Charles Esther
South Africa’s aviation industry has been rocked by a sudden regulatory move from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).
The Authority has begun enforcing a controversial rule requiring all aircraft engines older than 12 years to undergo mandatory overhauls, regardless of usage or mechanical condition.
This ruling has led to the grounding of over 1,400 aircraft nationwide, affecting both fixed-wing planes and helicopters.
SACAA defends the decision as a vital safety measure, though many in the aviation community argue it could destroy the industry’s economic stability.
Safety Cited as Primary Justification for the Rule
According to SACAA, the rule is rooted in the desire to prevent catastrophic engine failures.
Officials say that even engines with low flight hours can suffer from age-related degradation such as metal fatigue, corrosion, or seal failure.
The Authority claims the 12-year limit aligns with international standards, including those set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
A SACAA spokesperson warned that some engine components deteriorate invisibly, and that mandatory overhaul intervals are necessary to detect hidden issues before accidents occur.
Exemption AIC 18.19 Withdrawn, Citing Abuse and Inconsistencies
Until 2023, aircraft owners in South Africa could bypass the calendar-based overhaul through an exemption known as AIC 18.19.
This alternative allowed continued use of older engines through regular inspections instead of age-based limits.
However, SACAA rescinded the exemption, stating that its reliance on inspector discretion led to uneven enforcement and potential safety risks.
The Authority claims that subjective evaluations of engine health left too much room for oversight errors and possible abuse.
In their view, safety must be determined by clear, consistent standards—not individual judgment.
Critics Question the Logic and Economic Fallout of the Rule
Industry professionals warn that the financial burden of mandatory overhauls may be too heavy for aircraft owners to bear.
In many cases, the cost of overhauling an older engine exceeds the value of the aircraft itself.
This could lead to the permanent grounding of thousands of airframes, even if they are still structurally sound and safe to operate.
An estimated 300,000 jobs are tied to South Africa’s aviation ecosystem, and stakeholders fear the new policy could lead to widespread unemployment and service disruptions.
Incident Data Cited, but Evidence Remains Sparse
SACAA points to international incident data suggesting that long-idle engines can fail unexpectedly.
In one 2019 incident in Botswana, an engine failure linked to poor maintenance during long-term storage led to heightened concerns across the Southern African region.
While no recent major accidents in South Africa have been traced to old engines, SACAA argues that the risk is real and growing.
The Authority sees its approach as proactive—meant to prevent disaster rather than respond to it.
International Obligations and Safety Ratings at Stake
As South Africa’s aviation regulator, SACAA must maintain safety oversight standards in line with global expectations.
A single major accident related to an ageing engine could not only cost lives but also downgrade the country’s aviation safety rating.
Such a downgrade would impact international flight access and restrict South African carriers from operating freely in foreign airspace.
Officials insist that early action now prevents larger problems later, both in reputation and safety performance.
Aviation Industry Calls for Phased or Flexible Implementation
Despite these concerns, SACAA has so far rejected proposals for a phased or conditional rollout of the rule.
Industry bodies argue that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t account for usage-based maintenance or the varying wear rates of engines.
Some aircraft are flown just a few hours each year, and critics say forcing their overhaul wastes resources without a proven safety benefit.
Still, SACAA remains firm, stating that bending rules now could compromise safety standards down the line.
Looking Ahead: Safety vs. Sustainability
The aviation community continues to push for a balanced, evidence-based policy that considers both safety and economic sustainability.
Critics argue that SACAA’s hardline stance risks harming the very industry it aims to protect.
Until a compromise is found, South Africa’s skies may stay quiet—and its aviation workforce may face growing uncertainty.
