Midrand. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) confirms the suspension of the Air Operating Certificate (AOC) of Progress Air on the basis that the operator has been found to be conducting air ambulance flights or services without having a Class III Type G7 on its Air Service Licence or a legal Part 138 endorsement on its AOC.
 
This operator’s suspension is based on Part 135.06.6(1) (a) of the Civil Aviation Regulations and it came into effect on 7 June 2010.  The operator has been found to be exercising privileges which they are not authorised to exercise either in terms of their Air Services Licence or their AOC.  This is not only contrary to the applicable regulatory requirements but also poses a serious safety hazard to those using these services.
 
The probable imminent danger to the general public necessitated that the CAA take an immediate action.
 
The operator has a right to appeal this decision to the Director of Civil Aviation wherein they can request him to vary, or set aside this suspension, as stipulated in Part 135.06.6 (4).  The appeal process requires that the operator lodges the said appeal within a period of 14 days from the date of suspension. The Director has the powers to extend, confirm and vary or set aside the suspension.
 
This enforcement act should serve as a warning to all operators who engage in non-compliant and illegal civil aviation services that the CAA will not hesitate to act once such information comes to the attention of the regulator.
 
The CAA’s mandate is to ensure a safe civil aviation environment to all who live in South Africa and to our visitors who come to this country for leisure or business purposes.
 
The CAA has referred this matter to other external relevant authorities for further investigation and action in addition to our own internal process.