Image: SANDF/Dean Wingrin
(The Post News)- The shortage of Flight Engineers within the South African Air Force (SAAF) raises concerns about national security, as it has begun to impact the operational readiness of some of the SANDF’s most critical aircraft.
Despite recent government assurances of increased military funding, insiders caution that the Air Force’s capacity to effectively safeguard the country may be at serious risk if urgent steps are not taken to address ongoing personnel shortages.
At the center of this challenge is the iconic Oryx AS32 helicopter, a medium utility aircraft that has long served as the backbone of the SANDF’s aerial operations. Notably, the Oryx is deployed for a range of critical missions, including troop transport, logistical support, and even presidential flights. In fact, the very helicopter that transports President Cyril Ramaphosa during official duties is an Oryx.
Speaking to IOL, a military insider said, “This aircraft cannot operate without Flight Engineers. The unsung heroes keep these machines flying safely and efficiently.”
Sources indicate that the issue stems from recent industrial action by Flight Engineers (FEs) across the country. Fewer than five FEs are currently willing to fly, having withdrawn their services in protest over allowances they claim are both inadequate and incorrectly classified.
“They’re considered technicians now, not flight crew, and their allowances have been cut,” explained a senior officer who requested anonymity.
Pilots are unable to stay current without flight examiners, and new helicopter pilots can’t finish their training because there aren’t enough experienced examiners. The military insider indicated that despite the shortage of Flight Engineers, they still have student pilots waiting for years for their flying hours due to backlog.
“This situation could leave us with a generation of non-current or unqualified pilots – a ticking time bomb for operational readiness,” he said.
SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala spoke to IOL and acknowledged the seriousness of the issue, “Flight Engineers are a critical part of our aircrew. Without them, critical missions cannot be executed fully, and our operational readiness is impacted,” said Tshabalala.
According to Tshabalala, the SANDF currently operates at approximately 40% capacity, but once the budgeting process is complete, they will address these operational requirements.
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