AWAC Committee Members

Paul started his flying career at the age of 17 as a pilot in the South African Air Force from 1977 to 1983, achieving the rank of Captain. He held a Senior Commercial Pilot’s License originally and flew freelance charter for several years while running his manufacturing business.

In 1996 he joined the Cape Town Flying Club. He was the Club’s Flight Safety Manager from 1998 to 2002 and set up the Safety Management System (SMS) infrastructure at the club. During this period, he was instrumental in organising the first CRM courses for the single pilot to be offered to non-commercial GA pilots in the Cape Town Area and spearheaded an initiative whereby all the General Aviation operators in the Cape Town area shared their flight safety resources.

Paul also acted in a voluntary capacity representing General Aviation in various challenges which would have crippled General Aviation.  He has been the Chairman of AWAC since its inception in 2005, a founder member of AWSA (the information network), and joined forces with other representative bodies (to establish unity) during his initial years of serving industry. Notable challenges which he was involved with were “Peak Approach Charges” in 2001, “ATNS fees increases” in 2005, Weather services charges, and the “12-year overhaul” issue in 2006. During his interaction with various government agencies and parastatals he has negotiated up to ministerial level. Lately he has been involved with the VFR Slot system challenge at Cape Town International Airport and acts as an advisor to local Government on aviation issues. A successful outcome for aviation and the National Interest was achieved in most challenges which he was involved in. He currently also interacts with members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in Parliament.

During his tenure as representative, Paul has received recognition from various institutions. Notable amongst these awards were “Aero Club SA Silver wings”, SA Flyer “Aviation Personality of the Year”, Honoury Life Membership of Cape Town Flying Club, and the “Douglas Bader Trophy for service reflective of the true spirit of aviators” (CTFC). He has also been interviewed on ETV News regarding “the state of safety in aviation”.

Various leading page editorials for the journal “World Airnews” were written by him.

Paul has also served as a committee member of SAPFA and CTFC for several years. In 2005 he acted as a moderator for the Aviation forum “Avcom” and was one of the key members who conceived the formation of the sub forum “The Academy” which had the goal of facilitating mentorship amongst aviators and thus improve learning and safety.

His other love is sailing, and he holds a Yacht Masters Offshore skipper’s license, specialising in short-handed sailing, during which, he occasionally nearly drowns himself. Apart from flying and sailing, his hobbies are reading, rock climbing (rather infrequently lately after breaking a few bones), Ham radio, hiking, chess, and surfing, during which, he comes even closer to drown himself. He lives in Cape Town and does not own a dog called “Rover”.

Morné started his Private Pilot License training in 1995 and completed his Commercial Pilot License with Instrument Rating in 2000.

He has held various positions in the aviation sector over the years including Operations Manager, Safety Officer, Responsible Person Aircraft, Chief Flying Instructor, Fixed Wing & Helicopter Charter Pilot and Accountable Manager.

He represented General Aviation on behalf of the South African Powered Flight Association (SAPFA) at the General Aviation Safety Initiative (GASI) chaired by the Director of Civil Aviation Captain Colin Jordaan.

His qualifications include Commercial Pilot License Aeroplane, Commercial Pilot License Helicopter, Instrument Rating, Grade II Instructor Rating Aeroplane, Grade III Instructor Rating Helicopter, Remote Pilot Certificate Multi Rotor, Remote Pilot Instructor Multi Rotor, Safety Management System Manager & Aviation Auditing.

André Groenewald’s love for aviation started at a young age while volunteering at the Ysterplaat museum assisting in the restoration of museum aircraft. Once he matriculated in 2004 he embarked on his pilot training while working as an operations controller at a FBO at Cape Town International and obtained his Commercial pilot licence and instructors rating in 2007.

Since then, André has felt called to raising the training standards within the industry. He has been the Chief Flight instructor at Cape Town Flight Training Center since 2012 and has led many students to successful careers who now fly all over the world. André’s passion for excellence drives him daily to contribute to the aviation sector and country alike.  André has over 6000 hours under his belt with a ATPL Grade II ME instructors rating.

Outside of flying, André has a passion for wildlife and conservation taking every opportunity to escape away into the wilderness.