Private Pilot Training

• This qualification allows you to be Pilot In Command (PIC) of an aircraft and to carry passengers. This enables you to make ALL decisions pertaining to planning and executing a flight, during daylight hours, and in clear weather. Additional qualifications are required to fly at night and in cloudy conditions.
• You may not, however, receive payment from your passengers when you fly them around. It is acceptable for your passengers to contribute to the cost of operating the aircraft, if required.
• This licence is required even if your ultimate goal is to become a Commercial Pilot, as it allows you to accumulate the relevant experience that is essential for any advanced qualifications.

Private Pilots License Requirements

The Applicant must:

1. Be not less than 17 years of age
2. Hold a valid class 2 medical certificate
3. Hold a restricted radio license
4. Hold a valid student pilots license
5. Have successfully completed the training, passed the theoretical exams and undergone a skills test referred to in the regulations

Please Note:

Prices and rates correct as 1 July 2009 and subject to variation.

* A budgetary contingency allowance of at least 10% is recommended and prudent.

Requirements for the issue of an SA Private Pilot's Licence (PPL):

• You must hold a valid Student Pilot's Licence and a current Class 2 medical.
• You will be required to accumulate a MINIMUM of 15 hours solo flight, and 25 hours of dual flight (flying with your instructor). Within your solo flight time, you will be required to accumulate at least three hours of solo cross-country flight (flying from one airport to another), You must successfully complete seven written examinations, which will test your knowledge on Engines & Airframes, Meteorology, Air Law, Navigation and Principles of Flight, Human Performance and Flight Planning and Performance
• A Radio (Operators) Licence, which is referred to as a Restricted Radio Licence must be obtained before you are finally issued with your PPL. It is however recommended  and practice that you complete this requirement early on in your training, as the content covered in the course assists greatly with all aspects of your flight training.
• You will be required to successfully pass two practical flight tests. The first being a General Flight Test (GFT), which must be conducted by a Grade One or Two flight instructor, and will focus on your ability to handle the aircraft in all normal, abnormal and emergency flight phases. These are aspects that you will have covered extensively during your training, and this is now your chance to demonstrate your competency. The second flight test will examine your ability to safely conduct navigation procedures, and you will be required to fly yourself and your examiner on a pre-planned triangular route, with at least two "away" landings, an unscheduled diversion and  a flight in controlled airspace.
• Once you have accumulated the required flight time in your logbook, and passed all the above mentioned tests, your paperwork will be checked and off you go to the SA-CAA  to convert your SPL to a Private Pilot's Licence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What Finances are required to make a start on a PPL?

A.An initial deposit of R10,000 is required and a minimum balance of R2000 must be maintained. When your balance falls below R 5000 , you will be alerted. At R 2000 all airside activity will be suspended.