As if there wasn’t enough trouble in SA’s controversial aviation sector, it was now disclosed by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of South Africa president Koos Marais that about 14,000 aircrafts and about 10,000 commercial and general pilots are not properly licensed.

This disclosure will raise many concerns regarding the competency of our pilots and the safety of our aircrafts.

The Civil Aviation Authority, who regulates aviation safety, has been run by an acting director for over 18 months. One of the issues surrounding this is the fact that the acting director does not have the authority to issue or renew licenses.

Mr Marais also brought up the point that in the event of an accident, an insurance company or international government may claim that a South African plane or pilot was not properly licensed.

Since January last year, Zakhele Thwala had been director of the CAA in an acting capacity.

“Mr Thwala’s acting appointment was extended in January, but this is against the law which says a person may not be appointed for more than a year in an acting capacity,” Mr Marais said.