Flight Training Progression Guide:
How to Become a Pilot in South Africa

THE PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE (PPL)

The first step for anyone wanting to become a pilot is to obtain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). This type of licence will allow you to fly the type of aircraft listed on your licence with passengers on board but you as pilot may not be rewarded for the flight in any way (i.e. receive any form of payment). Though a PPL is useless to start a career with, it is a necessary step to be able to enroll for a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL). However, for an aircraft owner or aviation enthusiast wishing to fly for the fun of it (recreational only), this will be the only licence you need!

Financials

Aviation is an expensive industry. Aircraft are delicate and expensive to operate and maintain and the increase in Fuel Prices, SACAA (South African Civil Aviation Authority) and ACSA (Airports Company of South Africa) Fees makes it even worse.  Some banks do offer student loans for almost all Pilot Licenses however, sponsorships/scholarships are not always available.

Educational Requirements

Required Subjects (or sufficient knowledge thereof) to study towards becoming a pilot are (Reference: SA-CATS 61, Appendix 3.B, 1, 1.3):

Pure Mathematics: Essential for calculations, navigation, and understanding technical aspects of aviation.

Physical Sciences: Provides a foundation in physics, which is crucial for understanding the principles of flight, aerodynamics, and aircraft operations.

Note:  Should a student not have the afore-mentioned subjects at GR12 level, FTC have an entry examination that can be taken on premises to assess general knowledge of these subjects.

Additional Recommended subjects are:

Geography: Useful for navigation and understanding meteorological information.

Proficiency in English is crucial, as it is the international language of aviation.  Therefore, you would need to speak, write and read English at a high level.

Medical and Fitness Requirements:

Pilots must pass strict medical exams to ensure they are fit to fly, including vision, hearing, and overall physical health assessments before being allowed to apply for their Student Pilot License (SPL).

Medical Requirements

A Class I (required for a Commercial Pilot License) or Class II Medical Examination (required for a Private Pilot License) must be passed after which you can apply for a Student Pilot’s Licence (SPL). Do not be misled by the old air force standards of medical evaluations. The standards are not as high in General Aviation. For example, people with bad eyesight are allowed to fly with glasses and there are no height requirements. You can go to a SACAA Accredited Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for an examination to see if you are fit to be a pilot.

After you have passed the medical examination and are in possession of a valid Class I or Class II medical certificate, you will be able to apply for a Student Pilot License (SPL).  This License enables you to start your flight training towards the PPL and to write the SACAA online examinations.  You must be 15 years of age or older.

You will need the following in order to apply for the SPL (which will be done on your behalf through the Flight School you join):

• Valid Medical Certificate (Class I or Class II)
• Copy of ID/Passport (if underaged, you will require the ID/Passport copy of your Parent/Guardian)
• An electronic ID/Passport Photo
• SACAA SPL Application Form

The PPL Syllabus

The PPL course consists of a well-worked out syllabus consisting of 8 theoretical knowledge subjects and 45+ hours of flight lessons (some with an instructor, some solo (on your own)). You have to attend Ground School classes at a SACAA accredited Aviation Training Organisation on all of the subjects and write and pass the SACAA online examinations before applying for a PPL. (Students are not allowed to take the online examinations unless they have proof of having attended a ground school for any subject at an ATO approved by the SACAA).

The 8 Ground School theoretical knowledge subjects are as follows:

1. Principles of Flight
2. Aircraft Technical and General
3. Navigation
4. Flight Performance and Planning
5. Aviation Meteorology
6. Human Performance and Limitations
7. Air Law and
8. Restricted Radiotelephony

You should note that these examinations must be written and passed within a period of 18 months from passing the first examination.  After completing the last examination, you have 36 months to complete your PPL flight test.  If you fail to do so, you will have to re-do all your training.

Apart from the above you will also have to complete the following:

• Restricted Radio Practical Examination with a SACAA Accredited Radio Telephony Examiner, and
• English Proficiency Practical Examination with a Subject Matter Expert and Linguistic Expert.

PPL Checklist

• You must be at least 17 years of age at the time of testing for your PPL
• You must have a valid Class I or Class II Medical Certificate
• You must have a valid Restricted Radio Licence
• You must have a minimum Level 4 Language Proficiency Certification
• You must have a valid Student Pilot Licence (SPL) OR have or have held one of the following within the previous 60 months:
• A Pilot Licence issued by a foreign country or state.
• South African Air Force Pilot
• You must write and pass the 8 PPL theoretical knowledge exams in the required time period.
• You must fly and log the required hours set out in the column above.
• You must pass the PPL flight skills test when you adhere to all of the above requirements within 36 months after you have passed the last theoretical knowledge exam.
• All your training must be done at an Aviation Training Organisation approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority.