Africa Sky Runners remains fully compliant with all CAA maintenance rules – and stays airborne.

Cessna 210

The recent tightening of engine overhaul and airworthiness enforcement in South Africa has had a significant impact on piston-powered aircraft across the industry. With stricter application of overhaul intervals and calendar limits, a large portion of the general aviation fleet now faces delayed renewals, extended downtime, and increased operational pressure.

In this environment, reliability and regulatory alignment are not talking points — they are operational essentials.

Africa Sky Runners, together with our partnering Air Operator, remains fully compliant with current engine overhaul and maintenance requirements. Our fleet has already undergone the required overhauls and major inspections in accordance with manufacturer guidance and applicable regulations. As a result, our aircraft retain valid Certificates of Airworthiness and remain available for flying safaris, scenic flights, and bespoke flying experiences without disruption.

Our guests, agents, and partners can plan with confidence: itineraries proceed as scheduled, aircraft allocations remain stable, and the standard of safety behind every flight is fully supported by current, documented maintenance.

A maintenance philosophy grounded in responsibility

Our operation is built on a straightforward principle: if we are entrusted with flying guests across remote landscapes, our aircraft must reflect that responsibility in every technical detail, and we work consistently to uphold a standard of compliance, professionalism, and safety stewardship that contributes positively to African general aviation.

The regulatory backdrop

The current position on engine overhauls is the result of evolving guidance and legal clarification around what is often referred to as the “12-year rule” for piston engines.

In summary:

• Historically, engines on piston-powered aircraft have been required to comply with Time Between Overhaul (TBO) limits and calendar-time requirements as set out by manufacturers and embedded within the applicable Civil Aviation Regulations and Technical Standards.

• Industry debate arose around how certain policies were introduced and enforced, and aspects of previous guidance were withdrawn or amended.

• Recent legal and regulatory outcomes have confirmed the regulator’s ability to enforce overhaul timelines that align with manufacturer limits and existing regulations.

• In practice, this has led to increased scrutiny of maintenance records and the grounding of aircraft that have exceeded applicable limits without approved extensions or overhauls.

For many operators, this has introduced substantial financial and operational strain. For those who have consistently maintained in line with these standards, it has validated a long-term, safety-led approach.

What this means for Africa Sky Runners guests

For travellers and partners, the implications are clear and practical:

• Our aircraft are maintained in line with the required standards.

• Our documentation, inspections, and overhauls are current.

• Our operation continues without interruption, with a deliberate focus on safety, reliability, and considered adventure.

Africa Sky Runners will continue to invest in the quiet, often unseen work that keeps aircraft compliant and safe, so that every journey we operate reflects not only the beauty of the landscapes we fly over, but the integrity of the operation behind the flight.