FAQ
How old do I have to be to learn to fly?
You can do you first solo flight for your Private Pilots Licence once you have turned 17 years old. If you start your flight training at 16, you will have to wait an entire year before being able to do your first solo flight. This is not ideal, as you will have to keep up your flying skills, and this costs more money. We suggest starting your flight training a few months before your 17th birthday.
Can I learn to fly while I am still at school?
Yes you can! We offer a selection of study options. Ground school and training flights will be arranged to fit in with your schooling schedule and you will be able to set your own pace. We recommend training flights to take place at least twice a week. If you are interested in becoming a Commercial Pilot, the earlier you start flight training, the better. If you start flight training at the age of 17, you could be ready to qualify for your commercial pilots licence during your first year after matric. This means, you could be a Commercial Pilot or even a flight instructor by the age of 19.
Can I learn to fly while I have a day job?
Definitely. We will arrange ground school classes and training flights over weekends and in the evenings. Most of the training is one-on-one, so you will be able to arrange the best times for your flight training with your instructor.
How long will it take to get my Private Pilots Licence if I study part time?
There are many factors to take into consideration as each individual is different and has different circumstances. Some students will be able to fly everyday or every evening, whle other will only be able to have training twice or three times a week. Each student sets his/her own pace when training for their PPL. It can take anything from 3 to 12 months to complete.
How long will it take me to get my PPL if I study full time?
A full PPL can be completed in as little as 6 weeks but can also take as long as 3 months to complete. There are many factors determining how fast a student can complete the training. Flight training will take quicker to complete in summer than winter due to rain and cloud cover.
How many flying hours will it take for me to get my Private Pilots Licence?
A minimum of 45 hours is required by law. This will consist of 25 hours flying with your instructor, 15 hours solo flight and a further 5 hours instrument rating. Keep in mind this is the minimum amount of hours. We will only let a student fly solo if we are confident he/she is up to standard.
Am I too old to learn to fly?
There is no limit to how old you can be to learn to fly. As long as you pass the relevant medical exams you can get your pilots licence. If you have been declared medically unfit, you will not be able to start training for your pilots licence.
What will a PPL (Private Pilots Licence) cost me?
It is difficult to get an exact amount, but if the PPL is completed in the minimum hours required by law and all exams are passed on the first attempt, the cost will be about R60,000 (excluding medical exams and club fees). Alternatively a fulltime PPL course can be done for R58,990 as per our PPL Special.
Can I budget from month to month for flight training?
Yes you can. You will have to discuss this with your instructor so that he can work out a package to suit your specific wants and needs.
Is there a certain amount of hours I need to fly a month once I have obtained my Private Pilots Licence?
Once you are a qualified Private Pilot you will need to fly 3 hours a month as pilot in command. If you do not own your own aircraft, our flight school does have a hire to fly facility where a pilot can hire an aircraft on an hourly basis.
How many hours will it take for me to do my night rating?
You will need to do 10 instrument flying hours, of which 5 may be done on a simulator. You will then need to fly a VFR night navigation exercise.
When can I apply?
You can apply at our flight school any time of the year, throughout the year. We are open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year except for Christmas and New Years days.
If I do my Private Pilots Licence in South Africa, is it an internationally recognized licence?
In most countries it is accepted. You will have to redo your Medical Examination as well as your Air Law exam and PPL flight test. The same goes for a pilot who has obtained his Private Pilots Licence in another country and wishes to fly in South Africa.
Can my GP do my medical exam?
No, you will have to go to a doctor who is approved by the Institute of Aviation Medicine. These doctors are called Designated Aviation Medical Examiners or DAMEs. Only a South African medical certificate can be accepted.
How much will the medical exam cost me?
The first medical exam for a PPL (Private Pilots Licence) will cost about R1300.00 including the ECG. Chest x-rays will also be required at a cost of about R500.00
Where can I find a Designated Aviation Medical Examiner?
Our flight school is based in Cape Town, so we would recommend using Dr Rosendorff and Partners based at Christiaan Barnard Memorial Hospital. They also have a practice at the Cape Town International Airport. The contact number is 021 424 2003.
What grade medical certificate will I need?
Class IV for glider and balloon pilots
Class III for microlight pilots
Class II for private pilots
Class I for commercial and airline pilots
What do they test for during the medical exam?
During your medical exam they will test your heart condition as well as the following:
• Blood pressure
• Cardiovascular system
• Respiratory system
• Vision, including colour vision and depth perception
• Hearing
When do I book my medical exam?
You can book your medical exam as soon as you make the decision to learn to fly. You can contact our flight school should you have any questions regarding booking your medical exam. All students are responsible for payment of their medical exam, it is not included in our course.
How long is my medical certificate valid for?
If you are over the age of 40, you will need to be reexamined more often then someone under the age of 40.
• Class II (Under the age of 40) 24 Months
• Class II (Over the age of 40) 12 Months
• Class I (Under the age of 40) 12 Months
• Class I (Over the age of 40) 6 Months
How often can I fly?
The law states that a pilot can fly for 6 six days in a row, but must take the 7th day off for resting. It is illegal to fly 7 days a week.
Are progress checks made? And how often are they made?
Yes, they are made every 10 hours by the chief or senior flight instructor. This ensures that you are given the highest quality flight training throughout your course. You will also receive a progress report on performance.
How much ground schooling takes place?
Ground school forms the foundations to becoming a great pilot. We believe that proper foundations result in less time in the sky, less time in the sky means you save money!
If I need glasses/spectacles, will I still be able to learn to fly?
Yes, many pilots wear glasses or contact lenses. You will need to mention this during your medical.
What effect do my school grades have on becoming a pilot?
It is always a good foundation to have English, mathematics, science and geography, but it is not compulsory.
Do I have to have perfect coordination to be able to get my pilots licence?
No. No one is born able to fly an aircraft. This is why we have flying schools like ours to teach people how to.
How do I make bookings for a training flight?
When you come to our flying school for your first flying lesson, your flight instructor will explain the booking process to you. We have an online booking site. You will be able to find it on our links page.
Am I guaranteed to pass?
No, our flying school as well as any other flying school cannot guarantee that. If you work hard, and study you should be able to pass easily.
Is there a uniform or dress code for your flying school?
No, our flying school does not have a dress code, we only ask that you dress appropriately.