South African Civil Aviation (S.A.CAA) requirements for a Pilot Licence

In order to begin flight training for a pilot licence in South Africa, the student must hold an appropriate current “aviation medical certificate”. This applies to aeroplanes, helicopters and microlights.

To apply for the Pilot Lcence, the student must be 17 years or older, hold a current Radio Telephonic Licence and have passed the required examinations.

Student Pilot Licence requirements

• Hold a current Aviation Medical CertificateTheoretical
• Knowledge Course and Examinations to be passed - The theoretical knowledge course and pre-solo theoretical examination will cover the following aspects:
  • Air Law - as appropriate to student pilots
  • Aircraft Knowledge - covering the aircraft make and model used for training.
  • Written theoretical knowledge examinations - conducted at an Aviation Training Organisation which has been approved by S.A. CAA

Application to S.A.CAA for a student pilot licence

A student cannot be released for their first solo flight unless he/she: has undergone a minimum of 10 hours of dual flight training The student must prove to possess adequate knowledge of the basic principles of flight.

Before a student pilot is authorised to conduct his/her first solo flight, the flight instructor who conducted the dual competency check flight must endorse the student’s logbook in accordance.

Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) requirements

• Training -The aim of your Flight School is to train “you the student” to the level of proficiency which is required for the issue of a Private Pilot Licence (PPL). This licence may not be used for remuneration, but may be used to act as pilot-in-command (PIC), or as a co-pilot of any aeroplane for which you hold a valid class or type rating, engaged in non revenue flights. The training comprises a practical and theoretical course which includes a minimum of 45 flying hours and must include 15 solo flight hours. Additional hours are often required before you are confident and competent to achieve your licence.
• Examinations to be passed
  • Aviation Meteorology
  • Flight Performance and Planning
  • General Navigation
  • Aircraft General
  • Principles of Flight
  • Human Performance and Limitations
  • Air Law
  • Radio Telephonic Licence
  • Skill test for Private Pilot Licence

Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane) requirements

The aim of your Flight School is to train you to the level of proficiency which is required for the issue of a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).

This requires a Theoretical Knowledge and Practical Training Course with a minimum of 200 flying hours.

A Commercial Pilot Licence may be used for remuneration and to act as pilot-in-command (PIC), or as a co-pilot of any aeroplane for which you hold a valid class or type rating.

• Theoretical Knowledge Course and Examinations to be passed. The knowledge acquired must be sufficient for you to pass examinations in the following theoretical knowledge subjects
  • Aviation Meteorology
  • Flight Performance and Planning
  • Radio Aids and Communication
  • General Navigation
  • Instruments and Electronics
  • Aircraft Technical and General
  • Human Performance and Limitations
  • Air Law
  • Radio Telephony

Due to new S.A. CAA regulations, you are also currently required to undergo an English proficiency test. (This may possibly fall away in the near future). Learn to Fly can assist you with contacts for English lessons, if required.

South African Civil Aviation Requirements for a Pilot Licence (Helicopter)

This is very similar to the procedure and requirements for the Student, Private and Commercial Licences for fixed wing aircraft (Aeroplane).

Private Pilot Licence (Helicopter) requirements

The applicant for a private pilot's licence must: be not less than 17 years of age, hold a valid aviation medical certificate and hold a valid Radio Telephony Certificate.

• Pass examinations in the following subjects
  • Principles of Flight
  • Air Navigation
  • Meteorology
  • Navigation
  • Helicopter Technical and General
  • Helicopter Type Technical
  • Air Law
  • Pass a practical flight test
• Have completed a minimum of 50 hours flight time of which not less than 15 hours shall be solo. This must include at lest 3 hours solo cross-country flying.

A Commercial Helicopter Licence requires a minimum of 200 hours with further written examinations. The Commercial Licence may then be used for remuneration.

Due to new S.A. CAA regulations, you are also currently required to undergo an English proficiency test. (This may possibly fall away in the near future). Learn to Fly can assist you with contacts for English lessons, if required.

South African Civil Aviation Requirements for a Pilot Licence (Microlight)

The student applicant for a private pilot's licence must: be not less than 17 years of age, possess a valid aviation medical certificate and hold a valid Radio Telephony Certificate

• Theory exams
  • Engines and Airframes
  • Navigation
  • Meteorology
  • Air Law and Principles of Flight
  • Flight Test

The current minimum requirement is 20 flying hours which must include 5 hours dual instruction, a minimum of 15 hours solo instruction, including 3 navigation exercises. On average a student requires + - 30 hours before achieving their pilot licence.