Permit Updates in South Africa

How does a private aircraft operator ( Part 91 ) obtain an aircraft landing permit in South Africa?

To obtain an aircraft landing permit in South Africa as a Foreign registered private aircraft operator ( part 91 ) , you would need to follow certain procedures and comply with the regulations set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). Here are the general steps involved:

• Contact the SACAA: Begin by reaching out to the SACAA, the regulatory authority responsible for aviation matters in South Africa. You can contact them directly via email or phone to inquire about the requirements and procedures for obtaining a landing permit. World Fuel Services is able to assist with this on your behalf. 
• Complete the necessary documentation: The SACAA will provide you with the required forms and documentation that need to be completed. This may include an application form, proof of aircraft ownership, insurance documentation, airworthiness certificates, and maintenance records.
• The SACAA works with the Department of Transport. The application starts at the Department of Transport but the SACAA issues the permit. 
• Provide flight details: You will need to provide specific details about your intended flight, such as the purpose of the visit, dates and times of arrival and departure, aircraft type and registration, passenger and crew details, and other relevant information.
• For Flights with more than 8 Passengers, the Department of Transport can request a letter with the application details explaining that it’s a private flight. 
• Compliance with regulations: Ensure that your aircraft meets the regulatory standards and requirements set by the SACAA. This includes having the necessary safety equipment, meeting maintenance and airworthiness standards, and having appropriate insurance coverage.
• Await processing: All Permit applications take 3 working days / 72hrs to process. Between the CAA and the DOT, communication can be challenging and has often resulted in last minute or even delayed approvals. We have noticed a trend that permits usually are approved very close to Ops date as the DOT do not like changes. 
• The SACAA will review your application and supporting documents to verify compliance. This process may take some time, so it is advisable to submit your application well in advance of your intended landing date.
• There is no fee for the actual landing permit for a Part91 fight.
• Receive the landing permit: Upon successful completion of the application process, the SACAA will issue you the landing permit. Ensure you have a copy of the permit readily available during your flight and landing in South Africa.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the type of aircraft, purpose of the visit, and other factors. It is advisable to consult with the SACAA directly or seek the assistance of an aviation consultant or local representative to ensure a smooth application process.

How does a Charter aircraft operator ( Part 135 ) obtain an aircraft landing permit in South Africa?

To obtain an aircraft landing permit in South Africa as a Foreign registered Charter aircraft operator ( Part 135 ) , you would need to follow certain procedures and comply with the regulations set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). Here are the general steps involved:

• Contact the SACAA: Begin by reaching out to the SACAA, the regulatory authority responsible for aviation matters in South Africa. You can contact them directly via email or phone to inquire about the requirements and procedures for obtaining a landing permit. 
• The SACAA works with the Department of Transport. The application starts at the Department of Transport but the SACAA issues the permit. 
• All Non-Scheduled Foreign commercial air transport carrying up to 8 passengers or less than 1000kgs of cargo do not require a Foreign Operators Permit, the operator is required to obtain an overflight or landing permit from the Department of Transport. 
• World Fuel Services is able to assist with a Landing permit on your behalf, as long as a Foreign Operators Permit ( FOP ) is not required.
• Foreign operators permits are for foreign operators operating schedules and non-Scheduled commercial flights carrying more than eight passengers and or more than 1000 kilograms of cargo. This has to be done by the Operator directly with SACAA/DOT , World Fuel cannot apply for this. There is a charge for the FOP and World Fuel is able to facilitate the payment for the FOP as long as the invoice is in World Fuels name. 
• Complete the necessary documentation: The SACAA will provide you with the required forms and documentation that need to be completed. This may include an application form, proof of aircraft ownership, insurance documentation, airworthiness certificates, and maintenance records.
• Provide flight details: You will need to provide specific details about your intended flight, such as the purpose of the visit, dates and times of arrival and departure, aircraft type and registration, passenger and crew details, and other relevant information.
• Compliance with regulations: Ensure that your aircraft meets the regulatory standards and requirements set by the SACAA. This includes having the necessary safety equipment, meeting maintenance and airworthiness standards, and having appropriate insurance coverage.
• Await processing: All Permit applications take 3 working days / 72hrs to process, however for larger aircraft that require an FOP it can take more than 21 days. Between the CAA and the DOT, communication can be challenging and has often resulted in last minute or even delayed approvals. We have noticed a trend that permits usually are approved very close to Ops date as the DOT do not like changes. 
• Applications for Foreign Operator Permits ( FOP’s ) will be published in the Government Gazette for a period of 21 Days ( inclusive of Weekends and Public Holidays ) in line with Section 24 of the International Air services Act of 1990. ) 
• The SACAA will review your application and supporting documents to verify compliance. This process may take some time, so it is advisable to submit your application well in advance of your intended landing date.
• Receive the landing permit or FOP: Upon successful completion of the application process, the SACAA will issue you the landing permit. Ensure you have a copy of the permit readily available during your flight and landing in South Africa.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the nature of your Part 135 operation, the type of aircraft, the purpose of the visit, and other factors. Working closely with your South African agent and consulting with the SACAA directly or seeking the assistance of an aviation consultant will help ensure a smooth application process and compliance with all the necessary regulations.

•    A2311/23 NOTAMR A2309/23 Q) FAXX/QOAXX/IV/BO/E/000/999/5152S01651E999 A) FAJA FACA FAJO PART 1 OF 3 B) 2306211020 C) PERM E) NO ACFT ORIGINATING OUTSIDE THE SOUTH AFRICAN (SA) BORDER SHALL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER AND TRANSIT SOUTH AFRICAN AIRSPACE OR LAND AT ANY SOUTH AFRICAN AD WO AN APPROVED FPL. NO FOREIGN REGISTERED ACFT ORIGINATING OUTSIDE THE SOUTH AFRICAN BORDER AND ENGAGED IN NON-SCHEDULED COMMERCIAL AIR TRANSPORT OPS SHALL BE ALLOWED TO LAND AT ANY SOUTH AFRICAN AD WO A VALID FOREIGN OPR PERMIT ISSUED BY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT. THESE EXC SOUTH AFRICAN OPERATED FOREIGN REGISTERED ACFT. WHEN FILING A NON-SCHEDULED FLT PLAN, OPR SHALL INDICATE IN FIELD 18 OF THE FPL, IF THE FLT IS OF A COMMERCIAL OR NON-COMMERCIAL NATURE. (EG: RMK/COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OR NON-COMMERCIAL FLIGHT) ALL CARGO FLT WILL STIPULATE IN FIELD 18 OF THE FPL: RMK/CARGO FLIGHT AND WHETHER THE CARGO IS MORE OR LESS THAN 1000KG. CARGO FLT CARRYING CARGO OF 1000KG OR LESS IS EXEMPTED FM OBTAINING A FOREIGN OPERATORS PERMIT (FOP).THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON BOARD SHALL BE INDICATED ON THE PROCESSED FPL. (EG: RMK/10 PAX). ALL SKED AND NON-SCHEDULED FOREIGN COMMERCIAL AIR TRANSPORT OPR CARRYING MORE THAN 8 PAX ARE REQUIRED TO QUOTE THEIR FOREIGN OPR PERMIT REF NR IN FIELD 18 WHEN FILING A FPL. OPR SHALL NOT EMAIL THE FOP TO THE FPL OFFICE BUT INSERT IT ON FIELD PART 1 OF 3 
•    A2311/23 NOTAMR A2309/23 Q) FAXX/QOAXX/IV/BO/E/000/999/5152S01651E999 A) FAJA FACA FAJO PART 2 OF 3 B) 2306211020 C) PERM E) 18 OF THE FPL (EG: RMK/F/N 37/2022 OR F/S 424/2017). ALL NON-SCHEDULED FOREIGN COMMERCIAL AIR TRANSPORT OPR CARRYING UP TO 8 PAX OR LESS THAN 1000KG DO NOT REQUIRE A FOREIGN OPR PERMIT, HOWEVER OPR ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN AN OVERFLIGHT AND LDG CLR FM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT. COMMERCIAL SKED FOREIGN OPR NEED TO COMPLY WITH THE FLW WHEN SUBMITTING THE AIR OPERATOR SECURITY PROGRAM (AOSP): A FOREIGN AIR OPR PROVIDING SKED INTL COMMERCIAL AIR TRANSPORT OPS IN THE REPUBLIC SHALL ESTABLISH, IMPLEMENT AND MAINTAIN A WRITTEN SUPPLEMENTARY STN PROC THAT MEET THE NATIONAL SECURITY RQMNTS. FOREIGN OPR PERMITS ARE ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT (DOT). CTC DETAILS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT (DOT) ARE AS FLW: FOP(AT)DOT.GOV.ZA , TSHIFHIWA MAHAFHA ON 073 307 7242 AND OWEN RIKHOTSO ON 0726234370. FAILURE TO INDICATE THE ABV RQMNTS IN THE FLT PLAN WILL RESULT IN THE FPL BEING REJECTED BY THE FLIGHT PLANNING OFFICE. ACFT ORIGINATING OUTSIDE THE SOUTH AFRICAN BORDER AND DECLARING ANY EMERG SHALL BE QUARANTINED AND ONLY BE ALLOWED TO DISEMBARK ONCE APPROVAL HAS BEEN OBTAINED FM THE RELEVANT BORDER MANAGEMENT AGENCIES. ANY VIOLATION OF THE ABV BY ANY ACFT OPR IS PUNISHABLE BY LAW. THE FLW FLT ARE EXEMPT FM OBTAINING FOREIGN OPR PERMITS: - MIL PART 2 OF 3 
•    A2311/23 NOTAMR A2309/23 Q) FAXX/QOAXX/IV/BO/E/000/999/5152S01651E999 A) FAJA FACA FAJO PART 3 OF 3 B) 2306211020 C) PERM E) - GEN - MEDEVAC - POLICE - STATE/HEAD/VIP/VVIP ADDN INFO FOR OPR: 1. FOREIGN OPERATORS PERMIT ARE FOR FOREIGN OPR THAT ARE OPR SKED AND NON-COMMERCIAL FLT CARRYING MORE THAN 8 PASSENGER AND/OR MORE THAN 1000KG OF GARGO. 2. LDG PERMITS ARE NON-SCHEDULED COMMERCIAL FLT CARRYING 8 PASSENGERS OR LESS AND/OR 1000KG OF CARGO AS PER GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NOTICE. 3. OVERFLIGHT PERMITS ARE FOR ALL OPR WHO REQUIRE TO FLY ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA WITHOUT LDG.) PART 3 OF 3
 

How does a Commercial aircraft operator ( Part 121 ) obtain an aircraft landing permit in South Africa?

To obtain an aircraft landing permit in South Africa as a Foreign registered Commercial aircraft operator ( Part 121 ) , you would need to follow certain procedures and comply with the regulations set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). Here are the general steps involved:

• Contact the SACAA: Begin by reaching out to the SACAA, the regulatory authority responsible for aviation matters in South Africa. You can contact them directly via email or phone to inquire about the requirements and procedures for obtaining a landing permit. 
• The SACAA works with the Department of Transport. The application starts at the Department of Transport but the SACAA issues the permit. 
• All Non-Scheduled Foreign commercial air transport carrying up to 8 passengers or less than 1000kgs of cargo do not require a Foreign Operators Permit, the operator is required to obtain an overflight or landing permit from the Department of Transport. 
• World Fuel Services is able to assist with a Landing permit on your behalf, as long as a Foreign Operators Permit ( FOP ) is not required.
• Foreign operators permits are for foreign operators operating schedules and non-Scheduled commercial flights carrying more than eight passengers and or more than 1000 kilograms of cargo. This has to be done by the Operator directly with SACAA/DOT , World Fuel cannot apply for this. There is a charge for the FOP and World Fuel is able to facilitate the payment for the FOP as long as the invoice is in World Fuels name. 
• Complete the necessary documentation: The SACAA will provide you with the required forms and documentation that need to be completed. This may include an application form, proof of aircraft ownership, insurance documentation, airworthiness certificates, and maintenance records.
• Provide flight details: You will need to provide specific details about your intended flight, such as the purpose of the visit, dates and times of arrival and departure, aircraft type and registration, passenger and crew details, and other relevant information.
• Compliance with regulations: Ensure that your aircraft meets the regulatory standards and requirements set by the SACAA. This includes having the necessary safety equipment, meeting maintenance and airworthiness standards, and having appropriate insurance coverage.
• Await processing: All Permit applications take 3 working days / 72hrs to process, however for larger aircraft that require an FOP it can take more than 21 days. Between the CAA and the DOT, communication can be challenging and has often resulted in last minute or even delayed approvals. We have noticed a trend that permits usually are approved very close to Ops date as the DOT do not like changes. 
• Applications for Foreign Operator Permits ( FOP’s ) will be published in the Government Gazette for a period of 21 Days ( inclusive of Weekends and Public Holidays ) in line with Section 24 of the International Air services Act of 1990. ) 
• The SACAA will review your application and supporting documents to verify compliance. This process may take some time, so it is advisable to submit your application well in advance of your intended landing date.
• Receive the landing permit or FOP: Upon successful completion of the application process, the SACAA will issue you the landing permit. Ensure you have a copy of the permit readily available during your flight and landing in South Africa.

It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures may vary depending on the nature of your Part 121 operation, the type of aircraft, the purpose of the visit, and other factors. Working closely with your South African agent and consulting with the SACAA directly or seeking the assistance of an aviation consultant will help ensure a smooth application process and compliance with all the necessary regulations.

•    A2311/23 NOTAMR A2309/23 Q) FAXX/QOAXX/IV/BO/E/000/999/5152S01651E999 A) FAJA FACA FAJO PART 1 OF 3 B) 2306211020 C) PERM E) NO ACFT ORIGINATING OUTSIDE THE SOUTH AFRICAN (SA) BORDER SHALL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER AND TRANSIT SOUTH AFRICAN AIRSPACE OR LAND AT ANY SOUTH AFRICAN AD WO AN APPROVED FPL. NO FOREIGN REGISTERED ACFT ORIGINATING OUTSIDE THE SOUTH AFRICAN BORDER AND ENGAGED IN NON-SCHEDULED COMMERCIAL AIR TRANSPORT OPS SHALL BE ALLOWED TO LAND AT ANY SOUTH AFRICAN AD WO A VALID FOREIGN OPR PERMIT ISSUED BY DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT. THESE EXC SOUTH AFRICAN OPERATED FOREIGN REGISTERED ACFT. WHEN FILING A NON-SCHEDULED FLT PLAN, OPR SHALL INDICATE IN FIELD 18 OF THE FPL, IF THE FLT IS OF A COMMERCIAL OR NON-COMMERCIAL NATURE. (EG: RMK/COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OR NON-COMMERCIAL FLIGHT) ALL CARGO FLT WILL STIPULATE IN FIELD 18 OF THE FPL: RMK/CARGO FLIGHT AND WHETHER THE CARGO IS MORE OR LESS THAN 1000KG. CARGO FLT CARRYING CARGO OF 1000KG OR LESS IS EXEMPTED FM OBTAINING A FOREIGN OPERATORS PERMIT (FOP).THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON BOARD SHALL BE INDICATED ON THE PROCESSED FPL. (EG: RMK/10 PAX). ALL SKED AND NON-SCHEDULED FOREIGN COMMERCIAL AIR TRANSPORT OPR CARRYING MORE THAN 8 PAX ARE REQUIRED TO QUOTE THEIR FOREIGN OPR PERMIT REF NR IN FIELD 18 WHEN FILING A FPL. OPR SHALL NOT EMAIL THE FOP TO THE FPL OFFICE BUT INSERT IT ON FIELD PART 1 OF 3 
•    A2311/23 NOTAMR A2309/23 Q) FAXX/QOAXX/IV/BO/E/000/999/5152S01651E999 A) FAJA FACA FAJO PART 2 OF 3 B) 2306211020 C) PERM E) 18 OF THE FPL (EG: RMK/F/N 37/2022 OR F/S 424/2017). ALL NON-SCHEDULED FOREIGN COMMERCIAL AIR TRANSPORT OPR CARRYING UP TO 8 PAX OR LESS THAN 1000KG DO NOT REQUIRE A FOREIGN OPR PERMIT, HOWEVER OPR ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN AN OVERFLIGHT AND LDG CLR FM THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT. COMMERCIAL SKED FOREIGN OPR NEED TO COMPLY WITH THE FLW WHEN SUBMITTING THE AIR OPERATOR SECURITY PROGRAM (AOSP): A FOREIGN AIR OPR PROVIDING SKED INTL COMMERCIAL AIR TRANSPORT OPS IN THE REPUBLIC SHALL ESTABLISH, IMPLEMENT AND MAINTAIN A WRITTEN SUPPLEMENTARY STN PROC THAT MEET THE NATIONAL SECURITY RQMNTS. FOREIGN OPR PERMITS ARE ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT (DOT). CTC DETAILS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT (DOT) ARE AS FLW: FOP(AT)DOT.GOV.ZA , TSHIFHIWA MAHAFHA ON 073 307 7242 AND OWEN RIKHOTSO ON 0726234370. FAILURE TO INDICATE THE ABV RQMNTS IN THE FLT PLAN WILL RESULT IN THE FPL BEING REJECTED BY THE FLIGHT PLANNING OFFICE. ACFT ORIGINATING OUTSIDE THE SOUTH AFRICAN BORDER AND DECLARING ANY EMERG SHALL BE QUARANTINED AND ONLY BE ALLOWED TO DISEMBARK ONCE APPROVAL HAS BEEN OBTAINED FM THE RELEVANT BORDER MANAGEMENT AGENCIES. ANY VIOLATION OF THE ABV BY ANY ACFT OPR IS PUNISHABLE BY LAW. THE FLW FLT ARE EXEMPT FM OBTAINING FOREIGN OPR PERMITS: - MIL PART 2 OF 3 
•    A2311/23 NOTAMR A2309/23 Q) FAXX/QOAXX/IV/BO/E/000/999/5152S01651E999 A) FAJA FACA FAJO PART 3 OF 3 B) 2306211020 C) PERM E) - GEN - MEDEVAC - POLICE - STATE/HEAD/VIP/VVIP ADDN INFO FOR OPR: 1. FOREIGN OPERATORS PERMIT ARE FOR FOREIGN OPR THAT ARE OPR SKED AND NON-COMMERCIAL FLT CARRYING MORE THAN 8 PASSENGER AND/OR MORE THAN 1000KG OF GARGO. 2. LDG PERMITS ARE NON-SCHEDULED COMMERCIAL FLT CARRYING 8 PASSENGERS OR LESS AND/OR 1000KG OF CARGO AS PER GOVERNMENT GAZETTE NOTICE. 3. OVERFLIGHT PERMITS ARE FOR ALL OPR WHO REQUIRE TO FLY ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA WITHOUT LDG.) PART 3 OF 3