Flash News:
Good pilots are the product of good flight training
All pilots are not created equal and there is not one flight training organisation that is the best option for everyone. To get the most out of your training, it is important you first set yourself some goals. This can be as simple as ‘I’d like to learn how to fly an aircraft’ to ‘I want to become an airline pilot as quickly as possible’
The key benefits pilot training in South Africa
- Graduates ready for immediate transition to jet aeroplane training
- Efficient training in an environment that maximizes proficiency
- Modern well equipped Aeroplanes and type specific Flight Simulators
- Most comprehensive Jeppesen based Airline Pilot ground school
- Courses modelled on European EASA-FCL standards
The top three largest cities in South Africa are Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town
In South africa ‘all year-round’ weather conditions – the student can complete your PPL or CPL a lot faster than at home and do so in a sun-filled and fun-filled environment.
The low cost of pilot training in South Africa, combined with the endless summer climate, makes it the ideal learn to fly location. South African normally offers glorious sunny days, with little wind or rain in most parts of the country. No grey winter days when you cannot fly.
The cost of learning to fly may be low, but the pilot training is world-class. South Africa’s weak Rand currency works to your advantage. In comparison to the UK, Europe, North America and many other countries, the prices of most goods and services are very low.
When you learn to fly in South Africa you get the highest quality of flight schools, aircraft and flying instructors. People are very friendly and we look forward to making you feel welcome.
Students can get quality flight training and accommodation, have the time of their life and experience the South African culture and scenic beauty - all at the same time!
South African Civil Aviation Approved Organization
We are one of the leading pilot training organisation in South Africa established by experienced aviation professionals for you. Our mission is to train pilots to the very highest standard of excellence in aviation, safety, education, competency, command and to achieve their individual, personal and professional aviation goals. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SA CAA) approved qualification offers valuable experience and professional pre-employment skills that give our students a flying start to their aviation career. If you've always dreamed of flying, either as an aviation enthusiast or as a commercial pilot, our first class training programs can help you get your journey off the ground and put your aspirations within reach.
The Academy caters for airline pilot training for both national and international students from all parts of the world. For training as an Airline Pilot there is none better to be found in South Africa. The goal of AAA 4 PILOTS is to produce professional pilots who value LIFE the most and to excellently serve the world aviation industry. Our graduates get the jobs and now fly for major Airlines throughout the World.
We are proud to train pilots in a traditional way, gaining confidence and experience, through development of knowledge and skills by progression of licenses and ratings to get professional edge by training to an airline standard using latest technology, a modern fleet and highly skilled instructors that have a reputation for producing pilots that are in demand.
We are one of the leading flight training academies in South Africa, situated at Virginia Airport Durban. Whether you wish to fly for pleasure or pursue a career in aviation we will commit ourselves to ensure you reach you full potential while realising a lifelong dream of unlimited opportunities
It is our mission as a flying school to provide the best training available to create a generation of future aviators. Our school creates a serious learning environment with experienced but friendly instructors to make sure you enjoy your time with us. Aviation has a lot of opportunities and you can decide whether you wish to fly for pleasure with a Private pilot license (PPL) or pursue a career in aviation with a Commercial pilot licence (CPL) and we are committed to provide you the training you require to accomplish your dream.
We also provide ab-initio training which is starting from scratch with us. On the other hand you can also continue your training from whatever stage you wish. Many of our graduates are highly respected Captains in both the private and public aviation sector and stand as proof to our exceptional standard of aviation training. We do expect commitment from full time students that are pursuing a career in aviation as the aviation industry requires dedication and passion for flying.
With an excellent safety record and top efficiency in service delivery, it is our mission to provide quality pilot Training while also maintaining a highly professional and personal affiliation with our students which are all trained on a one-on-one basis.
Our academy is approved by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA No/0294) which is ICAO compliant. Training courses offered are: (Fixed Wing) Private Pilot License, Night rating. Commercial Pilot License, ATPL, Instrument Rating, Instructor Rating, Simulator training, Ground School Lectures, Radio Telephony courses, Foreign License Validations, Hire & Fly, Conversions and Renewals.
Our Fleet consists of Cessna C150,C152, C172, C172RG, Piper Seneca, Beechcraft Baron, Sundowner which are among the most popular and ideal aircrafts for pilot training worldwide.
Facilities at the academy include: a fully equipped lecture room, flight briefing rooms, free computer based training available in the student study lounge, a kitchen, a recreational area and Swimming pool. Our dedicated full time Flight Instructors and staff will provide step by step support and guidance to instil a high standard of professionalism and discipline.
Courses
Private Pilot License
A Private Pilot License is generally seen as a learner's license in order to obtain a Commercial License. However the PPL is also seen as a License for people who want to pursue aviation as a hobby. This qualification allows you to be pilot in command in an aircraft and carry passengers during daytime and in clear weather conditions. A PPL does not allow you to receive remuneration for your flying activities and is purely for pleasure private use.
Requirements for Student and Private Pilot License
- Ab-initio -Student Pilot License (SPL)
- You must be 16 years age.however training may commence before this age
- A medical examination (Class I or II) must be done by a qualified aviation medical doctor.
- You must pass a technical examination of the aircraft chosen to train on, and a student pilot exam.
- 2 passport size photos will be required.
-
Pay the fee to issue the SPL. The South African Civil Aviation Authority (SA CAA) will allocate a License number which will enable you to fly an aircraft solo (on your own) while still under the supervision of your Instructor. Students who prove to be proficient enough after a minimum of 10 hrs dual flying will be sent for the first time Solo. This is a truly memorable experience, which signifies your official entry into the prestigious group of Aviators.
Private Pilot License (PPL)
- You must hold a valid Student Pilot License.
- You will need to accumulate a minimum of 45 hrs of flight training, of which: minimum 25 hrs Dual flight instruction, minimum 15 hrs Solo (this must include at least 5 hrs solo cross-country flying) and 5 hrs basic instrument flying (IF) on either a simulator oran aircraft.
- You must pass a technical examination of the aircraft chosen to train on, and a student pilot exam.
- Successfully pass 8 online PPL examinations (pass mark 75%)
- Complete a English Language Proficiency Test (if required)
- Pass a Restricted Radio License course.
You must be minimum 17 years of age in order to take your 2 practical flight tests. The first being a General Flight Test (GFT) which will focus on your ability to handle the aircraft in any situation. The second test is a cross-country Navigation Test which will focus on your ability to navigate safely with the examiner on a planned triangular route within a controlled air space and perform "away" landings at other airfields.
Once you have accumulated the required flying hours in your logbook and passed all examinations and tests, all your training documentation will be checked and sent to the CAA. Fee must be paid for issuing the PPL and finally have your SPL upgraded to a PPL.
Commercial Pilot License
A Commercial Pilot License is required when pursuing a professional career in aviation. This qualification allows you to receive remuneration for your flying activities and be pilot in command (on aircrafts certified for single pilot operations or co-pilot (on large commercial aircrafts certified for mutli crew operations once type specific training is completed.
A Private Pilot License is generally seen as a learner's license in order to obtain a Commercial License.
Requirements for Commercial Pilot License (Incl. IR)
- You must be 18 years of age.
- Hold a Class I medical certificate.
- Pass a General Radio License exam.
- You will need to accumulate a minimum of 200 hrs of flying, of which: 45 hrs have already been obtained through your PPL and 10 hrs through your NR. Hour Building of a minimum 100 hrs as pilot in command (PIC) is required and an additional 45 hrs Dual flight instruction must be completed (15 hrs may be done on an approved simulator and the remaining on instrument and advance training Single Engine aircraft with variable pitch and retractable gear). The CPL course has an integrated Instrument Rating course which enables a pilot to fly by instrument referral only. Multi-engine rating is also available which enables a pilot to fly a twin engine aircraft with variable pitch and retractable gear.
- Successfully pass 8 online CPL examinations at CAA (pass mark 75%)
- Complete a CPL General Flight Test in an Advanced Type aircraft with a Grade I Designated Flight Examiner. The instrument flight test is usually combined with the CPL flight test in one flight.
- Once you have accumulated all required flying hours in your logbook, completed your instrument rating and passed all examinations and tests, all your training documentation will be checked and sent to the CAA.Afee must be paid for issuing your CPL License and finally have your PPL upgraded to a CPL.
Instrument Rating
This advance qualification can be added either on Private Pilot License or Commercial Pilot License, and will be able to fly in challenging weather conditions by solely relaying on the flight instruments Not only will this rating significantly improve overall safety but it is a necessity for any pilot wanting to be competitive in the job market.
Requirements for Instrument Rating
The applicant for a class of type rating, in respect of a single-pilot multi-engine aero plane must have:.
- Hold a valid pilot license issued in terms of part 61.
- Hold a valid night rating, unless such rating is an integral part of the pilot license (i.e. CPL).
- Hold a valid Class II aviation medical certificate.
- Have passed to General Radio and Instrument rating theoretical examinations.
- Hold a general radio license certificate.
- The applicant for an instrument rating must have completed at least 50 hours flight time as PIC, of which 10 hours must have been flown on the category of aircraft for which the instrument rating is sought.
- The applicant must have completed 40 hours instrument flight training under instruction of which, at most, 20 hours may be in an FSTD approved for this purpose.
In the case of an instrument rating for a multi-engine aeroplane, at least 5 hours of the instrument training referred to above must be conducted in a multi-engine aeroplane and shall be additional to the training towards an initial multi-engine class rating. A maximum of 3 of the 5 hours may be completed in an FSTD approved for this purpose.
Night Rating
This qualification has the same privileges as a PPL with the added ability to fly during night times in reduced visibility. You will learn to utilize and rely on the instruments in the aircraft without being restricted when planning and executing a flight.
- Requirements for Night Rating (NR)
- You must hold a valid Private Pilot License.
- You will need to complete 10 hrs Dual Instrument Flying. At least 5 take-offs and landings must be done by night and a night cross-country flight of at least 150nm with 2 full stop landings at 2 separate airfields away from base must be done.
- You must pass a technical examination of the aircraft chosen to train on, and a student pilot exam.
- Successfully pass an online examination.
- Pass a practical night/IF flight test with a Grade II Instructor.
Multi Engine Rating
Completing a multi-engine rating is not only an excellent way to build experience but will give the aspiring professional pilot the edge over single-engine pilots when entering the job market..
All multi-engine training at AAA 4 Pilots is completed on the Piper Seneca which is an aircraft used and recognized worldwide. Its simplicity of operation, stability and safe handling characteristics make it an excellent aircraft more than capable of meeting your multi-engine training needs.
Requirements for Multi Engine Class Rating (ME)
The applicant for a class of type rating, in respect of a single-pilot multi-engine aero plane must have:
- You must hold a valid Private Pilot License
- At least 100 hours as PIC in an aero plane.
- 7 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction (briefings) on multi-engine aero plane operation.
6 hours of dual flight training in multi-engine airplane operation. This must include not less than 2.5 hours dual flight training covering normal conditions and operations and at least 3.5 hours dual flight training in engine-failure procedures and asymmetric flight. A maximum of 3 hours may be completed in a FSTD approved for this purpose.
In the case where the applicant is the holder of a valid instrument rating on a different category or class of aircraft and wishes to have the instrument rating endorsed on their multi-engine rating the applicant must complete at least 5 hours of additional instrument training of which no more than 3 hours may be completed in a FSTD approved for this purpose.
Instructor's Rating
Graduates that have just completed their CPL will normally choose to do an Instructors Rating in order to gain experience. This rating will allow you to work as a flight Instructor and build hours simultaneously. This involves undergoing individual skills testing, evaluation and preparation.
Airline Transport License
In order to operate as pilot in command on large commercial multi crew aircrafts an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) must be completed. This is the highest obtainable License in the aviation industry which enables you to become an Airline Captain.
Requirements for ATPL
- You must be 21 years of age.
- Successfully pass 6 online ATPL examinations at CAA.
- You will need to accumulate a minimum of 1500 hrs of flying. This will need a considerable amount of time to acquire and is normally gained during your course of employment as a CPL pilot.
- You may however write the ATPL examinations before you have 1500 hours and qualify for a "frozen ATPL" until you meet the hour requirements.
Flight Instructor Training - South Africa
In South Africa, Grade I, II and III instructor ratings exist. Ratings for aeroplanes and helicopters are obtained and revalidated separately.
A Grade III instructor rating is an entry-level qualification, allowed to provide basic instruction toward the issue of a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) under supervision of a Grade I or Grade II flight instructor. A Grade III instructor must hold at least a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) in the same category.
A Grade II instructor requires at least 200 hours of instruction experience, and can function without supervision in most types of training (instrument, night, commercial, multi-engine etc.). Grade II instructors have some examiner privileges, specifically for PPL initial and revalidation tests and can be appointed as Chief Flight Instructors.
A Grade I instructor requires at least 1500 hours of instruction experience, and can provide any type of training on classes and types of aircraft on which the instructor is rated. A Grade I instructor is also eligible for appointment as a Class 1 Designated Flight Examiner (DFE-I).
A DFE-I can issue and renew any licences and ratings that he or she is rated for. The appointment is renewed annually. Most DFE-Is are employed by major airlines.
There is also a parallel system, not in compliance with ICAO guidelines, for recreational pilots. This training takes place under Part 62 of the Civil Aviation Regulations. Such instructor ratings come in Category A, B and C, with A being the most senior.
Requirements for Instructor Rating
- You must hold a Valid Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot License
- Complete 20 hours of Flight Instructor Patter (Learning to teach on the right side of the cockpit while providing feedback to the student
- Pass 2 theoretical online examinations.
- Do at least 80 hours of Flight Instruction Briefings and preparation, and compile your own personal Instructor file.
- You will then be recommended to do a combined theoretical and practical flight test with a Designated Flight Examiner.
- Once all requirements are met, all documentation is sent to the CAA and a fee must be paid in order to include the instructor rating in your License.