“That’s So Cool”: South Africans Congratulate 16-Year-Old Helicopter Pilot
- A helicopter company shared that a 16-year-old boy became a pilot, which many people celebrated
- People hoping to become helicopter pilots need to spend many hours training, whether flying solo or through cross navigation
- Online community members congratulated the teenager, writing their messages in the comment section

Source: TikTok
A 16-year-old boy received congratulatory messages from the online community after it was announced that he became a helicopter pilot.
The Gqeberha-based helicopter company, Heli Pilot, uploaded a video to their TikTok account on 14 August, 2025 to share the good news. They offer scenic tours, pilot training, and helicopter flight services.
The clip showed the boy being sprayed with champagne and having buckets of water thrown at him in celebration.
Requirements for completing helicopter training
The helicopter company Hover shared on its website that the minimum requirements for helicopter training in South Africa are the following:
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- You must be 17 years, or older.
- Class 2 aviation medical.
- Must complete 50 hours of training, which includes 15 hours of solo time and five hours of cross navigation.
- A restricted radio licence.
- Be proficient in English.
- SACAA PPL(H) subject credits.
- Completed PPL skills test.

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Hover notes that individuals can start helicopter training and fly solo at 16, but must be 17 to complete their PPL(H) skills test.
Advantages and disadvantages of helicopters
The publication Medium shared the pros and cons of helicopters.
Advantages
- Speed over long distances.
- Pilots have access to remote and mountainous areas and can access huge water expanses.
- Used to transport severely ill or unstable patients.
- It needs a smaller landing area and can land closer to or at hospitals.
- The mobilisation is faster than fixed-wing crafts.
Disadvantages
- The chances of crashing are greater at night and during poor weather conditions.
- The noise and vibration caused by the helicopter might cause nausea, pain, or motor dysfunction. Therefore, ear protectors should be worn as well as communication system headphones for essential communication.
- Visibility is restricted, hampering observation for patients and monitors.
16-Year-old pilot surprises South Africans
A few local members of the online community took to the comment section to congratulate the teenage helicopter pilot. Others shared that they couldn't believe what they had seen and cracked jokes about the situation.

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Source: Getty Images
@southafricanrevenue.com wrote in the comments:
"Yeah, 16 years of experience."
@magaya117 said to the online community:
"Anyone who becomes a pilot at 16 really worked hard to earn it."
@ruskybot stated with a laugh:
"Well done. Just don't fly so low over my house. N17, watching you."
@kurt.matthews2 added in the comment section:
"Congratulations, young man. You see, good things do come to those who work hard. Well done, wishing you many safe hours in the sky."
@katie_jvr simply said:
"That's so cool."
Take a look at the TikTok video below:
3 Other accomplishments by teens
- In another article, Briefly News reported that a 14-year-old girl who received an invitation to Spain for a sports opportunity started her business to raise R60 000.
- A 16-year-old KwaZulu-Natal beauty queen became a finalist for the Miss Teen Grand South Africa 2025 pageant competition. The young entrepreneur hoped to help the youth survive in the world.
- A young man impressively received 15 distinctions and an acceptance letter to Harvard University. He shared with Briefly News what he planned to study at the well-respected institution.
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Source: Briefly News