List of the best aviation courses South Africa and requirements for enrollment
Many countries trust aviation courses in South Africa due to their quality. The courses range from initial pilot courses, technical courses, to advanced classes. You can take your course from any of the aviation schools located in different parts of the country. If you want a self-study course, you can enroll in online aviation programs.
Source: UGC
Aviation courses offered in the country are accredited by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, TETA, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). You can, therefore, trust their quality. The programs are suitable for South African as well as international students.
Best aviation courses in South Africa
The following is a list of aviation courses you can take in South Africa.
1. Private Pilot License (PPL)
Private Pilot License is a foundational knowledge and skills program that prepares students for all future aircraft pilot training. It is the first stage in obtaining a CPL.
Requirements
- At least 16 years of age to be able to go solo
- 17 years old to be awarded a private pilot’s license
- You must have a valid class 1 or 2 medical certificate
- One must be able to comprehend English on a conversational level. You will have to do and pass an English test to get a radio license.
- You have to be able to perform fundamental mathematics problems.
2. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
This course is more advanced compared to the private pilot license. The pilot has to understand aircraft systems and higher airmanship.
Requirements
- You must be 18 years or older.
- You must hold a valid class 1 medical certificate.
- You must hold a valid general certificate of proficiency in radio-telephony.
- You must hold a valid Private Pilot License.
- You must hold a Night Rating.
- You must show proof of English language proficiency.
3. Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic (AMM)
This course deals with aircraft repair, building, and fixing.
Requirements
- ICAO English language proficiency
- Grade 12 (Mathematics and Physical Science)
- Physically fitness and ability to handle manual labor
- At least 18 years old
4. Type Rating
It is a certification for an airplane pilot qualification.
Requirements
- Minimum 70 hours of flight experience as PIC (Pilot in Command)
- You must hold a valid Multi-Engine instrument rating for the issue of type rating.
- You must have passed the ATPL theoretical knowledge examination.
5. Crew Resource Management
This course is suitable for flight attendants, aircraft dispatchers, safety and quality personnel, maintenance personnel, all operational personnel, and air navigation service providers.
Requirements
- You must have a basic understanding of the English language.
- You should have background information on the operations of the aviation industry.
Source: UGC
6. Multi-Engine Rating
Once you complete this program, you will be allowed to operate multi-engine aircraft in VFR conditions. It is also the foundation for acquiring a commercial pilot license and becoming a commercial pilot.
Requirements
- You must have a valid PPL.
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You mus have category 3 medical.
7. Instrument Rating (IR)
This is a must-have qualification for a pilot to be allowed to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
Requirements
- One must hold a valid PPL or CPL with at least 50 hours as Pilot in Command.
- IR or ATPL Theory
- Night Rating
- Must have a medical certificate relevant to the course.
8. Instructor Rating
When you do this course, you will be allowed to provide training for a PPL and a CPL.
Requirements
- You must hold a valid CPL or Airline Transport Pilot License
- Class 1 medical certificate
- 15 hours’ dual in an airplane
- 20 hours of flight instructor patter training conducted by a Grade 2 or Grade 1 Airplane Flight Instructor
9. Night Rating License
This a mandatory course that a private pilot needs to take to be able to fly at night safely and effectively. You need this license to be able to get your Commercial Pilot License.
Requirements
- A valid PPL or Student Pilot License
- 5 hours of theoretical training
- 10 hours of dual instrument flight instruction
- Completion of 5 take-offs and landings by night
10. Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License
This is a proficiency course that enables one to get the CPL or to be a co-pilot on Multi-Engine airplanes in Commercial Air Transportation or Multi-Pilot.
Requirements
- Proof of previous education in high school or college
- Valid class 1 medical certificate
- Pass Mathematics, English Language, and Physics pre-test
Source: UGC
READ ALSO: Halala: South African police service honours stunning female pilot
Top 5 Aviation schools in South Africa
After deciding on which aviation course to take, you have to be sure of where you can find the right course. The following is a list of institutions offering aviation courses. You can choose your ideal aviation school from this list and from many others that are not listed here.
1. Skyy Aviation Academy
This institution has full accreditation from the South African Civil Aviation Authority and TETA. It offers flight attendant, aviation training, and cabin crew courses.
Contact details
- Tel: 032 815 0260
- Email: info@skyyavaition.com
- Physical address: 7 Umkhomazi Drive, Dube Tradeport, La Mercy, KwaZulu-Natal, 4399
2. Cranfield Aviation Training
It is accredited by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. The school offers a wide range of aviation courses.
Contact details
- Tel: +27 11 708 2588/98 or +27 82 341 1353/4
- Email: info@cranfield.co.za
- Physical address: 90 4th Road, Chartwell, Fourways, Johannesburg
3. Paramount Aviation Academy
Paramount is a flying school that offers various aviation courses. If you want to be the best pilot, this is the best place to get your education.
Contact details
- Tel: +27 58 050 0493 or +27 63 699 4262
- Email: info@flyparamount.co.za
- Physical address: PostNet Suite 54, Bethlehem Airport, 9700
4. 43 Air School
The facility offers a wide range of courses in the aviation industry. If you want to be a pilot or an aviation mechanic, this is the best place to start your career.
Contact details
- Tel: +27 46 604 3600
- Email: fly@43airschool.com
- Physical address: Port Alfred Aerodrome, Bathurst Street, Port Alfred, 6170, South Africa
5. ATNS Aviation Training Academy
One of the reasons why you should consider getting your aviation training here is because ATNS is recognized as the best regional IATA training provider.
Contact details
- Tel: +0860 2867 26
- Physical address: Eastgate Office Park, Block C, South Boulevard Road, Bruma, 298, Gauteng
What is the role of IATA training in South Africa’s aviation industry?
IATA (International Air Transport Association) is a trade association for global airlines. The association has about 290 airlines, which represent around 82% of the world’s air traffic. Most South African airlines are members of the IATA. Its role is to ensure there is simplicity in processes, high passenger convenience, and cost reduction.
IATA airlines also get IATA training and consulting services that help them achieve operational efficiency. Various aviation schools in South Africa offer courses recognized by the IATA.
Source: UGC
READ ALSO: Teenager becomes Britain’s youngest qualified commercial airline pilot
What is the role of the Civil Aviation Assist?
This is a courier and consultation service provider for the Civil Aviation Community in South Africa. It handles various aviation assist documentation issues including:
- Validation and validation renewal
- ATPL issue and renewal
- SPL issue and renewal
- CPL issue and renewal
- PPL issue and renewal
- Change of particulars
- Duplicate of license
- Conversion of foreign license
- Annual submission for maintenance of pilot license validity
READ ALSO: UKZN boots 2000 ‘professional students’ - 8 years for 3-year course
Now that you know some of the aviation courses offered in South Africa, it will be easy for you to decide which one suits your qualifications and interests. We wish you all the best as you choose to start your career in the aviation industry!
READ ALSO:
- Coronavirus: African countries have lost millions in 2 months – IATA
- Mzansi mourns fallen pilots who crashed in George: “May they RIP”
- Sikorsky S-76: Everything you need to know about Kobe helicopter crash
Source: Briefly News
