13 January 1999
The Commissioner for Civil Aviation, Mr Trevor Abrahams, advised today that while most new regulations will be implemented from 31 December 1998, others have been postponed.
In the early 1990's a number of shortcomings were identified in the South African Civil Aviation Regulations. A review and rewrite of the Civil Aviation Regulatory Framework was undertaken during the period 1995 - 1997 by the then Chief Directorate Civil Aviation in the National Department of Transport. This review was undertaken in consultation with the aviation industry.
A totally rewritten set of Civil Aviation Regulations was completed towards the end of 1997. These regulations were due to be implemented on 31 December 1997. Due to the significant changes that these new regulations represented, the industry requested that the implementation date be postponed for a 12- month period until 31 December 1998.
The new regulations, which are now due to come into effect on 31 December 1998, represent a significant departure from the current regulations. It is expected that there will be a period of adjustment required while both the CAA and industry participants become accustomed to working within the new framework.
In addition, the new charges levied in terms of Part 187 of the Regulations, and as approved by the Civil Aviation Regulations Committee, will also come into effect on 31 December 1998
In anticipation of the implementation date, the CAA carried out a review of the regulations. The review concluded that the implementation of a number of the regulations should be postponed in order to maintain a credible and workable regulatory framework. The parts to be postponed are:
Part 61 Pilot Licensing
Part 98, 100 - 106 Sporting Aviation
Part 127 and 137 Helicopter Operations
Part 149 Designation of a body to regulate Sporting Aviation.
In addition a number of gaps in the Civil Aviation Technical Standards (CATS) were identified. This has necessitated the amendment of certain CATS and the incorporation of certain other documents into the CATS.
"Work will continue on these regulations and a new implementation date will be determined after consultations with the aviation industry. The CAA looks forward to working in partnership with the industry in making these regulations work for the benefit of all", Mr Abrahams said.