Featuring our newest Customer Experience – Helicopter Flights.
In this issue
SAPY Helipad SACAA Registration.
Our private Helipad is officially registered – Discover the full story!
Doc gets his Wings!
Our Managing Director earns his Private Pilot’s License – Read More about His Journey!
SAPY_X is born!
Find out how this new experience is taking SAPY to new heights!
SAPY Helipad SACAA Registration
By Tracy Campbell & Gershon Chetty
Located at an elevation of 2012 Feet AMSL (Above Mean Sea Level), Latitude 29° 47’ 29” S, and Longitude 30° 39’ 54” E, SAPY’s Helipad was constructed by expanding the existing platform with over 1,000 cubes of soil, generously donated by WBHO during part of their ongoing construction project on the N3 highway.
Designed to meet the 139.04.2 helistop requirements set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), the helipad adheres to strict safety and operational standards. Following numerous onsite inspections by a SACAA official, approval for the helipad was granted on 5 June 2024 and the SACAA Permit Number CA15/2/439 issued.
In addition, SAPY’s sizable private helipad can accommodate emergency services helicopters, providing a safe location to land as part of our ongoing community support.
Doc gets his Wings!
By Tracy Campbell
In South Africa, the process of obtaining a private pilot’s license (PPL) for helicopters is similar to international standards but includes additional regulations specific to the country. The (SACAA) mandates a minimum of 50 hours flight time, including at least 15 hours of dual instruction with a qualified instructor, 5 hours of solo flying, and 5 hours of cross-country navigation. This is in addition to completing theoretical training, covering subjects such as air law, navigation, human performance, meteorology, and principles of flight.
Written exams administered by SACAA are required for each theoretical subject. Pilots must pass these exams with a minimum score of 75%, and we can proudly report back that Doc passed with an exceptionally high average score, scoring 100% for two exams. In addition, all the theory and exams were completed in a record 3 months and 8 days!
Following this, a practical flight test with an SACAA-approved examiner is required to demonstrate piloting skills, along with a Radio License test.
We are proud to report that Doc achieved his PPL on 19 May 2024.
Congratulations Doc!
SAPY_X is born!
By Tracy Campbell
Inspired by the spirit of Exploration, Sara Zarrebini coined the term SAPY_X to encapsulate the unique and immersive customer experience centered around SAPY and helicopter flights.
This initiative took off from a desire by Doc to share his Aviation passion with our valued Masterbatch and Yarn Customers, by offering a first-hand look at our operations combined with the thrill of helicopter travel. Since its launch, we have had the pleasure of hosting a number of SAPY’s key Customers and Suppliers. Read about Print and Packaging Magazine’s Anton Pretorius and Glywnnis Well’s recent SAPY_X experience here.
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