An Introduction to the Approved Persons Environment
Presented by: Team APOSA, Peter Lastrucci, Braam Hechter and others
26.04.2026
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An “approved person” means a natural person who has been authorised in terms of part 66 by the Director or the organisation designated for the purpose in terms of part 149, as the case may be, to carry out maintenance inspections and repairs on a non-type certificated aircraft in compliance with the applicable aircraft maintenance schedule;
“non-type certificated aircraft” means any aircraft that does not qualify for the issue of a certificate of airworthiness in terms of Part 21 and shall include any type certificated aircraft that has been scrapped, of which the original identification plate should have to be removed and returned to the applicable aviation authority and is rebuild as a full-scale replica;
APOSA. This organisation was founded in 2025 by members of the original Approved Persons (AP) Advisory Committee, initiated by RAASA, in January 2017. These members were invited by SACAA's Personal Licensing Division to join the Approved Persons Technical Panel when RAASA transitioned. However, this panel has not been convened for some time.
Approved Persons are active in both recreational and commercial environments, often engaging with various entities individually without deeper levels of support. This was the catalyst for founding APOSA.
The founding members of APOSA include Andrew Lawrence, Kevin Storie, Peter Lastrucci, Stefan Coetzee, Johan Lok, Weidie Vorster, Pieter Geldenhuys, Pierre van der Walt, and Braam Hechter. APOSA has been registered, has founding documents, a bank account, has established a Mission, Vision, and Value Statement, and is working on setting up this webpage.
APOSA operates independently and engages with stakeholders as required, including the Aeroclub and the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA).
The Mission, Vision, and Core Values for the Approved Persons of South Africa (APOSA)
Mission
Empowering aircraft maintenance staff by fostering collaboration, providing access to training and resources, upholding the highest standards of safety and supporting excellence in the aviation industry, focusing on non-type certificated aircraft.
Vision
To become the leading group that unites aircraft support experts, driving innovation, professionalism, and sustainability and improving the future of aviation, focusing on, the maintenance, manufacture and construction of non-type certificated aircraft (NTCA).
Core Values
- Safety First: Uphold the highest safety standards in all maintenance activities to ensure the well-being of owners, passengers and other people.
- Collaboration: Promote teamwork and shared knowledge to enhance skills and solve challenges collectively.
- Integrity: Operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all endeavors.
Excellence: Strive for continuous improvement and innovation in aviation related practices.
- Sustainability: Advocate for environmentally responsible practices in aviation maintenance, manufacture and construction activities.
- Professional Growth: Support members' development through training, mentorship, and access to opportunities.
Welcome to APOSA
Please see our About page for our History, Mission, Vision and Core Value statements.
Who are we?
APOSA is a dynamic, inclusive, and independent professional organisation committed to empowering individuals within the NTCA (Non-Type Certified Aircraft) industry. Our mission is to support and develop the skills, knowledge, and professional growth of those involved in NTCA operations.
Whether you are an experienced Approved Person (AP), a trainee AP, an aspiring AP, a retired AP, or simply someone with a keen interest in aircraft maintenance and NTCA activities, APOSA welcomes you. We provide a platform where members can connect, share knowledge, and access resources tailored to the unique requirements of the NTCA sector.
Becoming a member of the Approved Persons of South Africa (APOSA) comes with numerous advantages. As the only professional body exclusively representing Approved Persons, we advocate for your interests, provide guidance on industry best practices, and create opportunities for continuous professional development.
It is important to note that APOSA operates independently and is not affiliated with any regulatory authority or external organisation, ensuring that our focus remains solely on the professional growth and representation of our members.
What we offer
1. Industry Representation & Advocacy • Members gain a collective voice in discussions with regulatory bodies like SACAA. (We are working towards a seat on CARCOM) • The organization can advocate for fair policies and influence aviation regulations affecting non-type certificated aircraft.
2. Access to Technical Expertise & Training
• Members benefit from knowledge-sharing among experienced aviation professionals. The organisation can provide training workshops and seminars to enhance maintenance skills and compliance with safety standards.
3. Regulatory Compliance Support
• Guidance on SACAA regulations and best practices for maintaining non-type certificated aircraft.
• Assistance with certification processes and audits to ensure compliance.
4. Cost-Effective Maintenance Solutions
• Shared resources, tools, and facilities reduce individual maintenance costs.
• Members can access discounted parts and services through partnerships with suppliers and financing entities.
5. Networking & Professional Growth
• Opportunities to connect with industry experts, aircraft owners, and aviation enthusiasts.
• Collaboration with flight schools, aviation clubs, and technical organisations.
6. Safety & Operational Standards • Sharing standardised maintenance procedures thus improving aircraft reliability. • Promoting a culture of safety through inspections, audits, and peer reviews.
7. Community & Volunteer Engagement • Members contribute to aviation development while fostering a supportive community. • Opportunities to participate in aviation events, exhibitions, and outreach programs.
8. Recognition & Credibility • Being part of a recognized organisation enhances professional credibility. • Members can showcase their expertise and build trust within the aviation sector.
Whom we interact with
South African Civil Aviation Authority, CARCom Forum, Airworthiness Forum, Personnel Licensing, Aero Club of South Africa, CAASA, Mogas, Sol-Tech, Debela Training and Management as well as various SETAS (Sector Education and Training Authority) University of WITS and the North-West University
The aviation industry is running out of the people who keep planes flying. A worldwide shortage of aircraft mechanics is causing delays, cancellations and leading to a push to teach more people how to fix planes.
At Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in Ohio, enrollment is surging as airlines and cargo carriers scramble to hire trained mechanics. The school now has 185 students in its aviation maintenance program and plans to expand so it can enroll 350, school administrators said.
Employers are already lining up, said instructor Ken Rohling, who graduated from the same program in 1987 and has worked in the field ever since.
“Basically they come in and say, 'we will take every one of you when you get your license,'” Rohling said. The hiring pressure reflects a widening shortage that is already reshaping air travel. The industry is about 17,000 technicians short in North America, according to new data released by consulting firm Oliver Wyman. The projections said another 45,000 technicians are expected to retire over the next decade. The shortfall is projected to peak in 2028, when the deficit could reach as many as 30,000 mechanics
