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FLYING IN SOUTH AFRICA

The following information is provided for guidance only, and should not be taken as an authority on aviation procedures.  Check with local AIP for full details. 
Flying in Other Countries Compiled by Steve Pells e-mail to

Last Update 15Jun06   

For self pilot safaris in Southern Africa, see www.africanflyingsafaris.com.
Pre-Flight

For a flight of more than 20NM from the point of departure, all available meteorological information must be obtained by the pilot, and charts for the whole route must be carried on board.

VMC Minima

ABOVE FL100 UP TO FL200

UP TO AND INCLUDING FL100

OUTSIDE CONTROL ZONES, ATZs or ATAs AT OR BELOW 1000’ AGL by DAY
Flight Visibility  8km, Flight Visibility  5km, Flight Visibility 1.5km
2000’ horizontally and 500’ vertically from cloud 2000’ horizontally and 500’ vertically from cloud.  Within Control zones, minimum ceiling 1500’ (except SVFR) clear of cloud

SPECIAL VFR (SVFR)

In order to fly SVFR in a control zone, the following apply:

*ATC clearance is required and 2-way radio must be carried.
*Must be by day only
*A/c must be operated in a minimum flight visibility of 1500m and clear of cloud.  Minimum ceiling 600’

At all times, VFR flight must be conducted with visual reference to the surface and at no time above more than 3 oktas cloud within a 5 NM radius of the aircraft in flight.

Night in South Africa is defined as 15 minutes after sunset to 15 minutes before sunrise.

Rules of the Air

LOW-FLYING

Not lower than 500’ agl unless no hazard or nuisance to persons or property on the ground.
Over Built-up areas not less than 1000’ above the highest obstacle within 2000’ of a/c.
Over an open-air assembly of persons, no circling or repeated flight below 3000’.

LINE FEATURES

An aircraft following a line feature below 1500’ agl must keep that feature on its left.

PRE-FLIGHT INSPECTION BY PILOT IN COMMAND

Before any flight, the pilot in command must ensure:

•The instruments and equipment and the a/c are fit for the flight
•The aircraft is properly loaded and cargo and baggage is secured
•The view of the pilot is not impeded
•Sufficient fuel, oil and coolant are carried for the flight
A first aid kit must be carried and seatbelts for all passengers over 3 years must be fitted. Infants under 3 years may be carried in arms, but must have a restraint device.

 FUEL & OIL RESERVES

For a private VFR flight by day, sufficient fuel and oil must be carried for contingencies at least to fly to the destination and thereafter for 45 minutes. 

DOCUMENTS

A flight folio, similar to a UK Technical log must be carried on board and completed after every flight giving details of points or departure and arrival and tachometer readings. Any unserviceabilities should be entered in the folio.
A certificate of safety also called certificate to release to service must also be carried.

Airspace

Airspace classes, A, C, F & G are used in South Africa.
Within class F Airspace, radio communication is required for VFR flights.

Airfields

At uncontrolled airfields, the joining procedure is to fly to the overhead at 2000’ agl and inspect the airfield and circuit.  Broadcast intentions on TIBA (see below) and descend on the dead-side to circuit height (usually 1000’ agl).  Join the downwind and broadcast on TIBA and proceed to finals.  Prior to line up and take-off broadcast intentions.

En-Route

TIBA (Traffic Information Broadcast by Aircraft)

TIBA frequencies are established in busy uncontrolled airspace.  Aircraft should broadcast identification, route, position/time, level/altitude, next position and estimate on this frequency.  Unless otherwise notified, the frequency is 124.8.  Flying training areas often use 124.4

Typical broadcast:

Aircraft in the vicinity of Fisantkraal, Arrow SEU 1 mile north abeam Fisantkraal at 2000’ routing to Robben Island, please advise.

To avoid TIBA frequencies from being used for purposes other than essential traffic information, the general air to air frequency 123.45 is available to pilots, although  other frequencies may be notified.

Altimeter Setting

Airfield QNH used by all aircraft below transition altitude which varies between airfields.

Cruising Levels

At or above 1500’ agl, the semi-circular rule based on magnetic track should be used.

Transponders

Transponders should not be used unless ATC assigns a particular code.

Recency Requirements

Day:  In the previous 90 days the license holder must have carried out at least 3 take-offs and 3 landings in the same category of aircraft, to allow the carriage of passengers in that aircraft.
Night:  In the previous 90 days the license holder must have carried out at least 3 take-offs and 3 landings at night in the same category of aircraft, to allow the carriage of passengers in that aircraft. Night in South Africa is defined as 15 minutes after sunset to 15 minutes before sunrise. 

Foreign Validation

Before being allowed to fly in South Africa, the Civil Aviation Authority requires that your Private Pilot's License be validated, a procedure involving a written test and a practical flight. For the written test, pilots must have knowledge of South African air traffic law, which is largely ICAO compatible. The practical flying test involves various manoeuvres over the airfield, uncontrolled airfield procedures, an overland navigation flight and an approach under ATC guidance. This test flight can be organized through accredited flying schools.

Certified photocopies of the foreign license, medical, Radio license and recent logbook pages will be required to be sent off with the application.  Any police station can certify photocopies with a special stamp.
A small fee (around R285) is charged for the service and the license should be returned by post in about 3 weeks.

NOTE:  The validation is valid for a maximum of 1 year, or until the holder's medical expires, whichever is sooner, after which time certified photocopies of the new medical must be sent to the Civil Aviation Authority.  This is a tedious process which unfortunately seems to be necessary.

The Department of Civil Aviation Authority
Private Bag X08,  Waterkloof, 0145.  Tel: 012-346 5566, fax: 012-346 6061
The following document contains enough information to pass the Air Law exam.     Air Law

Flight Schools

Avex Air Training, (Grand Central Airport Near Johannesburg)
Private Bag X102, Halfway House, 1685 
Tel: 011-315 0003, Fax: 011-805 3649 
e-mail: avex@iafrica.com   website: www.avexair.com 

Delta 200 Flying School  (Cape Town Intl Airport).  Tel: 021 935 1200 or 083 229 9088 Fax: 021 935 1201 
e-mail: delta200@mweb.co.za      Friendly flying school using C150 (R395/hr) and C172 aircraft.  Contact Dennis for UK Validation and rentals and Instructor Thijs Ocenasek for dual.

Cape Aero Club  (Cape Town Intl Airport).  Tel: 021 934 0234  Fax: 021 934 0827.  Well run flying school with Cessna, PA28-161 (R695/hr) and -235 aircraft.  Contact CFI Francois du Toit or e-mail aeroclub@iafrica.com.

For self pilot safaris in Southern Africa, see www.africanflyingsafaris.com.