SACAA Airlaw Summary

Airlaw and Procedures

·                   Accident: Occurrence between the time any person boards AC with intension to fly until disembarking where an occurrence takes place results in serious injury or death-being in the AC, exposed to jet blast or prop wake, contact with detached parts of AC.

          It is important to prevent any interference with the with AC or wreckage after an accident, it should be guarded.

·                   The AC could also be missing or completely inaccessible to be considered an accident. Accidents are notified to the commissioner, Air Traffic Service Unit(ATSU) & Police. Outside of SA: The appropriate state authority will be notified and the commissioner.

·                   It is the  responsibility of the PIC to notify authority, or if he/she killed surviving crew members the owner or operator of AC

Incident: Occurrence other than an accident involving a/c operation which could affect the safety of operations. Incidents are reported to the commissioner    and Air traffic service unit.

·                   Prohibited area: Declared by the Commissioner by AIC, AIP or NOTAM and contains specific height/altitude. NO PERSON WHATSOEVER SHALL FLY THERE

·                   Restricted area: Declared by the Commissioner by AIC, AIP or NOTAM does not contain specific height. May fly in area when permitted by virtue of an authorization

Aircraft Classes

·                   Class A: ME Turbine powered Aircraft > 5,700kg

·                   Class B: Propeller Aircraft < 5,700kg

·                   Class C: ME Piston (reciprocating) Aircraft > 5,700kg

·                   Class D: Single engine Aircraft

Aircraft weight

·                   Light: < 7,000KG

·                   Medium: > 7,000KG < 130,000KG

·                   Heavy: > 130,000KG

Note: Weights in Max Certified T/O mass.

License Requirements

Commercial Pilots license

·                   At least 18 years old

·                   Pass 8 written exams

·                   Pass a flight test within 2 years of writing exams {must be in a variable pitch, retractable UC unless approv. by Commissioner}

·                   200 hrs total time with max 20 instruction time on sim/or 150 hrs total time with max 10 hours instruction in sim.

·                   100 hrs PIC

·                   20 hrs PIC cross country { including 1 flight at least 300nm, with at least 2 full stop landings}

·                   5 hrs PIC night PIC, 10 TO & 10 LD { including 1 triangular  flight at least 100nm long not less that 50nm radius from base}

·                   20 hrs Instrument instruction { max of 10hrs in a sim approved by commissioner}

Instrument Rating

·                   have a valid pilots license

·                   If applicant is private pilot: must have night rating

·                   General certificate in radiotelephony

·                   100 hrs PIC

·                   50 hrs PIC Cross Country

·                   40 hrs Instrument time

·                   Max 20 hrs in simulator

·                   At least 5 hrs of instruction on the type of AC

Night Rating

·                     10 hrs Instrument Instruction

·                     5 TO & LDs

·                     1 triangular flight at least 100nm, not less than 50nm radius from base.

·                     Practical test by grade 1 or 2 instructor

Renewal - Commercial {no instrument rating}

·                     Pass a flight test after 1 year, then every 2 years

·                     At least 3 hrs PIC within 6 months proceeding date of application {logbook must be signed by grade 1 or 2 instructor}

Renewal - Commercial {instrument rating}

·                     10 hrs within 6months proceeding date of application

·                     Or pass practical flight test within 30 days preceding application.

Note: IF CPL NOT RENEWED LESS THAN TWO YEARS,COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS SET OUT AS THE CASE MAY BE. MORE THAN TWO YEARS BUT LESS THAN 5YEARS COMPLY WITH REQUIREMENTS  FOR RENEWAL AS THE CASE MAYBE AND IN ADDITION PASS A WRITTEN EXAMINATION IN REGULATIONS AS PRESCRIBED FOR CPL. MORE THAN 5YEARS LAPSE,COMPLY WITH REQUIRMENTS FOR THE INITAIL ISSUE OF SUCH LICENCE AS THE CASE MAYB EXCEPT THAT THE COMMISSIONER MAY EXEMPT THE APPLICANT FROM ANY OR ALL OF PRESCRIBED WRITTEN EXAMZ.

Category Rating

·                     Must undergo exams and tests for type of a/c

·                     Retractable, tail wheel, variable pitch, glider

Class Rating

·                     Must undergo exams and tests for type of aircraft

·                     Single engine, multi engine, land, sea.

·                     Multi-engine rating at least 6hrs dual

Type Rating

·                     Undergo flight test.Grade 1,2,3 flight instructors for a/c with MCM of 2700kg or less and Grade 1 or 2 flight instructor with MCM btwn 2700-5700kg, or exceeding 5700kg

·                     Training must include 3T/O and LNG's at full and light loads(one engine inop for ME a/c)

·                     If limited experience incipient spins, sim forced LNG and flapless LNG's, commissioner may exempt requirements

·                     If rating issued outside SA, temporary certificates valid for 30days may issued

Tug pilot Rating;

·                     Min 60hrs PIC

·                     Must have license PPL or CPL.

Safety pilot Rating;

·                     Min 100hrs PIC

·                     Must have license PPL or CPL. Certificate only issued by grade 1or 2 Instructors for both tug and safety pilots.

Suspension of licence;except with approval of Minister, no more than 14 day suspension.

Permanent Change of address must notify the Commissioner within 14 days.

Period of Validity

·                   Initial application valid from the date of application

·                   If application for renewal made within 30 days, the date of renewal assumes the date of expiry of the former license.

·                   If more than 30 days valid from the date of application for 12months for CPL and Instrument rating.

Medical Certification

·                   Class 1 valid for 1 year (40-60yrs CPL) 6 months if 60yrs and above (CPL).Or if applicant have medical disease or risk factor and receiving medical treatment or a REG basis.

·                   Class 2 valid for 2 years Student, Private and Cabin crew.

·                   CPL without ATPL is valid for 12 months

·                   ATPL valid for 1year if applicant below 40.More than 40yrs 6months.

·                   If class 1 expires its valid for the remaining period of class 2

·                   If application is made before expiry date, the medical certificate shall be valid from the date of application and no the date of expiry from the old medical certificate.

·                   Class 2 above 40 years only valid for 1 year

Foreign medicals

·                   May be recognized if issued by appropriate authority if certificate is valid, but must undergo medical as soon as returned to SA

·                   Single period of 6 months for non commercial

·                   2 consecutive periods of 3 months for commercial operations.

Alcohol consumption

·                   8 hrs bottle to throttle or;

·                   before operational duty time/shift commencement which includes standby time

·                   8 hrs after an accident for investigation purposes

Operation of Aircraft

·                   Part 121: Large Aircraft in commercial opps

·                   Part 135: Small Aircraft in commercial opps

·                   Part 137: Aircraft in Agricultural opps

·                   Part 138: Aircraft in Emergency opps

·                   All persons on board an AC shall obey the lawful commands of the PIC for security and safety of persons/property and AC

·                   Admission to the flight deck is only allowed by the captain’s discretion, determined by the operator. If admitted must be familiar with applicable procedures

·                   No electronical equipment may be carried on board unless: pilot has determined it will not interfere with AC system

Flight Crew

·                   At least 1 member of the flight crew shall hold a valid radiotelephony operating license

·                   No flying is permitted 24 hrs following scuba diving

·                   No flying is permitted 72 hrs following blood donation

Maximum flight duty times

·                   400hrs within 3 months

·                   700hrs within 6 months

·                   120hrs within 1 month multi crew

·                   300hrs within 3 months multi crew

·                   100hrs within 1 month for [single pilot opps]

·                   32hrs within 1 week

·                   8hrs per day

·                   10hrs flight time of which a maximum of 8hrs may be consecutive

1,000 HOURS IS THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF HOURS FOR ANY TYPE OF PILOT OPPERATIONS

Recency Requirements

·                   3 TO & 3 LDs within 90 days in the same class & category of aircraft during the day for day time opps and during the night for night time opps

·                   2 approaches in AC; or 1 in AC and 1 in a Simulator

Procedures

·                   In emergency in the interest of safety the PIC may take any action which he/she considers necessary under circumstances. This includes deviating from law, regulations or operational procedures. The appropriate authority shall be notified without delay and the pilot in command shall submit a report.

·                   It is the duty of the PIC to ensure that all passengers on board are correctly informed about the safety procedures during the flight, passengers’ baggage and property are secured and exits and escape paths are unobstructed.

·                   The PIC may disembark a person or cargo if in their opinion represents a potential hazard to the safety of the AC or persons or property.

·                   Except when breaks serviceable: Chocks shall be placed in front of wheel before AC is started

·                   PIC shall make sure oxygen is provided for passengers in non-pressurized when flying between 10,000ft & 12,000ft for a period in excess of 2 hours, or above 12,000ft at all times.

Documentation exclusively to be carried on board International flights

·                   General declaration/journey logbook

·                   Manifest of passengers and detailed cargo declaration

·                   Navigator log when a navigator is carried

Air traffic service flight plans

·                   Must be filed when entering controlled airspace except; local flights, crossing advisory route at 90 degrees and controlled to uncontrolled or vice versa

·                   Must be filed for all IFR flights, International flights & Class I and II license flights [scheduled and charter flights]

·                   Must not specify altitude of air speed if flying at or below 1500ft AGL

·                   Must not submit a flight plan if not entering controlled airspace

·                   Flight plan must be filed at least 30 mins before a flight while on the ground and at least 10 mins if in the air by radio.

·                   A flight plan will be regarded as cancelled after 1 hour of original ETD if not activated

·                   The appropriate air traffic service unit shall be informed if; TAS 5% variable or next reporting point/aerodrome/boundary ETA is in error greater than 3 mins

Documentation

·                   Flight folio shall be carried on AC at all times and shall be retained for a period of at least 5 years

·                   Release to service certificate shall be retained for a period of 1 year from the date of issue

·                   The flight recorder shall be retained for a period of at least 60 days from the date of an accident or incident

·                   Aircraft/Aircraft Engine/Aircraft propeller logbooks shall be retained for a period of at least 6 months

·                   AC weight and balanced must be done every 5 years

·                   Load & trim sheets: Must be completed for AC > 1600kg

·                   Ground documents: Flight plan, load + trim sheet, list/manifest, general declaration to be kept for 90 days

Aircraft requirements

·                   AC shall not be operated unless there are 10% of total fuses or 3 fuses available whichever is greater

·                   By Night; at least 2 serviceable landing lights or 1 single light housing 2 separately energized filaments. AC must also have navigation lights, rotating beacon or strobe light & 1 electrical torch for each crew member

·                   Emergency lighting system must be on when in-flight below 1,000ft AGL or on the ground (when pax onboard)

·                   VFR FLIGHT: compass, time piece [ displaying hours, mins + secs ], air speed indicator &  illuminated chart holder by night

·                   IFR FLIGHT: VRF Requirements + pitot tube heating, VSI, DI, AI, T&B INDICATOR, ALTERNATE STATIC SOURCE & be able to measure outside temperature

·                   Single pilot IFR: Must be equipped with a boom mic, transmit pilot on control & Auto pilot able to hold altitude & heading

·                   All pressurized AC must have Oxygen supply

·                   unrestricted operation in airspace requires 2 long range nav systems, otherwise only 1 is required

·                   Every SA registered AC engaged in Int. commercial opps , AC exceeding 5,700kg  or when search and rescue is necessary must be fitted with at least 1 ELTs unless; flying within 50nm radius from departure, search and rescue purposes, agricultural purposes or no pax are carried and it is to be flown to be repaired/replaced.

·                   Lights: Red light on port [left wing] from angle of 110 degrees dead ahead, Green starboard [right wing] from angle of 110 degrees dead ahead & white light on the tail at 140 degrees of equal distribution on the left and right sides [70 deg each]

·                   Turbo jet AC: Require altitude alerting system

Seating

·                   Aged 2 years or more shall be seated in seat or berth

·                   A child restraint device is required for each passenger aged 2 years or less

·                   Safety belt for all people aboard the AC; passengers do NOT require diagonal strap while flight crew members DO [ or harness ]. All safety harnesses must have a single point of release

·                   Multiple seat occupancy only allowed with adult and infant using a child restraint device

·                   Infants shall not be carried in front of exits

·                   Mentally disturbed person: shall only be carried with doctors approval and when accompanied

·                   Only 1 disabled passenger or 1 unaccompanied minor may be carried in small commercial air transport

Life jackets and flotation devices

·                   Single engine AC must be within gliding distance of land when flying over water if no flotation devices on board

·                   AC must be equipped with a life jacket with survivor locator light for each person & and individual flotation device for each infant on board. They must be accessible while being seated with seat belt fastened.

·                   UNLESS LIFE RAFTS TO SUPPORT ALL PEOPLE OF AN AIRCRAFT; AC shall not operate over water at a distance equivalent

* 120 min at normal cruise speed or 400 miles [whichever is less] away from land for AC with 4 Engines  

* 90 min at normal cruise speed or 300 miles [whichever is less] away from land for AC with 3 Turbine Engines

* 30 min at normal cruise speed or 100 miles [whichever is less] away from land for All other AC

Rules of the Air

·                  Public roads shall only be used in the case of an emergency, save lives, or civil defense or law enforcement opps. Only commercial pilot license holders may take off from public roads once an emergency landing has taken place.

·                  Except in an emergency no object shall be dropped in the air besides; fine sand or clean water used as ballast or chemical substances used for spraying or crop dusting

·                  Object shall not be picked up except by approval by the commissioner or with a license

·                  Towed AC/Vessel: may not be flown higher then 150ft AGL, must be at least 5nm from boundary from aerodrome and may not take off, land or be flown above public roads unless approved by the commissioner

·                  Formation flight may only take place with prior arrangement between PICs & not fly in formation with passengers commercially

·                  AC flying at or below 1500ft AGL shall keep the line feature to its left unless instructed by air traffic service unit

·                  All turns shall be made to the left when landing or taking off unless instructed by ATSU and landings & take offs shall be made into wind unless instructed by ATSU

·                  2 way radio contact must be kept when possible and radio frequency must be monitored, two way radio contact must be made before entering controlled airspace

·                  Position must be reported when in controlled airspace, advisory airspace and on flights which alerting action is being provided

·                  ATSU MAY [regarding arrivals and departures] give priority to AC on flight plan over other AC that are not. THIS DOES NOT

·                  DEPEND ON IFR OR VFR FLIGHT

·                  PIC of all AC except supersonic type shall ensure at least 1 pilot wears O2 mask when the other leaves the station above FL410

Right of Way

·                   AC shall avoid passing over or under other aircraft, when 2 AC approach each other each one shall alter its heading to the right

·                   Power driven heavier than air AC shall give way to gliders, balloons, AC towing, wincing opps & being towed

·                   Airships shall give way to balloons and gliders

·                   Gliders shall give way to balloons

·                   AC being overtaken ALWAYS has right of way, overtaking must always be to the right except when in left circuit pattern

·                   AC in flight ALWAYS have right of way over AC on the ground

·                   An overtaking AC shall approach the slower AC from the rear at an angle below 70 degrees and by night should be unable to see the slower AC  wing tip navigation lights

Aircraft Speeds

·                   Outside controlled Airspace below FL100 no AC shall fly above 250kts INDICATED

·                    Inside CTZ & ATZ no reciprocating AC shall fly above 160kts INDICATED [ unless minimum safe speed is higher or ATSU authorization]

·                   Inside CTZ & ATZ no turbine AC shall fly above 200kts INDICATED [ unless minimum safe speed is higher or ATSU authorization]

Taxi Rules

·                   Vehicle towing AC shall be given right of way by other vehicles and AC not landing or taking off

·                   AC has right of way over vehicle not towing other AC

·                   An AC or vehicle must reduce its speed or even stop when required to give way & and turn to the right to avoid collision

·                   Vehicles shall keep to their right when driving along a taxi way or runway

VFR flight minimums

·                   VFR by day or night:    Not above 3 Octas of cloud within 5 nm radius

·                   Special VFR:                 1.5km visibility, cloud ceiling 600ft, 2 way radio communication, must be in CTR [may not be planned]

·                   ATZ, ATZ, CTR:             5km visibility, 2,000ft horizontal, 500ft vertical

·                   1,000ft AGL & FL100:   5km visibility, 2,000ft horizontal, 500ft vertical

·                   FL100 to FL195:           8km visibility, 1,5km horizontal, 1,000ft vertical

·                   No VFR  flight above FL195.

·                   IFR flight rules

·                   IFR flight may not be changed to VFR flight when VMC encountered unless planned to do so

·                   Above [ odds/180 to 359] FL410 add 4,000ft

·                   Above [ evens/000 to 179] FL400 add 3,000ft and then 4,000ft

·                   Height minimums: 1,000ft above highest obstacle within 5nm where obstacle below 5,000ft sea level [unless Comsnr approv]                                     2,000ft  above highest obstacle within 5nm where obstacle above 5,000ft seal level [unless Comsnr approv]

·                   IFR flight may not commence: take off or fly past flight decision point unless information suggests conditions are at or above aerodrome operating minima at destination and alternates (1 or 2 which ever may be the case)

·                   Approach may be commenced regardless of RVR of VIS but may not continue beyond outer marker unless reported RVR of VIS is at or greater then operating minima. Beyond outer marker if RVR reported less flight may continue to DH/DA

·                   Where no outer marker available: PIC must decide to continue or abandon approach before passing 1,000ft above aerodrome

·                   Minimum RVR: 150m for  Category A,B,C,D AC, 200m for cat E AC

·                   IFR or night flying in turbine in small commercial transport minimum 2 pilots unless: AC certified for single pilot IFR for   TURBO JET

Minimum heights

·                   Built up areas or people:                                      1,000ft AGL minima and 2,000ft radius

·                   Elsewhere:                                                           500ft AGL minima unless no hazard exists

·                   circling or repeated flights over people:                    3,000ft AGL minima

·                   Acrobatic:                                                           2,000ft AGL to even keel

                                                                                      4,000ft AGL within 5nm radius of aerodrome

                                                                                      Com approval for ATSR & people gatherings

Alternates

·                   Take off Alternate: single engine/20mins, multi engine 1hr & 3/4 engine 2hrs [one engine inoperative cruise speed]

·                   1 Alternate Required Unless: 2 suitable rwys non intersecting runways available at dest.

                                                           Met conditions prevail landing and sect. entry in VMC for 1 hour before & after ETA

                                                           The destination is isolated (e.g island)

·                   2 Alternated required When: Met conditions are below minimums specified above for 1 hour before & after ETA

                                                           No Met information is available

Fuel Requirements

·                   If useable fuel on board an AC is less than final reserve fuel it is considered an emergency

·                   Taxi fuel: Prior to take off, must take into account APU consumption

·                   Trip fuel: From take off to approach and landing

·                   Contingency: 5% of trip fuel/in-flight fuel or 3% with Commissioner approval, or 20 mins flight time, or 15mins hold at 1500ft above alternate or destination

·                   Alternate: Sufficient for the furtherest alternate from destination

·                   Final reserve: 45mins flight time reciprocating engines, 30mins holding 1,500ft above aerodrome elevation at calculated mass above alternate or aerodrome

·                   Additional: Hold for 15mins at 1,500ft above aerodrome elevation in standard conditions

·                   Extra: Discretion of PIC

·                   Isolated Aerodromes: For Reciprocating Additional fuel must be 45mins + 15% of flight time, or 2hrs whichever is less

·                   Isolated Aerodromes: For Turbine Additional fuel must  be 2 hrs @ normal cruise consumption

Refueling: Or defueling is not allowed while passengers are boarding or disembarking an AC

Smoking: No smoking allowed in SA registered AC or when in AC above SA, In AC where permitted; not during take-off, approach or when AC is on the ground. No smoking is permitted within 15m from an AC or refueling vehicle

Class D a/c cannot be used for Commercial purposes in IMC or at night. Exception if only carrying cargo.1

Met report and map needed when flying away from an aerodrome more than 20nm.