SACAA under fire as aviation industry claims regulation withdrawal could ground 1400 aircraft

THE South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has found itself at the centre of controversy after the recent withdrawal of Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 18.19, which regulates engine overhauls for aircraft across the private flying sector, light commercial operations, aerial work, and flight training.

- BANELE GININDZA

This controversial decision raises concerns about potential paralysis in the aviation industry, with operators warning that it could ground up to 1 400 aircraft and threaten an astounding 300 000 jobs nationwide.

The aviation regulator over the weekend insisted that the withdrawal of the notice, which did not affect commercial airlines, had been implemented after sufficient notice given two extensions since December 2023 that made the longest allowed time for an exemption from applicable regulations.

The aviation industry's bone of contention is that there was no empirical evidence to support the SACAA’s position that piston engines have to be overhauled every 12 years instead of doing so based on the number of hours flown and the condition of the engine.

Operators have said they maintained aircraft and engines as required to be inspected at least every 100 hours of operation.

"SACAA is a regulator, not a manufacturer and as such cannot determine mandatory maintenance intervals for aircraft parts," said SACAA CEO, Poppy Khoza.