
African Pilot Magazine:
Regulatory

Redefining Business Aviation in Africa: AfBAA’s Focus on Safety, Standards, and Inclusive Growth
AfBAA highlights inclusive growth, safety, and global standards at the AFBAA Safety & Training Workshop during Aero South Africa 2025.

Pushback on ADS-B Data Misuse Raises Concerns
A U.S. bill limiting ADS-B data use is sparking global debate, with growing concerns in Africa over surveillance, privacy, and regulatory misuse in aviation.

South Africa’s Draft Civil Aviation Policy Aims to Transform the Sector
South Africa’s draft aviation policy proposes major reforms to safety, regulation, and infrastructure—aiming to reshape the sector for long-term competitiveness.

Ghana Appoints New Civil Aviation Authority Board to Bolster Safety Oversight
Ghana inaugurates new Civil Aviation Authority Board, tasked with strengthening aviation safety and airspace oversight in line with global ICAO standards.

EASA and IATA Publish Comprehensive Plan to Mitigate Risks of GNSS Interference
EASA and IATA reveal a robust plan to combat rising GNSS interference, focusing on reporting, mitigation, airspace safety, and global aviation co-ordination.

Angola’s Aviation Security System Earns ICAO Recognition
Angola’s aviation security system achieves high ICAO audit scores, signalling strong compliance ahead of the new Dr António Agostinho Neto Airport launch.

Tanzania Responds to EU Air Safety Listing with Coordinated Mitigation Measures
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority has responded to the EU’s inclusion of Tanzanian-certified airlines on the Air Safety List with clear measures to maintain international connectivity and ensure continued aviation safety. Domestic and regional operations remain unaffected as engagement with the EU continues.
South Africa’s Aviation Industry Goes to War With the SACAA
South Africa’s aviation industry faces turmoil as SACAA enforces a 12-year engine overhaul rule, grounding aircraft and threatening jobs and businesses.

SACAA Gives Clarity on the Withdrawal of AIC 18.19 and the Impact on 12-Year Engine Overhaul Regulations
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) clarifies the withdrawal of AIC 18.19 and its impact on 12-year engine overhaul requirements. The update affects general aviation operators using Textron Lycoming and Teledyne Continental engines, with compliance required by November 2024. The engines affected in this dispute are: Textron Lycoming and Teledyne Continental.

Policy Shortcomings Put SAF Production at Risk
IATA projects Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production will double to 2 million tonnes in 2025—just 0.7% of global airline fuel needs. High costs and flawed mandates in Europe threaten progress, while India emerges as a key player in global SAF policy.

EU releases updated Air Safety List and announces ban on All Air Carriers Certified in Tanzania and Suriname
The European Commission has updated the EU Air Safety List, banning all air carriers certified in Tanzania and Suriname from operating in the EU due to serious safety oversight deficiencies.

GCAA Celebrates 39 Years of Aviation Excellence and Sets Course for Future Growth
The Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) celebrates 39 years of progress, outlining major reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and renewed commitments to aviation safety, innovation, and regional leadership in West Africa.

Zambia’s Aviation Chief to Lead AFPP Steering Committee into Strategic Phase IV
Captain Derrick Luembe of the Zambia Civil Aviation Authority has assumed chairmanship of the African Flight Procedures Programme Steering Committee. The article highlights key decisions from the 11th AFPP meeting, including the launch of Phase IV, focusing on PANS-OPS compliance and aviation safety across Africa.

Public Input Invited on South Africa’s Draft Comprehensive Civil Aviation Policy
South Africa’s Department of Transport has released the Draft Comprehensive Civil Aviation Policy for public comment. The policy outlines the country’s aviation strategy on safety, infrastructure, economic regulation, transformation, and environmental goals, with submissions invited within 30 days.
Liberia’s Transport Minister Describes Aviation as the Gateway to National Development
During Aviation Awareness Week, Liberia’s Transport Minister, Honourable Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, called for the country’s aviation sector to be declared a national emergency, citing its vital role in national development and economic growth.

Tanzania Grounds All Tanzanian-Registered Helicopter Operations Pending Recertification
The Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) has suspended all operations of Tanzanian-registered helicopters effective 8 May 2025, pending a full recertification process to ensure regulatory compliance and safety standards.
Namibia to Take Over Air Traffic Services Over Oceanic Airspace
Namibia is preparing to take control of air traffic services over its oceanic and southern airspace from South Africa, following infrastructure upgrades, regulatory improvements, and a successful ICAO audit.
South Africa’s Transport Department Seeks to Appoint Consultant to Advise Regulating Committee on ACSA and ATNS Tariff Permissions (2026/27–2030/31)
South Africa’s Department of Transport has issued a tender to appoint a consultant to advise the Regulating Committee on tariff permissions for ACSA and ATNS for the 2026/27–2030/31 period, ensuring compliance with aviation regulation and international best practice.
South Africa’s Transport Department Moves to Modernise Aviation Licensing
The South African Department of Transport is seeking a service provider to develop and manage a centralised Aviation Licensing System, aiming to improve efficiency, security, and compliance for domestic and international air services.
Laser Strikes on Aircraft Soar, Threatening Aviation Safety
Laser strikes on aircraft are rising globally, posing serious risks to pilots and passengers. Learn how Africa’s aviation sector is responding to the threat.

Federal Airlines and Mayday-SA Sign MoU
Federal Airlines and Mayday-SA have signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding—the first of its kind in Africa—to promote mental health, peer support, and wellbeing across aviation operations, reinforcing safety and crew performance.

ATNS Provides Update on Instrument Flight Procedure Maintenance Programme
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) reports progress on its Instrument Flight Procedure Maintenance Programme, with key submissions to SACAA and a strengthened ATCO workforce to support aviation safety and air traffic management in South Africa.
South African Civil Aviation Authority Tables Strategic Plan for 2025–2030
The South African Civil Aviation Authority’s Strategic Plan for 2025–2030 focuses on strengthening compliance with ICAO standards, developing aviation skills, promoting ethical governance, and supporting South Africa’s sustainable economic growth.

Historic MoU Strengthens Ties Between Commercial and General Aviation in Southern Africa
The Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA) and the Board of Airline Representatives of South Africa (BARSA) have signed a historic MoU, formalising collaboration on aviation safety, regulatory challenges, sustainability, and infrastructure development to strengthen the aviation sector across Southern Africa.

Preliminary Report Issued for ZU-IMP Impala MK1 Accident at West Coast Saldanha Airshow
The Accident and Incident Investigations Division (AIID) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has released the preliminary report into the fatal accident involving the Aermacchi MB-326 Impala MK1, registration ZU-IMP, during the West Coast Saldanha Airshow held on 22 March 2025 at Saldanha/Vredenburg Airport (FASD). During an aerobatic manoeuvre—a slow aileron roll performed…

Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) Engages Seabury Solutions to Automate Aviation Safety Security Regulation (ASSR) Functions
The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) has partnered with Seabury Solutions to automate its aviation safety and security regulatory functions using the eAuthority System, reinforcing Kenya’s aviation oversight capabilities and aligning with ICAO global standards.

Airlink Achieves IATA Environmental Assessment Certification
Airlink has earned IATA’s IEnvA environmental certification, affirming its commitment to sustainability and wildlife protection, including compliance with the Buckingham Palace Declaration to combat illegal wildlife trade.

Regulatory Authorities Wade into South Africa’s Turbulent Aviation Sector
Regulators are cracking down on South Africa’s aviation sector amid rising complaints, fuel supply instability, infrastructure failures, and controversial overbooking practices. Industry stakeholders call for accountability and reform.
