FUNCTIONS OF RAASA AS DESIGNATED BY THE SACAA

Whilst the functions assigned to a designated body are contained in the Civil Aviation Regulations (CARS), the CAA added some functions not specifically provided for in Part 149 of the regulations. These include oversight over Special Air Events, Aerobatic ratings and Display authorisations and oversight over Model Aircraft operations.

The designated functions include the establishment and determination of safety standards and airworthiness standards, issuing of the newly introduced National Pilot License and Authority- to-fly permits, serve on the CAA consultative forums such as CARCOM and NASCOM, monitoring compliance with regulations, and the Approved Person scheme.

The oversight over the activities of the Parachute Association and the Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association will shift from the Aero Club to RAASA.

Oversight over the activities of gliding as currently done by the Soaring Society is specifically excluded.

It is important to note that the functions will be phased in over a period of some months, and that the process will be completed during 2009. Detail of the progress will be published on the RAASA website and will be distributed through news letters and bulletins.