Could Require Fire And Rescue Forces At Up To 3,000 Airfields

Think for a moment what kind of resources it would take to have a staff of emergency fire and rescue personnel at the municipal airport nearest your home. As absurd as that might sound, that is exactly what is being proposed by the government of South Africa, and it could be coming soon.

AOPA reports that the proposal its South African branch has beaten back two earlier attempts at this kind of over-regulation. This bite at the apple would require full licensing of any airport "related to tourism". It would make the owner of the airport liable for any accident or other mishap that might occur. This despite there is no data to support that there have been accidents that can be attributed to a lack of registration or licensing.

AOPA South Africa President Chris Martinus said that the South African Civil Aviation Authority proposal would enforce the plan by "making it illegal to take off or land at any place other than a registered or licensed aerodrome.” That would make operations from small airstrips or individual farms where aircraft operate impossible. “This implies major costs and inconvenience, which will simply result in such airfields being closed, since few (if any) of them are profitable in themselves and are usually maintained by flying clubs, farmers or various tourist attractions such as game lodges and other resorts,” he said.

He added that the impact on companies that rely on tourist trade would potentially be "catastrophic".

The comment period for the proposal is open through October 24. Martinus is asking for pilots worldwide to weigh in on the issue.

FMI: www.caa.co.za/Pages/default.aspx