Aerodrome functions, challenges and opportunities within the north west aviation system

Abstract

Individual aerodromes support different types of aviation functions and activities, and thereby contribute to the overall operational capacity and efficiency of the bigger aviation system. The functions of an aerodrome can include commercial air transport services (both scheduled and / or unscheduled services) and general aviation. General aviation is all civil aviation operations other than scheduled air services and non-scheduled air transport operations for remuneration or hire and include non-commercial business aviation, instructional flying, pleasure flying and aerial work. Aerodromes providing general aviation operations are faced with various challenges ranging from lack of funding for infrastructure maintenance, compliance to licensing conditions, contractual arrangements with the owner of the aerodrome (typically a municipality) and property issues. The North West Province is home to 13 licensed aerodromes and six registered aerodromes. Of these, four airports receive scheduled commercial services, with the remainder providing a general aviation function. The North West Department of Community Safety and Transport Management developed an Aviation Master Plan for the province during 2018. This plan considered the role played by each aerodrome within the provincial and regional aviation system. The plan also identified the typical challenges faced by aerodromes and opportunities for maintaining and growing the general aviation market. This paper presents a view on the functions of licensed and registered aerodromes in North West Province as part of a bigger aviation system and considers the main challenges and key opportunities for specifically the general aviation focused aerodromes in the province.