About SAMAA

SAMAA - Find out more about us
History

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.

Services

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.

Advice & Guidance

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.

Insurance

Third party public liability, and member-to-member insurance cover for members of the SAMAA when operating from approved sites and clubs.

Proficiencies

Step by step guidance and assistance to qualify for any and a combination of our flying proficiencies.

Events & Competitions

Arranging local, regional, national, and international events and competitions. Approvals for event at SAMAA-approved clubs and sites.

Airspace

Assisting with Airspace dispensation approvals by the Director of SACAA Managing shared use of airspace at SAMAA-approved clubs and sites.

Members
Affiliated Clubs
Proficiencies

Last updated 25 January 2023

SAMAA

Management Committee

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.

Burt Botha
Designation
Accountable Manager
Chief Financial Officer
Function
Chairman of the SAMAA.
National Safety Officer.
Legal
Alec Groenewald
Designation
Vice-chairman of the SAMAA
Compliance Officer
Function
Compliance.
Communication.
Marketing.
Bob Skinner
Designation
General Manager
Function
General Manager of SAMAA.
Linda Dold
Designation
Quality Assurance Manager
Function
Secretary of the SAMAA.
Administration.
Danie Potgieter
Designation
Development
Function
Proficiencies
Juanita Smith
Designation
Assistant Financial Officer
Function
Treasurer of SAMAA.
Bookkeeper.
Yolande Combrink
Yolande Combrinck
Designation
Consultant
Function
Consultant on SAMAA ARO
Matters
Documents

Compliance & Information

19 Aug 2022
SAMAA Constitution
19 Aug 2022
SAMAA Code of Conduct
SAMAA ARO Certificate