The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) is the governing body responsible for overseeing aviation licensing in the country. Its Personnel Licensing (PEL) department ensures compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 1 standards. From pilots and air traffic controllers to maintenance personnel, SACAA’s licensing processes are critical for maintaining safety and professionalism in South Africa’s aviation sector.
What Does the SACAA Licensing Department Do?
The PEL department manages various tasks related to licensing, including:
- Issuance and Renewal of Licenses: Covers pilots, air traffic controllers, maintenance personnel, and ground operators.
- Evaluation of Foreign Licenses: Reviews and processes foreign certifications and military pilot qualifications.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensures adherence to ICAO standards.
- Training and Examinations: Manages exams for flight crew, air traffic controllers, and other aviation professionals.
- Administration: Drafting licensing procedures and maintaining records.
Notices and Updates for License Holders
- Client Consent Form: Mandatory for transactions involving third-party personnel licenses. Access the form here.
- Remote Pilot Licenses: Updates to terminology and regulations under Part 71.
- Recognition of SAAF Experience: Acknowledges qualifications obtained in the South African Air Force.
- Foreign Training and Validation: Guidelines for training conducted abroad, requiring prior approval from SACAA.
Licensing Procedures and Requirements
Issuing or Renewing Licenses
- Submit a passport-sized photo (high resolution if electronic).
- Documents required include logbook summaries, endorsements, and completed application forms.
Lost or Damaged Licenses
- Replacement follows the same procedure as new issuance.
- A new card-based system replaces the traditional paper-based license booklet.
Viewing License Details
- Access your details via the SACAA portal by entering your license number.
- Download a PDF of your license information for convenience.
Type Ratings and Medical Validity
- Type ratings and medical validity are accessible via the 2D barcode on the back of the license card. Use apps like PDF 417 to scan and view the information.
Transition to Card-Based Licensing
The new card licensing system offers improved portability and data access via QR codes. Key benefits include:
- Clear visibility of license details.
- Easy verification of medical and type rating information.
- Streamlined processes for renewals and replacements.
Training and Certification for Foreign Licenses
Foreign licenses must meet ICAO standards and SACAA regulations. Applicants must:
- Obtain SACAA approval before undergoing training or testing abroad.
- Ensure the foreign training institution is ICAO-compliant and has no Significant Safety Concerns (SSC).
FAQs on SACAA Licensing
- How long is a license valid? The validity period is printed on the card and stored in the QR code.
- What is the turnaround time for renewals? Current timelines remain the same, with gradual improvements expected.
- Can I hold both paper and card licenses? No, the paper-based system will be discontinued once the card license is issued.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.