This blog is co-authored by Eric Geldenhuys, a candidate attorney.
In March 2025, the Minister of Transport amended the Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) in terms of section 155 of the Civil Aviation Act, 2009. The thirty first amendment to the Civil Aviation Regulations (Amended CARs) was gazetted on 28 March 2025. Part 139 of the Amended CARs, relating to aerodromes and heliports, is effective from the date of publication of the gazette. The remainder of the amendments will come into operation on the Proclamation of the Civil Aviation Amendment Act, 2021 by the President. The Amended CARs introduce significant updates across various parts of the CARs as well as the South African Civil Aviation Technical Standards (SA-CATS).
The key amendments to note are:
1 New definitions and abbreviations have been inserted into Part 1 (Definitions):
2 Part 11 (CAA committees and procedures relating to the issuance of technical standards) has been amended in relation to the institution of the committees, meetings by the committees, remuneration of members and the administration by the committees. The Minister of Transport, no longer the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, is empowered to grant exemptions from the prescribed requirements. The new Part 11.07 establishes the Fees Committee and its role in making recommendations to the Minister regarding charges, fees, and levies;
3 Part 12 (Aviation accidents and incidents) is substituted with a new, but similarly drafted, Part 12. The amendment clarifies provisions, including the jurisdictional limits of aviation investigations and stipulates the functions and powers of the newly established Aviation Safety Investigation Board as the responsible authority for aviation accidents and incidents;
4 The amendments to Part 61, which regulates the issuing, revalidating and reissuing of South African pilot licences and ratings, further clarify the entry requirements, examination procedures, and conditions for maintaining examination credits. These updates ensure that applicants meet the necessary knowledge standards, and that the examination process is conducted fairly and transparently.
5 Part 67, which applies to the issuance of medical certificates for flight and cabin crew and air traffic personnel, has been amended to extend the appeal period for individuals whose medical certificates have been suspended, ensuring that they have adequate time to challenge the decision.
6 The amendments to Part 92 clarify the conditions under which dangerous goods may be transported and the discretionary powers of the Commissioner in allowing such conveyance.
7 Part 139, which prescribes the regulations applicable to all aerodromes and heliports, is substantially amended. The amendments to Part 139 introduce new requirements for safety and security inspections, reporting aerodrome data, maintaining physical characteristics, and implementing emergency and environmental management programmes.
8 Part 171, which regulates the use and maintenance of navigation equipment, provides that navigation equipment is subject to periodic flight inspections but the Commissioner may, in terms of the new Part 171.03.13(2), waive or suspend the requirement under certain conditions.
9 The amendments to Part 173, which regulates the flight procedure design, are limited to alterations to the sentence structure and wording of the regulations.
10 The amendments to Part 185.04, which deals with decision of an authorised officed or inspector, presents slight alterations to the time-periods and wording of the regulation.
11 The newly inserted Part 186 outlines the procedures for appeals against decisions made by the Commissioner in the context of civil aviation regulations.
12 The newly inserted Part 187.03.01, introduces and outlines the requirements for the establishment and maintenance of trust accounts by individuals or organisations that collect money, fees, charges, or levies on behalf of the Civil Aviation Authority. This regulation aims to ensure that such funds are managed transparently and securely.
If you need further details on the amendments, please contact Kiasha Nagiah and Eric Geldenhuys.