Study

Aeronautical Information Circular. A notice that contains information or advice of a non-operational nature not requiring amendment to the AIP, such as administrative, regulatory, or explanatory material relevant to aviation safety and operations.

Aeronautical Information Publication. The official document published by a national authority (in South Africa, the ATNS on behalf of the SACAA) containing aeronautical information required for air navigation, including rules, procedures, charts, and aerodrome data.

AIP Supplement. A temporary amendment to the AIP used to publish time-limited operational information such as airspace changes, temporary restrictions, or procedure adjustments. Cancelled when the change is incorporated into the main AIP or the event passes.

Automatic Terminal Information Service. A continuous broadcast of recorded non-control information at busier aerodromes, covering weather, active runway, QNH, and NOTAMs. Each broadcast is identified by a phonetic letter (e.g. 'Information Delta'). Pilots obtain ATIS before calling ATC and state the current information letter in their initial call.

Central Airspace Management Unit, used for airspace coordination tasks.

Civil Aviation Regulations. The primary body of South African regulations governing all civil aviation activities, including drone (RPAS/UAS) operations. Part 101 specifically covers remotely piloted aircraft. CARs are issued under the Civil Aviation Act, 2009 (Act No. 13 of 2009).

Civil Aviation Technical Standards. Documents published by the SACAA that provide detailed technical specifications, procedures, and acceptable means of compliance for civil aviation operations in South Africa. CATS complement and expand on the requirements stated in the Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs).

Ceiling and visibility OK, used when stated visibility, cloud, and weather criteria are met.

A medical certification class commonly associated with remote pilot fitness requirements.

An ICAO area-indicator designator (the 'FA' prefix marks South African airspace) for a Danger Area: airspace of defined dimensions within which activities hazardous to flight may take place at specified times. A Danger Area does not prohibit flight outright; it warns pilots to check the AIP/NOTAM for active times and coordinate accordingly before flying through it.

An ICAO area-indicator designator (the 'FA' prefix marks South African airspace) for a Prohibited Area: airspace of defined dimensions within which the flight of aircraft is prohibited outright. Unlike a Restricted or Danger Area, a Prohibited Area allows no flight at all, regardless of time or permission, for as long as the designation is in force.

An ICAO area-indicator designator (the 'FA' prefix marks South African airspace) for a Restricted Area: airspace of defined dimensions within which flight is restricted in accordance with specified conditions, for example military, security, or environmental reasons. Entry may be possible with permission or outside restricted hours; always verify current conditions via the AIP/NOTAM before planning a flight near one.

A designated location on a taxiway where aircraft hold before entering the active runway. Marked by runway guard lights and holding position markings (two solid and two dashed yellow lines). You must not cross the holding point without explicit ATC clearance (e.g. 'cleared for take-off' or 'line up and wait'). Read back the runway designation and confirm you are at the correct holding point.

A personal pre-flight self-assessment mnemonic used by pilots: Illness (am I sick?), Medication (taking any?), Stress (mentally fit?), Alcohol (not within limits or hangover?), Fatigue (well rested?), Emotion or Eating (emotionally stable and nourished?). Each factor is assessed honestly before flight. If any flag, do not fly.

The phonetic letter identifying the current ATIS broadcast (e.g. 'Information Delta'). Each new broadcast is assigned the next phonetic letter in sequence. When making first contact with ATC, state the letter of the ATIS you have listened to. ATC will correct you if a newer broadcast has been issued since you tuned in.

Routine aviation weather report describing observed aerodrome conditions.

Notice to Airmen (or Notice to Air Missions). A notice filed with an aviation authority to alert pilots of potential hazards, temporary restrictions, procedure changes, or other essential information affecting flight operations in a defined area or at a specific aerodrome.

The altimeter sub-scale pressure setting that causes the altimeter to display the aircraft's altitude above mean sea level. ATC issues the local QNH so all aircraft in the area share a common altitude reference. Read back the QNH value exactly as given (e.g. 'QNH 1018').

A measure of how clearly a radio transmission is received, rated on a scale from 1 to 5: 1 = Unreadable, 2 = Readable now and then, 3 = Readable but with difficulty, 4 = Readable, 5 = Perfectly readable. When a station calls you for a radio check, respond with 'reading you five by five' (5/5) if the signal is perfect. Always read back using the phrase 'reading you [number] by [number]'.

Remote Licence Application. The formal application submitted to the SACAA by an individual seeking a Remote Pilot Licence, including proof of training, examination results, and medical fitness as applicable.

RPAS maintenance technician. A person involved in maintaining RPAS or UAS equipment under approved operator and manufacturer procedures.

Remote Operator Certificate. The certificate issued by the SACAA to an entity (company or individual) that wishes to conduct commercial RPAS operations in South Africa. Required in addition to the RPL held by individual pilots. Covers the organization, procedures, and aircraft.

Remotely Piloted Aircraft System. The complete system comprising the remotely piloted aircraft (the drone), the remote pilot station(s), any required command and control links, and any other system elements specified in the design. RPAS is the ICAO-preferred term; UAS is broader and also includes fully autonomous aircraft.

Remote Pilot Certificate. The certificate issued upon completion of approved RPL ground and practical training, required for commercial drone operations in South Africa under CARs Part 101.

Remote Pilot Licence. The qualification issued by the SACAA to an individual who has demonstrated competency to operate RPAS commercially. Holders must maintain currency and medical fitness as required by CARs.

Restricted visual line of sight operation conducted under specific approved limits.

The four-digit transponder code assigned by ATC that identifies your aircraft on radar. When ATC says 'squawk 2541', set that code on your transponder and read back 'squawk 2541'. The code 7700 is the universal emergency code; 7600 indicates radio failure; 7000 is the VFR conspicuity code used in uncontrolled airspace.

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast for expected weather at or near an aerodrome.

Traffic Information Broadcast by Aircraft. A self-announcing procedure used by pilots on a published frequency when operating in uncontrolled airspace or when ATC is not available. You broadcast your own position, altitude, and intentions so other traffic can be aware of you. Begin with 'All stations TIBA [frequency], [callsign] position report, over.'

Unmanned Aircraft System. An aircraft and its associated elements operated without a pilot on board. The term UAS covers both remotely piloted aircraft (RPAS) and autonomous aircraft. In South African regulation, UAS and RPAS are often used in parallel in CARs Part 101.

Unmanned Aircraft System Licence Application. The application submitted to the SACAA when an operator seeks to register a drone or obtain the necessary authority to operate a UAS within South African airspace.

Unmanned Aircraft System Operator Certificate. Another designation for the operator-level certificate (ROC) authorizing a company or individual to conduct drone operations commercially. The SACAA may use ROC and UASOC interchangeably across different CARs revisions.

Visual Line of Sight. An operating condition in which the drone (RPAS) pilot can see the aircraft with unaided eyes (or with corrective lenses) at all times during flight, maintaining direct visual contact without the use of binoculars or camera feeds.