Welcome
Over a number of years, foreign based students have, on average, formed approximately 30% of our annual intake .Our reputation in this respect is outstanding and our ability to offer a more personalised level of training, is a key differentiator.
Our Academy offers flying lessons in great year-round weather conditions - you can complete your PPL or CPL a lot faster than at home and do so in a sun-filled and fun-filled environment.
We are able to offer training from ab-initio through to advanced categories and our aircraft rates rank with the most competitive.
Earning your flying license in South Africa is likely to cost you a lot less (time and money) than doing so in your own country. The exchange rate is currently very much in the favour of international students and of course, so are the weather conditions.
Duration-PPL
In terms of the South African Civil Aviation regulations,the minimum duration is 45 hours and an average duration for a PPL is likely to be about 3 to 4 months. This will ,to some extent, depend on your dedication and work study ethic, your aptitude for flying and prevailing weather conditions. A study program is available to assist you in preparations for the theory examinations and if actioned prior to arrival it will be of great benefit to you, and may shorten the duration of your flight training.
Taking all costs into account -including travel to and from South Africa, accommodation, the flight school itself, transport in South Africa - the cost of learning to fly in South Africa is generally lower than it would cost you in your own country- and a lot more fun!
Please review the information on this website with regard to your area of interest:
- Private Pilots License, or
- Commercial Pilots Licence
Then, please complete the web based initial Foreign Student Application & Questionnaire in full and we will start the process.
Note:
The information contained in the Application and Questionnaire must be truthfully and accurately completed as it will form the basis of the facts used to authenticate your application,confirm your credentials as well an initial assessment of your suitability for commencement of your pilot training.
Successful applicants will be issued with Letters of Acceptance which forms part of your application for a student visa which must be applied for and granted in your country of normal residence.
English Proficiency
The international language of communication in aviation is English. Proficiency in English is an ICAO requirement and prerequisite the advancement of your aviation skills. English is not only the language of all RT communications but also required in order to read aviation notifications such as NOTAMS, theory Study Notes and airfield procedures.Aspirant students must ensure that they take steps even before departing their home countries to advance their proficiency in this language as all students will undergo a basic assessment on arrival in South Africa. Supplementary English language training can be arranged and is recommended.
Frequently Asked questions
Q.I have a tourist visa for the USA. Can I enrol for training and enter South Africa on this visa?
A.No we are not part of the USA and you will need a South African- Student Visa which must be applied for and granted within your country of residence.
Q.I have completed and submitted my Foreign Student application and Questionnaire- must I send my fee with now?
A.No your initial application is free and you must complete the web based student application template. We may even require further information from you. You may not require a Visa or already have one. Only on finalisation of all details and immediately prior to us issuing the Letter of Acceptance will the fee be required and we will notify you accordingly. You will also need to make an initial deposit of $2000 which is refundable in full in the event of you not being granted a Visa but thereafter subject to a cancellation fee of $380 if you cancel or terminate for any other reason.
Q.Can you arrange accommodation for me and arrange to collect me from the airport?
A.No we do not offer this as a service but can recommend a few residential establishments that will offer this type of service. Bed an Breakfast Rates start at around $40 per day depending on level of accommodation and services.
Q.I need to wear glasses for flying.Will this be an impediment to my application?
A.No.Providing you have and wear appropriate corrective lenses and can pass the vision test, this is not a problem.
Q. Do I need health insurance/ travel insurance to come to South Africa?
A. Yes, health insurance is mandatory should you wish to obtain a visa for more than 3 months. It is however advised that you take the insurance even if you want a 3 month visa to ensure you receive the best health care available to you, in the event of anything happening. We do have a health insurance provider for you and it is included in the Acceptance Letter cost.
Q.What are the costs for a Student Pilot and when will payment be required?
A.Other than the $155 -Letter of Acceptance Fee-Visa, you will only be required to pay an Initial Start-UP deposit of $ 2000 before departure. This will entitle you to fly an initial 3 hrs where after you will be required to pay an amount of $ 8375 before any further flying will allowed. Foster Aero will retain a deposit of $1000 for the duration of your training which will be refundable on completion of your training and on your return to your home country.
Costs Structure: Student Pilots*
| Letter of Acceptance-Visa |
$30 |
| Start-UP Deposit |
$2000 |
| Health Insurance- 3 months/ thereafter $42 monthly |
$126 |
| Cancellation Fee |
$380 |
| PPL Kit Excluding Headset |
$347 |
| Estimated PPL final cost |
$8375 |
* Based on CAA minimum requirements.Excluding Landinf & approach Fees.
Q.What will happen if I have used up the $7375 towards the end of my training and I require extra Flying hours? Can I draw from the $1000 retention deposit?
A. No, the $1000 deposit will not be used for training purpose and only refundable on completion or termination.You will need to deposit additional funds in order to complete your training.
Costs Structure: Com Pilots
| Letter of Acceptance- Visa |
$30 |
| Start- Up Deposit |
$2000 |
| Health Insurance- 3 months/ there after $40 monthly |
$125 |
| 1st Tranche Flying Deposit |
$7500 |
| Cancellation Fee |
$380 |
| Estimated CPL final cost* |
$22000 |
*Single IF based on CAA minimums.Excluding landing and Aproach fees
Q.What are the costs for a Commercial Pilot and when will payment be required?
A.Other than the $30 -Letter of Acceptance Fee-Visa, you will only be required to pay an Initial Start-UP deposit of $ 2000 before arrival in South Africa. This will entitle you to fly an initial 6 hrs where after you will be required to pay an amount of $ 7500 before any further flying will allowed. This will be the first tranche of 3 payments that will be required to complete your Commercial Pilot training program.
Foster Aero will retain a deposit of $1000 for a the duration of your training which will be refundable on completion of your training and on your return to your country of origin.
Q.I have a foreign PPL( ICAO or JAR), will it be recognized in South Africa ?
A.Provided you are the holder of a valid Radio License -RT and a valid medical, yes your PPL will be recognized but you will be required to validate it on arrival and pass a written exam in South African Air Law. English Proficiency at a minimum of level 4 will a prerequisite.
You will also be required to do a Flight Test with a Grade II instructor.
You will need to have your Log Book and a Copy of your student tarining file from the instituition where you comleted your PPL training.
The validation process will take typically around 10 days to complete.
Q.I have a a foreign PPL, will I abe able to fly solo whislt my validation application is being processed.
A. No you will not . You will however be able to commence dual instruction and the standard PIP ( Pilot Induction Program).
Q.I have already validated my license in South Africa, will I immediately be able to commence with solo flights?
A.No you will be required for Insurance requireements and matters of safety, you will not be allowed to fly solo untill you have completed all ellemetts of the Foster Aero PIP. Where documentary or other evidence can be produced as to prior training, you may be exempt from some aspects of this program.
Q.What does the standard Foster Aero PIP for Commercial Pilots consists of ?
| Induction Interview |
Flight Experience
Career Aspirations
English Competencey
|
2 Hour Briefing |
|
| SA Air Law Lecture |
|
4 Hour Briefing |
|
| Cessna 172 Technical |
|
1 hr Briefing |
Mainly Self study |
| SA Air Law Exam |
|
|
|
| Cessna172P Type Convex |
Included Spin Avoidance |
|
3 Hour (minimum) Flight Training |
| Johannesburg Air Space Briefing |
|
1 hr Briefing |
|
| Dual Cross Country Nav-Standard Route 1 |
|
1/2 hr Briefing |
1.5 hrs Flight Time |
| Dual Cross Coutry Nav- Standard Route 2 |
|
1/2 hr Briefing |
1.5 Hrs Flight Time |
| Dual Check and Mock Test-Grd II Instructor |
|
|
1.5 hrs Flight Time
|
| Flying Proficiency Test- Grd II Instructor |
|
|
1.5 Hrs Flying Time |
| Validation Received |
| Solo Cross Counrty Nov-Standard Route 1 |
|
|
1.5 Hrs Flying time |
| Solo Cross Country Nav- Standard Route 2 |
|
|
1.5 Hrs Flying Time |
E& OE
 |