Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL)

The Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) is the first step in any individual’s aviation career and is considered to be the foundation of your flight training. This is where you learn and understand the essential principals and disciplines required for piloting an aircraft.

These principals and disciplines are very important as later training will depend on your previous knowledge in order for you to continue, upgrade and improve your flying skills.

The entry requirements for the PPL are as follows:

• There are no official academic requirements; however, we strongly recommend that the student has completed English, Mathematics and Physical Science/Geography in their Matric/Conclusive year at school.
• The candidate must be at least 16 years old.
• Pass a Class 2 Medical Examination (This examination must be conducted by an SACAA approved aviation doctor).

The training to be completed is as follows:

• 45 hours of flight training (This is the legal minimum required).
• Complete the required ground training.
• Complete the 7x Theoretical PPL examinations – these can be done online at the VFS test centre.
• Complete the Restricted Radio Telephony Course & Examination.
• Complete the English Language Proficiency Test (Not required if the student has a Matric Certificate).
• Pass the Initial Practical Skills Test.

The Private Pilot Licence is aimed at the recreational pilot that wishes to fly themselves, their family or their friends to destinations not served by scheduled airline services; for either business or for pleasure.

You would be entitled to fly aircraft that you are rated on as Pilot-in-Command. However, you would not be allowed to charge for your services as a pilot nor would you be allowed to charge for the use of the aircraft utilised for your flights.