SA: CAA Certification Engineering Department

[Richard Smit]

Dear Captain Jordaan and CAA Staff,

I am busy with a fairly in-depth project to re-build/improve a 1980 model Piper PA38 Tomahawk, which sees me installing a bigger engine, auxiliary-fuel, and one or two other structural modifications. When I decided to do this, I was told by all-and-sundry, that the CAA process would be impossible to overcome, present huge problems, and that I would never get it done. How wrong they were!

Before I started the project, I contacted the SA: CAA via email, requesting information on how the certification system works.

I have, from the very beginning, been promptly and properly answered, and the CAA staff have handled this in a professional, supportive manner, without a hint of compromise on standards. I have been well advised by both the Engineering team (Ms. Aarti Panday et al), as well as the Airworthiness people at the CAA (Mr. Johann Armstrong / Mr. Juri Gouws)

The new CofA inspection is yet to be done, with a month or so still to go before the aircraft is ready. From our interaction thus far however, I expect that the process will be a strict, but straight-forward one.

Please convey my compliments to your Certification Engineering staff, and the Airworthiness team for the way that they are representing the Authority. We need people with this attitude and ability in our industry.

Best regards,

Richard

Richard A. Smit
ATPL
ZS-KKO

[Colin Jordaan]

Dear Richard
I have responded to you from my private email, but thanks once again for your appreciation of our staff.
I have forwarded your message to the whole department.