SACAA Standardises Proof of Theoretical Knowledge Instruction

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) will introduce a standard form for candidates required to provide proof of theoretical knowledge instruction before an initial examination attempt.

From 14 September 2026, only Form CA 61-184, Proof of Theoretical Knowledge Instruction, will be accepted for this purpose, replacing the certificates and letters previously issued by Aviation Training Organisations (ATOs).

The change follows SACAA’s move earlier this year to enforce an existing requirement contained in SA-CATS 61.01.10(4)(a)(iii).

In March 2026, SACAA issued a notice calling for immediate compliance with the provision at accredited examination centres. The requirement itself is not new.

Under SA-CATS 61.01.10(4)(a)(iii), a candidate writing a subject for the first time must present proof of having undergone the required knowledge instruction. That proof must be signed by the Chief Ground Instructor or a designee of a Part 141-approved training organisation.

The Technical Standard also sets out the consequence of arriving without the required documentation. Under SA-CATS 61.01.10(4)(b), a candidate who fails to provide the prescribed documents, or who does not arrive at the required time, will not be permitted to take the examination and will forfeit the fee paid for that subject.

Existing Requirement, New Standard Form

The underlying examination framework is contained in CAR 61.01.10, which requires the Director of Civil Aviation to publish the general procedures and conditions for theoretical knowledge examinations in Document SA-CATS 61.

The more detailed requirement for proof of theoretical knowledge instruction sits in the associated Technical Standard.

The current consolidated wording of TS 61.01.10 records that the provision was substituted by the Director of Civil Aviation on 24 March 2016, with effect from 1 July 2016, and was subsequently amended through SA-CATS 3/2018.

SACAA’s action in March 2026 therefore did not create a new requirement for theoretical knowledge instruction. It represented enforcement of an existing provision that requires candidates to show proof of instruction when attempting a subject for the first time.

The September change is administrative, but important for candidates and ATOs. Instead of supplying their own certificates or letters as evidence, ATOs will now be required to use CA 61-184 as the standard proof accepted by SACAA.

The form records the candidate and ATO details, the applicable theoretical knowledge subjects, details of the instructor who conducted the training and the required ATO authorisation.

Candidates preparing for an initial attempt at an applicable examination subject from 14 September 2026 should therefore ensure that CA 61-184 has been completed by their ATO before reporting for the examination.

The latest form and examination information are available from the SACAA Examinations section of the Authority’s website.

Key Points

• The requirement to prove theoretical knowledge instruction is not new.
• SACAA moved to enforce SA-CATS 61.01.10(4)(a)(iii) more actively in March 2026.
• The requirement applies when a candidate is writing a subject for the first time.
• From 14 September 2026, SACAA will accept CA 61-184 as the prescribed proof instead of ATO-issued letters or certificates.
• A candidate who fails to provide the required documentation may not be permitted to write and may forfeit the examination fee.