There are a couple of ATP's (A) at the SACAA. The guys who fly the calibration Citation. The Board Commanders are ATP's.
The Helicopter Boss is a Com with a Grade 1 instructor's and is a DE. It is generally accepted that a Com with a Grade 1, is more senior than an ATP with a Grade 2.
Traditionally, most of the DCA/CAA inspectors that hold DE status, have always done outside work for their own pockets. I mean, just think of Mr. RRR! He used to make 30 to 40K a month just doing initials, IF renewals & tests. This whilst the DCA/CAA paid him about 90K a year those days.
The philosophy of these guys have always been to make as much money as possible outside of the DCA/CAA, as they were so poorly paid there.
A few years ago, a friend of mine bought a small corporate jet. As he was not rated, a CAA staff member flew it for him on weekends away to the Wild Coast, Durban, Cape Town, the Swamps etc. What a jol we had, with the CAA man firmly in the left seat, getting a handsome fee.
This total "freedom of movement" by the CAA oficials, have resulted in the CAA becoming what it is today. Almost a 100% dysfunctional. The officials use the Regulatory Authority as a springboard to adhance their own personal situations, and who would not want to be on the right side of a senior CAA man when the pawpaw strikes the fan????