
African Pilot Magazine:
Regulations

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.

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.

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.

Zimbabwe’s Aviation Training Academy Achieves ICAO TRAINAIR PLUS Bronze Certification
The Aviation Training Academy of Zimbabwe (ATAZ) has been accredited as a TRAINAIRPLUS Bronze Member by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), marking a significant milestone in Zimbabwe's aviation training sector. This recognition underscores ATAZ's commitment to international aviation standards, enhancing skills development, safety, and innovation in the industry.
Stay Off Social Media, Pilots Are Urged as Recent Events Strengthen the Call
Stay Off Social Media, Pilots Are Urged: The IFALPA issues a critical notice urging pilots to avoid social media during work hours, highlighting risks to safety and careers in the aviation industry.

ANAC Organises Workshop on Cybersecurity in Civil Aviation
The National Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) hosted a cybersecurity workshop to enhance digital security awareness in civil aviation. Experts discussed aviation’s growing reliance on technology, cyber threat mitigation, and ICAO’s cybersecurity strategy. Key recommendations included strengthening digital literacy, investing in training, and developing strategic policies to protect critical infrastructure.
