Aviation Regulatory Agencies: CAA, SACAA, SA-CATS

• Regulatory agencies covered include CAA, SACAA, SA-CATS, SA-CAR, ICAO, FAA, EASA, and IATA

CAA

• CAA is a generic term for a national aviation regulatory body.
• It is used in countries such as the UK, China, and several African nations.
• These authorities implement the ICAO SARPs in national legislation and are responsible for regulatory oversight.

SACAA

• SACAA is the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
• SACAA is the National Regulatory Body in South Africa.
• SACAA ensures compliance with aviation regulations and standards.
• SACAA operates as an agency of the Department of Transport (DoT).
• SACAA is headed by the Director.
• SACAA is established to control, promote, regulate, support, develop, enforce and continuously improve the levels of safety throughout the civil aviation industry.

SA-CATS

• Represents the South African Civil Aviation Technical Standard.
• It is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority.

SA-CAR

• Represents the South African Civil Aviation Regulations.

ICAO

• The International Civil Aviation Organization has a number of countries belonging to it
• ICAO sets minimum standards for member countries.
• ICAO regulations are legally binding on member states and helps countries cooperate diplomatically in air transport.
• ICAO is funded and directed by 193 national governments.
• ICAO researches new transport policy and standardization innovations as directed and endorsed by governments.
• The Air Navigation Bureau covers Accident Investigation, Aerodromes, Air Traffic Management, Aviation Medicine, Dangerous Goods, Integrated Infrastructure Management, and Operational Safety.
• The Air Transport Bureau covers aviation security.

FAA

• Stands for the Federal Aviation Administration of the USA.
• Its guidelines are used by most of the world, including South Africa.
• FAA's stands for Federal Aviation Regulations.
• The FAA is the national aviation authority of the United States.
• The FAA can regulate and oversee all aspects of American civil aviation as an agency of the Department of Transportation.
• Primary Responsibilities include safety regulation, airspace and traffic management, and air navigation facilities.
• The FAA promotes aviation safety and encourages civil aviation abroad.
• The FAA exchanges aeronautical information with foreign authorities, certifies foreign repair shops, provides technical aid and conducts research.

EASA

• EASA is the European Union authority responsible for civil aviation safety.
• The European Aviation Safety Agency was established in 2002 by the European parliament and the Council.
• EASA ensures a high and uniform level of safety in civil aviation by implementing common safety rules and measures.
• A cooperation existed with EU regulatory authorities known as JAA (Joint Aviation Authorities).
• EU members transferred airworthiness regulations away from the JAA with the creation of EASA in 2002.

IATA

• IATA is the International Air Transport Association and has commercial airlines as members.
• IATA members must adhere to IATA's regulations, otherwise facing penalties such as license withdrawal.

Other Regulatory Agencies

• Customs is responsible for controlling items entering a country along with taxes.
• Police assist flights with unruly passengers.
• Immigration controls people entering a country.
• Health departments check travel documentation for imported items.
• Drug enforcement teams inspect aircraft and passports for narcotics.

Role of the CAA

• The CAA is South Africa's National Regulatory Body.
• Operators must comply with minimum safety standards to maintain aviation safety in South Africa.
• Regulations published by the SACAA must comply with ICAO regulations.
• The SACAA Director heads inspectors who perform safety checks on operators and their crew.

Civil Aviation Legislation: CATS & CAR's

• Part 1 covers definitions and abbreviations.
• Part 11 deals with procedures for making Regulations, issuing technical standards and granting exemptions.
• Part 61 covers Pilot Licensing.
• Part 63 covers Flight Engineer Licensing.
• Part 64 covers Cabin Crew Licensing.
• Part 67 covers Medical Certification.
• Part 91 covers General Aviation and Operational flight rules.
• Part 92 covers Conveyance of Dangerous Goods.
• Part 109 covers aviation security (AVSEC).
• Part 121 covers air transport operations involving the carriage on aircraft of more than 19 passengers or cargo.
• Part 141 deals with Aviation Training Organizations (ATO).
• Part 183 is the General List of Regulations.
• Part 185 covers Offenses / Enforcement.
• Part 187 covers fees and charges.

Open Skies, Mergers & Harmonisation

• "Open Skies" agreements liberalize international air travel.
• "Mergers" combine airlines into a single entity.
• "Harmonization" aligns regulations and standards across regions.

Open Skies Agreements

• Definition: Bilateral or multilateral agreements that remove restrictions on airline operations.
• Benefits: Increased travel and trade, enhanced productivity, and spur economic growth.
• Examples: US agreements with over 100 countries and EU-US agreements.
• Challenges: Increased competition and complex regulatory standards.

Airline Mergers

• Definition: Combines all aspects of two airlines' operations into a single operating certificate.
• Examples: British Airways and Iberia into International Airlines Group (IAG).
• The FAA requires merged airlines to demonstrate high safety levels.

Harmonization in Aviation

• Definition: Aligning regulations, standards, and procedures to create a more unified and efficient system.
• Benefits: Improved operational efficiency and cooperation.
• Examples: EU-US Open Skies Agreement.
• Challenges: Complex policies and resistance from national aviation authorities.

Historic Legislation and Effects on Aviation Safety

• Aviation safety regulations evolved from prescriptive standards to performance-based legislation.
• This evolution was influenced by ICAO and national authorities.
• It aimed to improve safety outcomes amid industry globalization.

Early Aviation

• Pre-World War I: Aviation required international attention due to its potential for rapid transport.
• The first international air law conference was in Paris in 1910.
• Post-World War I: The war highlighted the potential of aviation requiring international cooperation.
• Establishment of ICAO: The International Civil Aviation Organization was established to enforce international aviation regulations.
• National Aviation Authorities: FAA etc. set and enforce safety standards.

Evolving Safety Regulations

• Prescriptive Standards: Initial regulations with specific rules for airlines and airports.
• Shift to Performance-Based Legislation: Focuses on desired safety outcomes.
• Factors Driving the Shift: Globalization and liberalization of the aviation industry.
• Potential Risks of Deregulation: Requires careful management of potential safety risks.

Key Legislation and Organizations

• Chicago Convention (1944): Established the framework for international aviation cooperation and led to the creation of ICAO.
• ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs): ICAO develops SARPs covering all aspects of aviation safety providing the foundation for global safety regulatory regimes.
• National Aviation Authorities: Enforce regulations and ensure safety within their respective countries.
• Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010: Improved safety regulations and pilot training in the aviation industry.
• Civil Aviation Amendment Act 22 of 2021 (South Africa): Addressed aviation safety and security, enhanced environmental protection, and regulatory compliance.

Impact of Legislation on Aviation Safety

• Reduced Accident Rates: Improved aviation safety and decreased accident rates.
• Technological Advancements: Aircraft design, engine technology, navigation systems enhanced safety.
• Training and Procedures: Enhanced pilot training and safety management systems improved safety.
• Continued Evolution: Aviation safety adapts to new technologies and challenges.

Regulatory Control

• Regulatory control ensures safe air travel through laws, regulations, and standards.
• It is implemented by national aviation authorities and guided by organizations like ICAO.

International Standards and Practices (SARPs)

• ICAO sets global standards for aviation safety, security, and efficiency.

National Aviation Authorities

• Each country has its own authority (SACAA, DGCA) for ICAO SARPs.

Key Functions of Aviation Regulators

• Safety Oversight: Compliance, inspections, and accident investigations.
• Licensing and Certification: Issuing licenses and ensuring airworthiness.
• Air Traffic Control: Regulating air traffic operations for safety.
• Airport Regulation: Overseeing airport construction, operation, and safety.
• Economic Regulation: Regulating economic aspects such as airport charges.

Examples of Regulatory Bodies

• South Africa: SACAA
• India: Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• Europe: EASA
• ICAO

Regulatory Compliance

• Compliance is crucial for aviation safety and efficiency.

Importance of Regulation

• Aviation regulation is essential for safety, security, and maintaining an efficient aviation system.

Technical Guidance

• Technical guidance materials (TGMs) provide procedures and information for safety, operations, and compliance.

Purpose of TGMs

• It is designed to assist aviation professionals understand and comply with regulations and best practices.

Areas Covered by TGMs

• Airworthiness: Aircraft modifications and maintenance.
• Flight Operations: Air operator certificates and aerodrome operations.
• Aviation Security: Security screening, training, and cargo security.
• Personnel Licensing: Licensing and authorization of personnel.
• General: Management of change and safety oversight functions.

Examples of TGM Content

• Inspector Manuals: Directions and procedures for inspectors.
• Advisory Circulars: Advice and guidance on regulatory compliance.
• Specific TGM Documents: Focus on areas like RPAS and security screening.

Access to TGMs

• Civil Aviation Authorities (CAAs) make TGMs publicly available.

Importance of TGMs

• Enhance safety by providing clear guidance and ensuring compliance.
• Outline best practices and procedures.

Technical Directives

• Technical Directives (TDs) are legally enforceable rules like Airworthiness Directives.
• They're issued to address unsafe conditions in aircraft.

Purpose of TDs

• Ensure continued airworthiness of aircraft by addressing potential safety hazards.

Authority of TDs

• In the US, the FAA issues Airworthiness Directives (ADs).

Scope of TDs

• They cover a range of issues, including inspections and modifications.

Enforcement of TDs

• TDs are legally binding for aircraft operators and maintenance personnel.

Service Bulletins

• While not TDs, Service Bulletins from manufacturers offer recommendations for maintaining aircraft airworthiness. Importance TDs are crucial for aircraft safety and legal operation.

Policy Letters

• Policy letters provide guidance and clarification on regulations and standards.
• They cover topics from aircraft maintenance to aviation security.

Purpose of Policy Letters

• They disseminate guidance on regulations without imposing new requirements.

Examples of Topics Covered

• Maintenance and Manufacturing: Transport Canada's Maintenance and Manufacturing Policy Letters (MPLs) cover regulations for aircraft maintenance and training of maintenance workers.
• Aircraft Certification: Aircraft Certification Policy Letters (ACPLs) provide guidance on aircraft certification processes.
• General Aviation: General Aviation Policy Letters (GAPLs) address policies related to general aviation activities.
• Commercial and Business Aviation: Commercial and Business Aviation Policy Letters (CBAPLs) cover issues related to commercial and business aviation.
• Minimum Equipment List (MEL): Policy Letters (PLs) related to MELs, like PL 34 and PL 120, provide guidance to inspectors on revisions and requirements related to the MEL.
• Aviation Security: The Aviation Security Policy (ASP) Section of the Aviation Security and Facilitation Branch develops standards and recommended practices for the security of international air transport. ICAO: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) develops standards and recommended practices for international air transport, including policies for resolving duplicate five-letter name codes. Accessibility: Policy letters are often made available to the public for informational purposes, even if they are not directly regulatory in nature. Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS): The FAA has a Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) that combines various aviation safety guidance document types into a single searchable application. Policy Statements: Policy statements disseminate guidance to FAA employees or the public, while policy memorandums provide clarification or guidance on FAA directives and apply to FAA employees and/or designees.

Non-Conformance Measures

• Identifying and addressing deviations from standards.
• Involves documenting issues, analyzing root causes, and implementing corrective actions.

Civil Aviation Inspectors

• Civil Aviation Authority Inspectors ensure procedures and equipment comply with standards.
• CAA Inspectors conduct in-flight and apron/base inspections which may include cabin crew training programs, handling procedures, safety procedures, safety equipment, cabin.
• Civil Aviation Flight Operations Inspectors and Cabin Safety Inspectors may board your aircraft and need to carry credentials.

Different Types of Inspectors

• Flight Deck (Flight Operations)
• Cabin Safety
• Dangerous Goods
• Air Worthiness

Types of Inspections

• Ramp Inspection/Apron/Tarmac: Done before passengers board and involves checking pre-flight procedures, manuals, logbooks, licences.
• In-Flight Inspection: The CAA inspector will be onboard the aircraft for the entire flight and will do checks related to safety and emergency procedures, valid boarding pass is required.
• Base / Facility Inspection: Done at the company's base, is an inspection of records kept by the operator including the training of crew members.
• Inspectors usually occupy a passenger seat.

Carriage of Cabin Safety Inspectors

• Operators need to provide inspectors with a confirmed seat.
• Inspectors may occupy vacant Cabin Crew seat only when displacement occurs
• The inspector may be seated on the observer seat in the flight deck.
• Inspectors should be briefed on cabin crew operations and equipment.

Cabin Safety Inspectors are carried on a flight and should observe the following policy

• Preferred seating is a passenger seat in the cabin, a vacant Flight Attendant jump seat, and then a cockpit observer's seat (not for inspection purposes) in that order.

Authority of Cabin Safety Inspectors

• Inspectors can suspend a cabin crew member's license for non-compliance.
• The cabin crew member must receive written notification of the suspension.
• The cabin crew member must comply/respond to the Director, who will make a final decision.
• Director can cancel the licence.

The SACAA

• SACAA inspector may ground an aircraft if the safety of the aircraft, crew or passengers could be endangered.
• An AOC holder, also known as an airline or operator, is responsible for the overall management and operation of an aircraft.
• Operator needs An Airline Organizational Structure Chart as a visual document that outlines the roles and responsibilities of each position in the airline's structure.
• An operator is responsible for recurrent training to maintain and build upon perishable skills and knowledge.

Operations Manual

• The operations manual is the documentation by which an organisation provides guidance for members and employees to perform their functions correctly and reasonably efficiently.
• Compliance with the operations manual will generally be considered as activity approved by the persons legally responsible for the organisation.
• Intended to remind employees of how to do their job, reduce human error
• It contains the standards, policies, procedures and guidelines pertaining to operating as a cabin crew member in normal and abnormal situations.

Senior Cabin Crew

• Appointed by an air service operator whenever there is more than one cabin crew member.
• The senior cabin crew member is responsible to the PIC for the conduct of cabin operations and the coordination and performance of safety duties.
• The Senior Cabin Crewmember will be required to sign a receipt for the mailbag when collecting as well as when delivering it to the ground staff/company representative.

Minimum Cabin Crew Requirements

• Should have Briefings – normal, abnormal and emergency situations, communication, operator manuals procedure, reporting systems, fatigue management, leadership skills, safety management system, administrative tasks
• Must pass a theoretical knowledge examination and a practical skills test.

The Cabin Crew Member

• Cabin crew members are responsible for maintaining a thorough understanding of all normal, abnormal, and emergency procedures relevant to their duties, that includes safety protocols, communication systems, and emergency equipment.
• Cabin crew members should adhere to approved procedures while performing their duties and possess documents attesting to their competence.
• Flight deck/Commander
• First Officer
• Flight Engineer
• SCCM
• Cabin Crewmember
• Trainee Cabin Crewmember

Regulations

• Single cabin crew operations require one cabin crew member to manage duties.
• Multi crew encompasses all flight attendant duties and responsibilities. Flight safety and service are discussed in regards to pre-flight, turbulence, first aid, etc.
• Ensure compliance with airline policies and procedures.
• The one crew concept emphasizes a cohesive approach of crew member, pilots, and cabin members to ensure safety and teamwork.
• Pre flight and cabin briefings include safety protocols.