About SAMAA
Who We Are.
In August of 1937, the South African Model ‘Aeronautic’ Association was formed on initiation of Viv Gracie of Cape Town, Phil Dalgety of Durban, and Alf Yardley of Johannesburg. Up to the mid-1950s, the activities were mostly free flight and control line. In 1958, radio control activities became popular and a body was established to take care of competitive activities. In 1986 there was a move to once again unite all aeromodelling activities under a single body and SAMAA was formed.
The SAMAA is approved by the SACAA (South African Civil Aviation Authority) in terms of Part 149 as an ARO (Aviation Recreational Organisation) and received our certification on 15 February 2022, Approval No: CAA / ARO 010.
What We Do?
In short, the SAMAA provides a service to its members. This service includes, but is not limited to, advice and guidance, registration of clubs and flying sites, public liability insurance cover, event approvals, communication through a newsletter and the web, management of radio frequencies, flying proficiencies, rules and regulations, local, regional, national and international competitions, representation, shared use of airspace, and affiliations to other bodies with similar interests.
SAMAA
Management Committee
Third party public liability, and member-to-member insurance cover for members of the SAMAA when operating from approved sites and clubs.
Step by step guidance and assistance to qualify for any and a combination of our flying proficiencies.
Advice and guidance on issues of a technical and legislative nature to our members and affiliated Clubs. Technical, registration of clubs and flying sites. Communication through a newsletter and the web. Has contact with other organisations with similar aeromodelling interests.
Arranging local, regional, national, and international events and competitions. Approvals for event at SAMAA-approved clubs and sites.
Assisting with Airspace dispensation approvals by the Director of SACAA Managing shared use of airspace at SAMAA-approved clubs and sites.
An elected management committee performs various functions, like marketing, promotions, finances, compliance, development, special interest groups, clubs, etc, recognize that good governance, achieved through an ethical culture, competitive performance, effective control, and legitimacy, can create a sustainable future for model aircraft activities in South Africa.
