Hi Kloot Pilot,
As John B has pointed out almost every section must belong to a centralised body of some sort and this includes MISASA, Hang Gliders, Parachuting and even Model Aircraft flyers. There many reasons, but the most important are air space coordination, FAI for competitions, South African national colours (Protea) and civil aviation regulations.
Even radio model flyers have to fly within a designated airspace areas, whilst several of the members of these clubs compete at an international level.
Parachuting has designated drop zones that are certified on maps and they are licenced.
The Hang and Paragliding pilots use specific designated cliffs from which they jump and fly and they too have type ratings.
Microlighters also use specific and designated training airfields as well as participating in FAI sanctioned competitions. As you already know every Microlight pilot should have a specific type rating.
Apart from the Development and Virtual sections, every section of the AeCSA is subject to state / SA CAA rules and regulations. The whole concept of RAASA is to provide a regulator that knows and understands our sport, recreational and private aviation. The AeCSA is the body that pulls this altogether by having a section chairman on the main board to specifically oversee the interests of that particular section.
I will be spelling this out in the December edition when the rules and regulations are discussed and these rules will also be published in the AeCSA's Year Book that will be called
'Sport Aviation over South Africa' this year. In a nutshell we all need the AeCSA, but we all need to help fix what has been a problem for some of the members. I understand that MISASA's executive has met with the AeCSA's executive and many issues have been already thrashed out. I urge all of you reading this to move on and help MISASA and the AeCSA deliver excellent service to all the members.
Although I am not any sort of office bearer, I have been working with the AeCSA for so many years now that I almost feel that this is my second home. Also I sincerely believe that MISASA’s executive board is well equipped to manage the affairs of the Microlight sector.
Regards,
Athol Terence.