Introduction
Detailed syllabi for the Restricted AND the General Radio Telephony Certificates. Some basics about South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) publications.
Chapter 1 — Airspaces
Flight Information Regions, Classes of Airspace (Controlled Airspace, Uncontrolled Airspace). Types of airspaces (ATZ, CTR, TMA, CTA, airways, etc.).
Chapter 2 — Air Traffic Services
Objectives of Air Traffic Sevices, Types of Air Traffic Services. Area Control Service, Approach Control Service, Aerodrome Control Service, Surface Movement Control, Information Service, and Alerting Service.
Chapter 3 — Flight Rules
Visual Flight Rules (VFR), Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), Special VFR.
Chapter 4 — Altimeter Setting Procedures
Transition Altitude, Transition Level, and the practical application of how to set your altimeter.
Chapter 5 — Semi-circular Rule
For VFR and IFR flights.
Chapter 6 — Flight Plans
A detailed explanation of how to file a Flight Plan, when to file it, how to close it, and how to complete the Flight Plan form.
Chapter 7 — Terms, Codes, and Signals
Units of Measurement, the Phonetic Alphabet, how to pronounce numerals, Morse Code, time, call signs, test procedures, categories of messages, signals to air traffic, marshaling signals, airport markings, and signs.
Chapter 8 — Practical Communications
Phraseology, Standard Words, what to say when and to whom – in great detail.
Chapter 9 — Radar
Primary and Secondary Surveillance Radar explained. Radar Service and Control.
Chapter 10 — Radio Failure
Radio failure procedures for IFR and VFR flights, in all airspaces.
Chapter 11 — Emergency Communications
Distress and Urgency communications.
Chapter 12 — Search and Rescue
Search and Rescue procedures, Uncertainty Phase (INCERFA), Alert Phase (ALERFA), and Distress Phase (DETRESFA). Operation of Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT). Satellite tracking devices.
Chapter 13 —Radio Technical
Basic radio principles, frequency bands, range, radio installation in aircraft, and power supply for the radios.
Chapter 14 — IFR Procedures
Departure and arrival procedures for IFR flights, RVSM, ACAS, and SELCAL are explained.
Chapter 15 —Navigational Aids
A brief description of the use of navigational aids, such as VOR, Instrument Landing System (ILS), DME, and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNNS).
Appendix I — Airport List
A list of all licensed and registered airfields in the RSA with their four-letter ICAO code, airfield type, communication and navigation frequencies – and where to find more information.
Appendix II — Frequencies
A list of all frequencies used in South Africa for Control and Information Service and for Traffic Information Broadcast Aircraft (TIBA) around the country and in the Special Rules Areas.
What’s new?
February 2023: Edition 22
Edition 22 was released in February 2023. Non-Directional Beacons (NDBs) are being phased out worldwide and existing ones in South Africa are not supported anymore, so the paragraph on NDBs has been just about deleted. Navigation with the help of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) as well as GNSS instrument approach procedures are becoming more prevalent and this is reflected in the relevant chapters. Also, in Appendix 1, some more help is being given in finding the relevant airfield information in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and on the SACAA website.
