African Pilot Magazine:
Regulatory
SA’s Aviation: Strategic Driver of Economic Growth
In 2023, aviation contributed USD 5.7 billion to South Africa’s economy, supporting 46,000 jobs. Government and industry drive growth through skills, infrastructure, and regional cooperation.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Modernising Air Traffic Management: The Global Challenge
Modernising global Air Traffic Management (ATM) is crucial as aviation traffic soars and infrastructure ages. This article explores the shift to digital systems, regional strategies like SESAR and NextGen, sustainability gains, and the pressing need for faster modernisation.

ATNS Instrument Flight Procedure Maintenance Programme Update
Air Traffic and Navigation Services (ATNS) has commenced the maintenance of critical Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) at key South African airports. While most major airports now have approved procedures in place, access to Richards Bay, Upington, and Bloemfontein airports will be limited due to pending maintenance. ATNS is prioritising swift restoration to ensure operational safety.
Ongoing Concerns About GNSS Interference – Where Does Africa Fall in This Global Challenge?
GNSS interference through jamming and spoofing is a growing threat to aviation safety. With Africa’s reliance on satellite-based navigation, the continent must take proactive steps to strengthen its air traffic resilience and infrastructure.

IATA Has Promoted Increase in Digital Identity, But How Likely is a Swift Uptake in Africa?
The aviation sector is undergoing a significant digital transformation, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) having recently called for more focus on the promotion of digital identity technologies. At the forefront of this initiative is the call for the adoption of Verifiable Credentials (VC) and Decentralised Identifiers (DIDs) as tools to enhance aviation security…

Wrapping Up Women’s Month: A Historic Milestone for Female Pilots in Aviation
The IFALPA Female Pilots Working Group meeting in Singapore highlighted key issues facing female pilots globally and explored strategies to advance gender equality in aviation.

SAF Registry to be Operated by the Civil Aviation Decarbonisation Organisation
IATA has launched the Civil Aviation Decarbonisation Organisation (CADO) to manage its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry, aimed at building a transparent, global SAF market and accelerating aviation decarbonisation.
A Flurry of Airlines Are Banning Power Banks Usage Globally. Is Africa Next?
A growing number of global airlines are banning or restricting power banks due to safety concerns over lithium-ion batteries. While African carriers have not yet followed suit, industry experts predict similar policies may be adopted soon to align with international safety standards.

BARSA and CAASA Sign Landmark MoU at Summit 2025
At BARSA Summit 2025, BARSA and CAASA signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration between commercial and general aviation, focusing on safety, innovation, and sustainability in South Africa’s aviation sector.

Minister Creecy Provides Update on ATNS Stabilisation Efforts
Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy provides an update on efforts to stabilise and rebuild South Africa’s Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS), addressing staffing, infrastructure, outdated flight procedures, and safety management issues.

Mental Health in Aviation: A New Approach to Supporting Pilots’ Well-Being
Discover IFALPA's latest position papers on pilot mental health and well-being. Learn how the aviation industry is shifting towards supportive, non-punitive approaches to mental health assessments, peer support programs, and promoting mental wellness for safer skies.
