a fly in as far as I can see. The circulars refer to aur=thorisations that are needed for ä "Special Event"which, flying excluded, is defined in AIC 19-1 as:

"(a) Any activity which imposes an increased workload on the pilot in an aircraft in order to participate or compete in any event designed to either entertain or display to a crowd of spectators, or achieve a result which result shall be measured against other such pilot's in the same event; or
(b) Any event where any participant, whether solo or as part of a group, flies any sequence designed to have entertainment or educational value, shall be deemed to be a special air event, and the said pilot shall be deemed to be a participant at such event; and"

(c) and (d) deal with the crowd present and an Air Operating Certificate and sre not important.

With regard to a fly in, provided there is no planned activity which imposes an increased workload on the pilot in an aircraft in order to participate or compete in any event designed to either entertain or display to a crowd of spectators, or achieve a result which result shall be measured against other such pilot's in the same event (a spot landing competition or flour bombing could be considered such an activity), then it is not a special event and no authorisation is needed.

I read the post on AVCOM which said that a fly in is a special event courtesy of AIC 19-2 but this is wrong. AIC 19-2 relates to:

"GENERAL
SPECIAL AIR EVENTS
OPERATIONS AT FLYPASTS AND DEMONSTRATION FLIGHTS

It has become increasingly clear that the procedures regarding flight operations in relation to flypasts and demonstration flights off airfields over built areas and assemblies of people are not correctly understood and therefore not always complied with in all respects. The intent of this AIC is to clarify the issue in this regard. It must be reiterated that the onus to comply with the statutory requirements rests with the operator. The risks and legal liabilities implicit to non-compliance with such requirements must be clearly understood by the organising entity."

I think that 19-2 relates to the need to obtain authorisation in terms of 19-1 for a flypast at a special air event which is not needed for an advertised fly in where, theoretically, the pilots fly to a specified destination, land, play the fool for a while and then take off and go home.