In South Africa, becoming a pilot is a popular career choice that many aspiring aviators pursue. However, pursuing this field requires many years of hard work, dedication, and training. This article will look at the factors that determine how long you will study to be a pilot in South Africa.
Requirements To Study Pilot
Before delving into how many years it takes to study to become a pilot in South Africa, it's important to understand the requirements for this field. The minimum age requirement to start training for a private pilot's license is 17 years of age. However, you must be at least 18 years old to be issued with a private pilot's license. Additionally, you'll need to have a medical certificate that shows you're in good health, with 20/20 vision or corrected 20/20 vision in each eye.
A Matric certificate or equivalent NQF qualification is also required to study at any aviation school in South Africa.
License Levels and Types
There are several types of pilot's licenses in South Africa, each with its own set of requirements and duration of study. The most common pilot's licenses include:
- Private Pilot's License (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot's License (CPL)
- Airline Transport Pilot's License (ATPL)
A Private Pilot's License (PPL) is the first step in becoming a pilot in South Africa. To obtain a PPL, you must have a minimum of 45 hours flight time, which includes 20 hours of solo flight time.
A Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) is the next level, which allows the holder to fly for hire or reward. To obtain a CPL, you need to complete at least 200 hours of flight time, which includes 20 hours of cross-country flight time.
An Airline Transport Pilot’s License (ATPL) is the highest level of pilot's license, and it allows the holder to captain large commercial airlines. To qualify for an ATPL, you need to complete at least 1,500 hours of flight time.
Duration of Study
The duration of study to obtain your pilot's license in South Africa depends on the license type you're pursuing, your personal circumstances, and the flying school you choose. Generally, it takes around 12 to 18 months to obtain a PPL. However, becoming a commercial airline pilot can take anywhere between two to five years, depending on the type of training program.
The duration of training also varies depending on whether you study on a full-time or part-time basis. Full-time study allows you to complete the course faster, while part-time study offers the option to work while studying.
The Cost of Pilot Training
The cost of pilot training in South Africa varies depending on the type of license you're pursuing, the flying school you choose, and the type of aircraft you'll be using. On average, studying to be a private pilot costs between R200,000 and R450,000, depending on the school and type of aircraft. However, pursuing an ATPL can cost upwards of R1 million.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, becoming a pilot in South Africa requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and training. The duration of study depends on the type of license you're pursuing, your personal circumstances, and the flying school you choose. While the cost of training may be relatively high, pursuing a career in aviation can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
