Free Flight South Africa is governed through a formal constitutional structure, supported by documented procedures, accountable office bearers and member oversight.
This page provides a plain-language overview of how governance works in FFSA. The formal position is set out in the Memorandum of Incorporation, Manual of Procedure, Operations Manual and related policies.
How FFSA Is Governed
FFSA is structured as a member-based organisation with defined roles, responsibilities and decision-making processes.
Governance is based on four core principles:
- Accountability: elected and appointed officials are responsible for acting in the interests of FFSA and its members.
- Transparency: key rules, procedures and official documents are published and kept under version control.
- Safety and compliance: aviation safety, regulatory compliance and responsible oversight are central to FFSA’s role.
- Member participation: members have rights and responsibilities, including participation in formal meetings and governance processes where applicable.
The Role of the MOI
The Memorandum of Incorporation is FFSA’s primary constitutional document. It sets out the organisation’s legal structure, membership framework, governance bodies, decision-making powers and formal meeting requirements.
The MOI should be read as the highest-level governance document. Where more detailed operational rules are required, those are normally set out in the Manual of Procedure, Operations Manual or approved policies.
The Role of the Committee
FFSA is managed by a board structure as provided for in the MOI.
The committee is responsible for the overall direction and administration of FFSA, including:
- maintaining governance and compliance arrangements;
- approving policies and procedures;
- overseeing membership and operational matters;
- ensuring that safety and regulatory obligations are addressed;
- appointing officials or subcommittees where required;
- reporting to members through formal governance channels.
Committee members are expected to act in good faith, avoid conflicts of interest, and make decisions that support FFSA’s objectives.
Members’ Role in Governance
Members are an important part of FFSA’s governance structure.
Depending on the membership class and the provisions of the MOI, members may have rights relating to:
- attending general meetings;
- voting on matters reserved for members;
- receiving notices and governance information;
- raising matters through appropriate channels;
- participating in consultations, committees or working groups.
Membership also carries responsibilities. Members are expected to comply with FFSA’s rules, safety requirements, codes of conduct and applicable aviation regulations.
Operational Governance
Not every governance matter is handled through formal member meetings. Many day-to-day matters are managed through approved procedures, delegated authority and operational oversight.
This includes areas such as:
- membership administration;
- pilot records and designations;
- school and instructor matters;
- safety reporting;
- incident and accident processes;
- site approvals and access;
- document control;
- communications with regulators and aviation stakeholders.
These operational arrangements are documented in FFSA’s manuals, policies and procedures.
Document Control
FFSA’s formal documents are managed through document control. Each controlled document should identify, where applicable:
- document title;
- version number;
- effective date;
- review date;
- document owner;
- approval status;
- related documents.
This helps members and external stakeholders confirm that they are using the current approved version of a document.
Supporting Documents
The following documents provide the formal detail behind this overview:
- Memorandum of Incorporation: FFSA’s primary constitutional document.
- Manual of Procedures: governance and administrative procedures supporting the MOI.
- Operations Manual: operational rules, responsibilities and aviation oversight arrangements.
- Code of Conduct: expected standards of conduct for members and officials.
- Conflict of Interest Policy: how conflicts are declared and managed.
- PAIA and POPIA Manual: how privacy and requests for information are managed.
- Privacy Notice: how FFSA manages personal information.
- Emergency Response Plan: how emergencies are handled.
Need More Detail?
This page is only a summary. If there is any inconsistency between this overview and an approved FFSA document, the approved document takes precedence.
For formal interpretation, refer to the current approved version of the relevant document or contact FFSA through the official support channel.