We pertinently requested better communication between all the sections and of course AeroclubSA
Also, have a look at their revamped website...http://www.aeroclub.org.za/
http://www.avcom.co.za/phpBB3/viewtopic ... 11#p980811
The Aero Club of South Africa- the protector and preserver of free flight representing the 14 major Aviation sections in South Africa seems to need to promote all the work that it does and has been doing for years.
It seems another organisation that has been making a lot of noise patting itself on the back and taking credit for a lot of what AeCSA does and continues to do.
Prior to this our stance was to leave it alone - however with the directive of our members from our AGM we will become more vocal but in a positive and non agressive manner.
AOPA's Stellenbosh AGM a year back clearly spelt out how they view themselves and actively attempt to sideline all the other organisations seeing AeCSA, CAASA, SAPFA and EAA as competitors.
This seems strange - surely we all work towards the common goals.
The aeroclub does not see any other body or organisation as a competitor but rather as a respected partner and participant in directing our future.
See Extact.
"The growth of AOPA has been noted by both the authorities and our “competitors”, EAA,
SAPFA, Aero Club and CAASA. Earlier this year I was invited to attend a joint meeting at
Paddafontein in the Thabazimbi district where we founded the GACC, the General Aviation
Co-ordinating Committee. The representatives are myself, Paul van Tellingen and Frank
Eckard (SAPFA), Kevin Storie (Aero Club), Neville Bohm (EAA) Kim Gorringe (CAASA)
and Chris Marthinus (AOA). Since the formation we have had three meetings and we are
in regular contact. The question is often asked “Why so many alphabets?” In other words,
why so many organisations? I have come to learn that there is a need and a place for all of
them, most of all for AOPA. AOPA is the only truly independent representative body of
general aviation. All the others pay tribute to the authorities in some way or other. We
speak with our own minds and mouths. While I appreciate and applaud SAPFA’s efforts in
organising the PTAR and other events we need a specialised advocate for general aviation
and that is what we do."
So to this end to ensure that the aviation community is aware what AeCSA is doing on their behalf, we will be making regular submissions on the forums.
We are independent from the authorites but do believe most matters can be reolved with active communication and respect for the organisations we interact with.
We from now on will be "blowing our rather large 8000 member plus trumpet" on the forums for recreational and sport aviation in South Africa.
While we operate in a manner of consultation for proactive win-win initiatives with the SACAA, SAWS, ATNS and all other bodies, it must be realised that we are extremely active and while previously we were not keen to blow trumpets over many small matters that we have been involved with - it seems we must now do this. Du eto our extensive reach we oftenb nip matters in the bud way before the members ever get to to hear of them or feel any effect.
Some organisations have been a little over vocal on many matters presenting the impression that they are championing the causes but in reality they have been merely a partner in the cohesive efforts and team efforts from the various organisations such as Aero Club, CAASA, SAAF.
At Our AGM on Wednesday it was raised about the Mandatory Transponder requirement in the vicinity of Controlled airspace via the implementation of SA AIP ENR 1.6.2.3.2 which would threaten all recreational aviation.
SACAA was contacted in the very good spirit of active problem solving that AeCSA has with the various organisations such as CAA, DOT to ensure that our rights are protected.
The matter was resolved with out any need of legal threatening or posturing.
This was in reaction to:
“Kindly take note of SA AIP ENR 1.6.2.3.2 wrt the compulsory use of a serviceable mode A & C transponder within and within the vicinity of SA controlled airspace. Please ensure that all aircraft operating within your CTR are transponder equipped. If no code has been issued to them they must squawk A2000 or A2600 whichever applicable.
Kind regards,
Jan vd Linde
PM Bloemfontein
SACAA has stated the following to resolve the matter as they currently do in a constructive matter
See Extract below
"We will be issuing (if not done already) a NOTAM to hand correct the AIP which will remove the restriction.
We have also emailed ATNS to ask them to draw the attention of their ATSUs to the correction."
The Aero Club Newsletter will also be forth coming on Monday and will be a regular monthly emailed notification to members of matter we are working on and assisting our members with. We will post it on the forums as well.
We hope that the forum members will appreciate this new direction and we look forward to making you all aware of what the AeroClub of SA does do to preserve the freedom of flight.
Active since 1920 protecting your rights.
