According to Aero Club Communiqué #2 of January 2026, two extended meetings were held during the past week between the SACAA and representatives from across the general aviation sector. These discussions focused on a proposed amendment to Part 43 of the South African Civil Aviation Technical Standards (SA CATS), aimed at addressing the continued operation of piston engines older than 12 years.

 

The proposed solution takes the form of a new Appendix 3 to SA CATS Part 43, which sets out a formal process for owners and operators to maintain the safe operation of aircraft fitted with Lycoming or Continental engines beyond the manufacturer’s recommended time or date-based TBO limits.

 

Industry Engagement and Consensus

The meetings brought together aircraft maintenance engineers, private pilots, interested aviators and SACAA officials. While debate was described as robust at times, consensus was ultimately reached on both the content of the proposed appendix and the way forward for managing the issue.

 

This outcome reflects a collaborative effort between regulators and industry, with the Aero Club playing a central coordinating role. Considerable time was invested by Aero Club members in reviewing the SACAA proposal and suggesting alternative wording to ensure the process would be practical and accessible for Part 91 operators.

 

Key Features of the Proposed Appendix 3

The proposed amendment is underpinned by a risk-based, condition-monitoring approach, rather than a fixed calendar limit. Among the salient features are:

• The primary objective is to allow safe, traceable continued operation of piston aircraft engines beyond manufacturer-recommended TBO limits.
• The framework applies to privately operated, type-certified piston engines installed on South African-registered general aviation aircraft, where owners elect an on-condition approach under Parts 91 and 43.
• An engine’s eligibility for on-condition operation will be determined through detailed inspections and checks of the engine and associated components.
• Original Engine Manufacturer limits, standards and inspection intervals will be used as the reference baseline to assess continued serviceability.

Next Steps in the Regulatory Process

At an Aviation Safety Operations meeting held today, it was agreed that the final draft of Appendix 3 will be circulated to meeting participants. Ratification is scheduled for 20 January 2026, after which the document will be submitted to the Civil Aviation Regulations Committee, with a recommendation that it be released for public comment.

 

The Aero Club has emphasised that the amendment must still follow the prescribed legal process before promulgation. While no timeline can yet be given for final implementation, the Club has formally committed to assisting the SACAA in expediting the process where possible.

 

A Collaborative Outcome

The Aero Club has expressed confidence that the final draft represents a balanced and workable compromise for affected Part 91 operators, and has acknowledged the constructive engagement of the SACAA’s General Aviation Department, AMOs, AMEs and the wider aviation community.

 

While the regulatory journey is not yet complete, the latest developments mark the most tangible progress to date in resolving one of South African general aviation’s most contentious technical issues.