If you’re interested in becoming a pilot, then you will need to enroll in a flight school.
The aviation industry is booming in South Africa and is set to continue growing throughout the next decade.
This means that there are more jobs than ever before available for qualified pilots.
South Africa is a world leader in the aviation industry, with the need for skilled pilots in the commercial sector especially poignant.
The country has a shortage of pilots that needs to be addressed urgently, as well as a growing aviation industry that will require more than just one person per plane.
South Africa’s vibrant aviation industry has been growing rapidly over recent years and this trend shows no sign of slowing down soon.
If you’re interested in becoming a pilot and flying for a living, it may be time to head to South Africa.
With many flight schools scattered around the country, getting licensed can be easier than ever before.
The list below includes some of the best flight schools in South Africa that will help aspiring pilots learn how to fly an aircraft safely and efficiently under expert guidance.
What Are the Minimum Flight Hours for a Private Pilot In South Africa?
To be a private pilot in South Africa, you must have a minimum of 40 hours of flight time.
If you’re new to flying and want a chance at getting your license as quickly as possible, then you take advantage of the flight school’s accelerated course schedule.
They offer credit for previous training hours so that students can complete their requirements faster than usual.
This means that if someone has already completed 18 hours with them, they will count their last 10 towards the 40-hour requirement (for example).
Their goal is not only to get people licensed but also get them up in the air.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Commercial Pilot?
The average time for a commercial pilot to complete their training is three years.
There are some airlines that require pilots to have more than two years of flying experience, but the majority only require one year.
The number of days you’ll spend in the classroom can vary depending on your school and how many courses it offers; some schools will offer more than one course per week while others may only have one class per month or even less.
What Do Flight Schools Look for?
As a flight school, you need to make sure that your candidates are dedicated to the craft.
They should be willing to work hard and see the bigger picture.
The ability to communicate clearly is important in any job, but especially so when it comes to flying.
It’s not enough just to be able to read manuals or execute maneuvers—you must also know how your decisions will affect passengers, who may or may not have time for explanations if things go awry during takeoff or landing (or both).
If this sounds like something you’re interested in learning more about, consider attending one of the free workshops on communication skills for pilots.
How Can I Get Into Flight School With No Money?
There are a number of ways you can get into flight school without having any money.
You should start by looking for a job, or even better – volunteer at the flight school.
If this is not an option and you don’t want to wait until you have saved up enough money for tuition fees and other expenses like uniforms, then there are other options available:
1. Take out loans from family members or friends who can offer financial assistance in exchange for your future earnings after graduation (for example as an apprentice).
2. Ask friends who already work at the same company as yourself if they know someone who could give them jobs after graduation.
Do Flight Schools Help Get Jobs?
Flight schools are a great way to get your foot in the door.
They can help you find jobs, but it’s up to you to apply for them.
If you’re looking for work as a pilot or flight instructor, flight schools will be able to point out opportunities within the industry that may not be obvious from searching online alone.
How Hard Is It to Get Into an Aviation College?
The aviation industry is booming in South Africa, and it’s not just about flying planes.
The country is experiencing a shortage of skilled pilots who are able to operate larger-than-aircraft aircraft.
This has led to an increase in demand for commercial pilots and there are now more flight schools than ever before.
The requirements for being a commercial pilot vary depending on where you want to fly: local regulations may be different from those at home, which could mean that you need additional training before taking up a new career as a pilot there in South Africa.
Entry Requirements for Flight Schools In South Africa
There are a lot of things that you need to be aware of when looking into flight schools in South Africa.
The first and foremost thing is your age. If you are under the age of 18, then it is not legal for you to fly solo within the country.
The second thing is education: if you have not finished high school yet, then this will make it difficult for you to get any sort of training at all.
The third thing is experience: if someone has been flying professionally for a long time then they should have more experience than someone who has just started out recently (even though they may also be younger).
Finally, there are language skills required – many instructors speak English fluently so being able to understand them could help save time while learning how things work on an airplane.
What Kind of Qualification Do I Need To Be a Commercial Pilot?
- You must be a licensed pilot.
- You need to have a Commercial Pilot License and at least 250 hours of flight time.
- You can take the FAA written exam, which consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and an oral portion (usually around 30 minutes).
If you pass this exam, then your next step is to take the practical exam (also known as “in-flight training” or “check to ride”).
This requires that you demonstrate skills on an aircraft in order for them to be accepted into an airline company’s training program for commercial pilots.
How Much Does Pilot Training Cost in South Africa?
The cost of flight training depends on the school and the type of training.
This can range from R100,000 to R150,000 per year, but the average price is between R115,000 and R130,000.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) has published a list of accredited flight schools in South Africa.
They are approved by them for their pilots to pursue their pilot licenses through flight school training programs in accordance with international standards.
What Aviation Courses Are Available In South Africa
If you’re interested in becoming a pilot, then the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) offers many different courses to choose from.
The most common type of course offered is the private pilot license, which allows you to fly your own aircraft and transport passengers.
Other options include commercial pilot licenses (LP) and airline transport pilot licenses (ATPL).
If you plan on flying as an instrument-rated pilot or instructor, then you’ll need an instrument rating and flight instructor rating respectively before being able to complete these training programs.
Do You Have To Be Good at Math To Be a Pilot?
You may be surprised to learn that math is a requirement for all pilots.
It’s essential to understand flight instruments and navigation, which means you need to know your way around a calculator.
Math also plays a role in calculating fuel consumption, landing distances and takeoff speeds.
Career Opportunities for Pilots In South Africa
There are many career opportunities for pilots and flight instructors.
You can become a pilot, flight instructor or aircraft engineer.
There are also opportunities in the aviation industry as a ground crew member (eg: baggage handler), dispatcher/checker at an air traffic control center or manager of an airport maintenance department.
Advantages Of Flying In South Africa
Flight Schooling bears international recognition and will provide you with the opportunity to work anywhere across the globe.
6The demand for pilots is high, as it’s a very lucrative career option; there are several benefits involved in flight school training and these include:
- You can work anywhere in the world as a pilot.
- There is a lot of demand for pilots due to their skills and experience.
- It’s one of the best career options out there.
Finding The Best Flight Schools in South Africa
Finding the best flight schools in South Africa is not an easy task.
After all, there are many flight schools available and each of them has its own advantages.
It’s important to know what you want from your flight school so that you can make the right choice when it comes time for you to enroll.
Here are some questions you should ask yourself before choosing a new school:
What do I want my career goals to be? If they include becoming an airline pilot or pilot instructor then finding a program at one of these schools would be ideal.
If instead, your goal is something less specific like learning how to fly planes then maybe consider looking into other options such as becoming certified as an instructor at another location (such as Cape Town).
How much money am I willing/able/able enough financially?
This may seem like an obvious question but many people overlook this important aspect when looking around for answers which could result in them failing miserably at their chosen path because there wasn’t enough money left over after paying bills etc.
The List of Best Flight Schools In South Africa
Skyhawk Aviation
One of the famous pilot training facilities in South Africa offering top-notch instruction is Skyhawk Aviation.
It offers a thorough analysis of commercial aviation.
Skyhawk Aviation is a viable alternative if you want to pursue a career as a commercial pilot because the institution aims to guide you down the commercial piloting road.
Blue Chip Flying School
Without a question, one of the best aviation schools in South Africa is the blue-chip flying school.
It has trained private and professional pilots for more than 25 years and granted licenses to countless individuals.
In this school, students can pursue their dreams of becoming airline transport pilots, commercial pilots, or private pilots.
The flying school takes pleasure in having the resources and equipment needed to effectively train students to become cutting-edge pilots.
AAA 4 Pilots
One of the top pilot schools in South Africa, AAA 4 is dedicated to producing competent, elite pilots with a high degree of aviation expertise.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA No/0294) has given the institution its approval.
It provides airline pilot training to both domestic and foreign students.
Pilots with the AAA 4 rating can provide the best airline training.
This is partly because they train students to become exemplary pilots in the aviation sector using the most conventional methods.
43 Air School
43 Air School is a location where top-notch pilot training is available.
The academy still seeks to develop more skilled and adept hands despite having more than 6,000 graduates.
Some of the best in the business teach at the institution. Students receive expert instruction from them.
43 The greatest fleet of aircraft and cutting-edge training facilities are provided at the aviation school.
The school provides access to training facilities, a designated region for flying instruction, and low air traffic density, among other necessities for efficient training.
Progress Flight Academy
An institution dedicated to producing pilots at a competitive price who exhibit professionalism and real operating skill.
The institution is committed to fostering professional development among its students by providing a career program for pilots, a program for airline pilots, and professional pilot-integrated training.
Beyond the normal modular course offered by the majority of flight schools, Progress Flight Academy offers an integrated education that is founded on the best global practice standard and is approved by the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA).
Eagle Air Flight Academy
Under the South African Aviation Authority, Eagle Air Flight School is a recognized training facility.
It is dedicated to offering students the help and direction they require to reach their full potential.
Eagle Air places a high premium on student safety, and to do so, they use the most well-known repair facility at the airport.
The school offers a variety of courses and programs.
The private pilot license consists of the flight training course and eight subjects, while the night rating includes theoretical knowledge instruction, fourteen hours of flight time, 14 takeoffs, and 14 landings.
Virginia Flight School
A fixed-wing flight training company offers step-by-step instruction that guarantees the pilot’s effectiveness and continuous professional development.
Individual pupils receive individualized training and growth from the organization.
To fulfill the ever-increasing demands of the aviation industry, this aids in the development of pilot trainees into professional pilots.
Your preparation for the private pilot certificate begins at Virginia Flight School.
Morningstar Flight School
By being close to the general flying area, Morningstar Flight School guarantees that students won’t waste time during training sessions waiting for aircraft.
A superior view is provided for actual flight training due to its location.
Morningstar provides beginning classes so you can learn the fundamentals of flying even if you have no prior experience.
The school’s instructors are fervent flyers who can expound on all aspects of flying and how to excel in the aviation industry with enthusiasm.
From dawn to dusk, on a part-time or full-time basis, Morningstar educators are readily available to train students.
Cape Town Flight Training Center
The school is exceptional for flight training because it is in a pleasant flying environment.
Cape Town is a charming city with a climate like the Mediterranean.
Flying over this city offers a lovely view and is fun.
The academy is committed to providing thorough pilot education in all forms.
In order to suit the needs of the aviation sector, it offers a comprehensive range of training programs.
Among these are the PPL, CPL, class rating, validation of foreign licenses, SACCA-certified commercial pilot license ground school, single-engine simulator training, multi-engine simulator training, night rating, multi-engine rating, and a variety of other accessible courses.
Johannesburg Flying School
With more than 40 years of experience, Johannesburg Flight School, one of South Africa’s oldest flying schools, is dedicated to producing pilots of the highest caliber.
Since it began operating in 1981, it has graduated more than 3,000 students from all around the world.
The academy conducts a one-on-one training session with each student, assisting them in developing the skills necessary to become a great pilot.
The academy’s mission is to provide quality pilot training as well as maintain a highly professional and personal affiliation with students.
Other Flight Schools In South Africa
1. Where can I study to be a pilot in SA?
Here’s a list of flight training centers in South Africa that you can choose from:
- Cape Town Flight Training Center.
- Johannesburg School Of Flying.
- Morningstar Flight Academy.
- Flight Training College.
- Eagle Flight Academy South Africa.
- U-Fly Training Academy.
- UAV Industries.
- Cranfield Aviation Training.
2. Who is the best pilot in South Africa?
Asnath Mahapa (born October 1979) is a South African pilot.
3. What subjects do pilots need to study?
The Private Pilot’s License (PPL) requires Radio license exams and seven exams comprising of:
- Aviation Meteorology;
- Flight Performance and Planning;
- General Navigation;
- Aircraft General;
- Principles of Flight (Aerodynamics);
- Human Performance and Limitations;
- Air Law; and to complete,
- A practical flight test.
4. Is there a shortage of pilots in South Africa?
The pending shortage of pilots and aviation support skills in Africa is further aggravated by the brain drain of skills beyond the continent.
5. What math is used in pilot?
The most common math skills pilots use are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
For example, you’ll need to add and subtract to calculate the weight. Second, you should know basic geometry.
This is so you can focus on shapes and spatial relationships between objects.
6. What subjects are needed to become a pilot in South Africa?
In South Africa there are currently no compulsory subject requirements, or minimum mark requirements to start training as a pilot.
It is, however, strongly recommended that you do math, science, English and geography at the highest possible level, as these will definitely help with the theoretical exams.
7. Where is the cheapest place to study pilot?
The Philippines is one of the cheapest nations globally for pilot training and getting a pilot’s license.
Students can usually complete their courses for roughly INR 9-10 lakh in this country.
8. Is South Africa good for pilot training?
The low cost for pilot training in South Africa, combined with the endless summer climate makes it ideal for aspiring pilots.
South Africa generally offers warm sunny days with little to almost no rain in some parts of the country sporadically.
The CPL cost in South Africa is affordable without compromising on quality.
9. What is the APS score for a pilot?
In order for you to get accepted at a University in South Africa, or (Colleges that use APS scores) for a qualification in Pilot, you should possess a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) with an APS score of between 26 -35. APS score is determined by the Grade 12 marks or results.
10. How much do pilots earn per month in South Africa?
The average pilot salary in South Africa is R 312 000 per year or R 160 per hour.
Entry-level positions start at R 171 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 5 124 600 per year.
11. How many pilot schools are there in South Africa?
There are over a hundred flight schools in South Africa that offer pilot training programs that you can choose from.
12. Is South Africa cheap for pilot training?
The CPL cost in South Africa is affordable without compromising on quality.
The weaker Rand currency compared to the dollar works in the favor of aspiring pilots, making the pilot training in South Africa cost moderately between 5,00,000 – 5,30,000 ZAR.
Conclusion
So, if you are looking for a career in the aviation industry and want to make the most out of your skills, then flying schools are a great place to start.
They offer an excellent opportunity for students to get their commercial pilot license and allow them to pursue any job they choose without having any prior experience or certification required.
However, it is important that you do not forget about what you have learned from this article: that being a successful pilot will require hard work and dedication.
The flight schools in South Africa are a great option for anyone looking to get into the industry.
With many different types of courses available, it is easy to find the right school that fits your needs and interests.
If you’re interested in becoming a pilot then start with our list of best flight schools in South Africa today.