This blog is co-authored by Eric Geldenhuys, candidate attorney.

The Department of Transport and the Director of the Civil Aviation Authority have published draft and proposed amendments to the Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) and the South African Civil Aviation Technical Standards (SA‑CATS), with comments invited by 30 November 2025. The proposals refine requirements for aircraft registration, strengthen drone maintenance, modernise heliport requirements, and update airline operations manuals and medical examiner standards. These changes aim to improve safety, clarity and alignment with international practice.

1              Registration and marking – clearer proofs for aircraft categories 

For aircraft registration under CARs Part 47, the draft clarifies what proof is needed for aircraft categories. Homebuilt aircrafts must have a declaration of construction completion from an authorised person, and imported homebuilt aircraft must have a formal acceptance from the Director.  Factory‑built aircrafts need a statement of conformity if made in South Africa, or a type of approval if imported.  This is meant to stop incomplete aircrafts being registered and to ensure they are categorised correctly. 

2              Personnel licensing – a Code of Conduct for DAMEs

Designated Aviation Medical Examiners (DAMEs), licensed physicians authorised by the CAA to conduct aviation medical examinations, would be designated subject to signing a Code of Conduct, with the Code set out in SA‑CATS 67 and its appendix. The emphasis is on ethics, integrity and professionalism, recognising that poor certification decisions carry serious safety and legal consequences. In practice, DAMEs should expect clearer expectations, consistent oversight, and fewer disputes. 

3              Drones – planned maintenance and qualified people

For Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS or drones) under Part 101, the draft requires owners or operators to submit a maintenance programme for approval. The programme should set out tasks, intervals and, where relevant, structural integrity and battery health monitoring. Maintenance must follow original manufacturer instructions.  Qualifications are scaled by size: larger drones (Class 3 and above) need maintenance done by a person with an Unmanned Aircraft Systems Maintenance Technician authorisation, while smaller drones (Class 2 and below) may be maintained by a competent person nominated by the operator. Operators must ensure aircrafts are safe for flight and essential systems are working.  

4              Heliports – certification and modern standards

Part 139 and SA‑CATS 139 are updated to reflect International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidance. Heliports used for international operations or open to public use would require certification or licensing, backed by a heliport manual, a quality assurance system, emergency response planning, and rescue and firefighting capability. Environmental management and robust control of vehicles, restricted areas and works on the heliport are reinforced. Technical standards add clearer design, approach and lighting requirements, digital data integrity, and coordination with aeronautical information services. 

5              Airline operations – stronger manuals and safety systems 

SA‑CATS 121 proposes fuller content for operations manuals.  Highlights include a structured process for temporary revisions, clearer linkage to safety management systems, guidance on flight time limits and fatigue risk management, detailed operating procedures for fuel, weather hazards and navigation, and practical instructions for low‑visibility operations, the use of electronic flight bags, and security.  Operators should anticipate updates to manual content, training syllabuses and oversight of ground handling providers. 

Comments on these drafts are due by 30 November 2025 to Civil Aviation Regulations Committee via the CAA Secretariat. Electronic copies of the drafts are available from the CAA.  If you operate aircraft, drones, heliports or air services, review the proposals against your current approvals, manuals and procedures, and focus feedback on practical implementation, transition timelines and any unintended operational impacts.