Aircraft engines older than 12 years - regardless of flight hours - must now be completely overhauled, following a ruling by the Pretoria High Court on Friday.
The decision comes after five aviation industry bodies challenged the controversial rule introduced by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The court upheld the requirement, which is expected to have a major impact on the aviation sector.
In June, the CAA confirmed that all aircraft with engines over 12 years old must be rebuilt in line with manufacturers’ maintenance manuals. The authority said the move followed the invalidation of the long-standing AIC 18.19 directive, which had previously made engine overhauls only a guideline rather than mandatory.
Most light aircraft in South Africa use Lycoming or Continental engines, which recommend overhauls every 2,000 flight hours or 12 years.
Industry representatives warn that enforcing this as a rule will have serious implications for private, commercial, and agricultural aviation.
Aviation expert and TV presenter Wouter Botes said the cost of overhauling an engine - around R1 million - will force many owners to sell their planes.
“This rule will hit the private sector hard. Some of these aircraft are used for crop spraying,” he said.
The decision comes after five aviation industry bodies challenged the controversial rule introduced by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The court upheld the requirement, which is expected to have a major impact on the aviation sector.
In June, the CAA confirmed that all aircraft with engines over 12 years old must be rebuilt in line with manufacturers’ maintenance manuals. The authority said the move followed the invalidation of the long-standing AIC 18.19 directive, which had previously made engine overhauls only a guideline rather than mandatory.
Most light aircraft in South Africa use Lycoming or Continental engines, which recommend overhauls every 2,000 flight hours or 12 years.
Industry representatives warn that enforcing this as a rule will have serious implications for private, commercial, and agricultural aviation.
Aviation expert and TV presenter Wouter Botes said the cost of overhauling an engine - around R1 million - will force many owners to sell their planes.
“This rule will hit the private sector hard. Some of these aircraft are used for crop spraying,” he said.