South Africa Aviation Permits
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Civil Aviation Authority
- Name: South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
- Website: https://www.caa.co.za
- Contact: SACAA, Midrand, Gauteng | Tel: +27 11 545 1000 | ATNS (Air Traffic Navigation Services): https://www.atns.co.za | Email: info@caa.co.za
Estimated Processing Time
Requirements by Operation Type
Private flights require advance notification. Customs at designated international airports.
Non-scheduled flights require SACAA permit, 5 business days advance.
Bilateral agreements via SACAA.
Overflight Permit
- Required: Conditional
- Authority: SACAA
- Lead Time: 2 working days notification
- Validity: +/- 72 hours from approved schedule
- Fees: No CAA processing fees; ATNS navigation charges billed directly to operator
Required for all FOREIGN-registered aircraft. ZS-registered (South African) aircraft are exempt. No aircraft documents required for overflight permit. Operators must have advance deposit with SACAA or resolve outstanding payments -- failure results in denied access.
1. Submit overflight notification to SACAA at least 2 working days before 2. Provide: operator name, aircraft type & registration, flight schedule, entry/exit points 3. No aircraft documents required for overflight 4. Ensure advance deposit with SACAA or resolve outstanding navigation payments 5. ATNS will bill navigation charges directly 6. No CAA processing fees
Landing Permit
- Required: Yes
- Authority: SACAA
- Lead Time: 3 working days / 72 hours (official); 5 business days recommended
- Validity: +/- 72 hours from approved schedule
- Fees: No CAA permit fee for Part 91; standard landing/parking fees apply
Required for ALL foreign-registered aircraft (private and charter). OWNER DECLARATION LETTER: if more than 8 passengers aboard a Part 91 private flight, the Department of Transport may request a letter with application details confirming it is a private (non-commercial) flight. ATNS bills navigation charges directly to the operator. Must have advance deposit or clear outstanding payments.
1. Submit landing permit request to SACAA at least 3 working days (5 recommended) before 2. Provide: airworthiness certificate, registration certificate, AOC (if charter), worldwide insurance, noise certificate, radio license, crew licenses 3. Provide: maintenance release certificate, flight schedule, passenger manifest 4. For Part 91 with >8 passengers: prepare OWNER DECLARATION LETTER confirming the flight is private/non-commercial 5. Ensure advance deposit or clear outstanding ATNS payments 6. No government permit fee for Part 91 flights 7. ATNS navigation charges billed separately 8. Permit valid +/- 72 hours
Cabotage
No restrictions reported for private flights
General Remarks
OR Tambo (FAOR) and Cape Town (FACT) are the primary GA airports. Lanseria (FALA) near Johannesburg popular for bizav. ATNS handles air navigation billing separately from SACAA permit process. Must settle or deposit for navigation fees before permit approval.