Flight Operations

Overview

This function performs the Authority’s obligations of maintaining regular safety oversight of the operation of aircraft (both commercial and private) in the Country. These obligations include, the certification and surveillance of air operators, aerial work organisations, approved training organisations and oversight of any operation of aircraft engaged in civil aviation. Flight Operations carries out all of the safety oversight responsibilities assigned by the Civil Aviation Act and its Regulations as well as ensuring that Botswana fulfils its obligations under the Convention on International Civil Aviation.

Everyone who aspires to operate a flight in Botswana is a client of the Inspectorate, it also deals with the enforcement of flight regulations and it insures that they are abided by, rules of how pilots operate and work with air traffic regulators. State aircrafts are excluded.

The Inspectorate is also tasked with the following;

  • Follows up on violation of air traffic regulations
  • Working with flight operation companies, conducting audits to see how the operators are complying with their operations manual
  • Dealing with pilots and flight operators
  • Managing Air Operations Certificate holders (for scheduled and non-scheduled operators for both people and cargo)
  • Certify also the Aerial Work Operators

The department is a sub depart under flight operation and its regulations are published on the website and given out at the stage of acquiring the license.

Requirements to Operate in Botswana

The Air Operator Certificate Package (AOCP) state the conditions, qualities, qualifications, standards and procedures necessary to qualify for and maintain an AOC, as well as incorporate new practices or procedures to ensure the safety of the travelling public.

Non Scheduled Flights

A non-scheduled flight is that offers unscheduled air transport services of passengers or goods at an hourly or per mile / kilometre charge for chartering the entire aircraft along with crew. These in Botswana are;

  • Kalahari Air Services
  • Wilderness Air
  • Delta Air
  • Moremi Air
  • Major Blue Air
  • Kavango Air
  • Safari Air
  • Mack Air
  • Boro Air
  • Helicopter Horizon
  • Air Shakawe
Botswana Air Operators

If Botswana is your principal place of business and you intend to operate your aircraft for the purpose of public transport, you are required by the Civil Aviation Regulations, 2013 (Air Operator Certificate Regs.) to hold an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) before the anticipated start of operations(hyperlink). An Air Transport License – i.e. regulatory approval from CAAB as required by the Air Transport (Licensing of Air Services Regs, 2012) Regulations must also be obtained prior to commencing scheduled or non-scheduled air services within Singapore.

Scheduled Flights

A scheduled flight means that tickets to this flight are sold via various sales channels around the world. Scheduled flights may have connection flights. Scheduled flights are;

  • Air Botswana
  • Air Namibia
  • Ethiopian Airways
  • South African Express