South Africa:- SACAA suspends RPLs
It has come to our attention that the rug has been pulled from under the feet of students that trained with South Africa’s only one stop approved drone training school. The only school that could provide ground and flight training.
Also leaving people in the company licencing process high and dry. Without RPL’s in place for some company positions they cannot proceed with their applications for Remote Operators certificates and demonstration fights
It also means that two of the current ROC’s cannot operate.
Although the letter from Eric states that RPL’s have 60 days to comply the SACAA have actually shut down operators with immediate effect.
If you are outside outside of South Africa you might think this situation will be resolved quickly, the reality is South Africa shuts down for Christmas and nothing will be done until the new year.
The creation of drone rules for South Africa that came into force on July 1st this year was a good thing. The team that created them did so with involvement of industry and it all seemed very positive.
Unfortunately the implementation of the rules after other SACAA departments became involved has not been plain sailing.
If the goal posts are to be moved almost arbitrarily then I think its right for industry in South Africa to expect the highest standards in training and knowledge of those in power driving it.
The SACAA staff with RPL trained at the Prowings facility with an overseas company.
If those close to the process are to be believed SACAA candidates performed flight in GPS assisted flight modes only.
They did not demonstrate the handling skills required for even local model aircraft training schemes.
The SACAA should accept overseas qualifications that have been obtained in countries that have had rules for years. The UK, Australia come straight to mind. SACAA representatives must also complete that training so they are aware of best practice. They should also consider a sensible set of entry level qualifications that help start ups trade.
At the Part 101 workshops earlier this year we were promised reactive regulations that would quickly move to accommodate industry with safety in mind. Its time for the SACAA to invest in the future of aviation and move with speed.
Its easy to simply shake my head and say well this is Africa, but arbitrary decisions by people in power here have unintended consequences far too frequently.
