On this page, we will explain thoroughly what subjects you will require in order to become a Pilot in South Africa. You must know that you cannot study towards being a pilot at any university in South Africa. None of South African universities offer this type of qualification as yet.
In terms of what subjects are required, we looked at several flight training colleges or schools in South Africa to determine what they actually list as their entry requirements. All the schools seem to prefer Mathematics and Science as their recommended grade 12 subjects.
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Subjects are Needed to Become a Pilot Based on SA Flights Schools
1. Flight Training College (FTC)
At Flight Training College, they recommend having a background in Mathematics, Science, and English at the Senior/Matric level. While it’s not a requirement for everyone, it’s particularly useful if you plan to work with South African Airways, where having these subjects is a minimum requirement. Geography is also very useful, but not required.
Here’s a look at why these subjects are generally important:
- Mathematics: Helps with problem-solving and understanding the performance of any aircraft.
- Science (Physics): Important to understand the principles of flight and aerodynamics.
- English: Important to understand basic and advanced aviation terminologies and instructions.
For more information on what it takes to become a pilot through FTC, check out their official guide here.
2. Flyfofa Aviation Training
Flyfofa Aviation offers various aviation courses, such as Private Pilot License (PPL) and Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Here’s what you need for each:
- PPL: The educational requirement is basic—being able to read, write, and speak English fluently. While Grade 12 isn’t required, it’s strongly recommended that you have a good understanding of subjects like Maths and Science to help with flight theory.
- CPL: To move up to a Commercial Pilot License, you’ll need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification. It’s important that you have Mathematics and Physical Science to a matriculation level for the advanced training involved.
For more information about Flyfofa and the educational requirements, you can visit their page here.
3. Blue Chip Flight School
At Blue Chip Flight School, while there are no strict subject requirements, they do highlight the advantage of having Maths and Science knowledge. You’ll also need to be proficient in English and pass a medical fitness exam.
If you plan to continue beyond your Private Pilot License (PPL) into a more advanced license, having a good understanding of these subjects will help you later on.
To learn more about Blue Chip Flight School, you can visit their website here.
Therefore, it is safe to say that the following subjects will be very useful and make your journey toward becoming a pilot in South Africa, an easy one:
- Grade 12 Mathematics
- Grade 12 Physical Science
- Grade 12 Geography
- Grade 12 English
Aviation Schools in SA
Apart from the schools we have already listed above, here is a list of more aviation schools where you can study to become a pilot in South Africa:
- 43 Air School – Located in Port Alfred
- Aeronav Academy Limited – Based at Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg
- Blue Chip Flight School – Situated at Wonderboom Airport in Pretoria
- Flight Training College – Located in George.
- Madiba Bay School of Flight – Based in Port Elizabeth.
- Eagle Flight Academy – Situated in Hartswater. Bloemfontein.
- Paramount Aviation Academy – Located in Bethlehem, Free State.
- Progress Flight Academy – Based in Port Elizabeth.
How Many Years to Study Towards Being a Pilot in South Africa
In South Africa, the time it takes to become a fully qualified pilot depends on the type of license you are pursuing and the pace of your training. Here’s a general breakdown:
1. Private Pilot License (PPL)
- Duration: 6 to 12 months
- Requirements: 45 hours of flight training
- This is the first step in becoming a pilot and allows you to fly for leisure but not for commercial purposes.
2. Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Duration: 1 to 3 years (depending on whether you study full-time or part-time)
- Requirements: 200 flight hours (including the 45 hours from your PPL)
- With a CPL, you can work as a professional pilot for airlines or other commercial operations.
3. Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
- Duration: Additional 1 to 2 years after obtaining your CPL and sufficient flying experience
- Requirements: 1,500 flight hours (including the CPL hours)
- This license is required if you want to become an airline captain.
Total Duration
- To become a commercial pilot (CPL), it generally takes around 1 to 3 years.
- To become an airline pilot (ATPL), it could take between 4 to 6 years, including gaining the required flying hours after getting your CPL
FAQs
FAQs based on Zama Ngcobo, a South African Pilot Student.
Which Universities Can I Study Pilot Training in South Africa?
Zama Ngcobo highlights that pilot training in South Africa is typically undertaken at specialised aviation schools, not universities. These schools provide the comprehensive training needed to obtain a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) or Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL).
Some notable institutions include:
- 43 Air School: A highly regarded professional pilot training institution.
- Lanseria Flight Centre: Offers both private and commercial pilot training.
- SACAA Accredited Flight Schools: Ensures training meets the standards of the South African Civil Aviation Authority.
Zama explains that her insights come from her own training: “The only experience I have is from the specific school I go to,” emphasising the importance of selecting a school that aligns with your career goals. Each institution may have a unique curriculum and style of instruction, so careful research is vital.
Level of Schooling Required for a Pilot
Zama makes it clear that completing matric (high school) is the minimum requirement to begin pilot training in South Africa. However, she reassures aspiring pilots that their prior schooling need not include specific technical subjects like Physics or Mathematics, as these are taught in detail during the training.
She explains: “All the things you need to be a pilot, you get taught in school. The physics part, the geography part, the mathematics part—you all get taught in school.” This means that regardless of a student’s background, pilot training schools are designed to ensure every individual masters the necessary skills.
Can You Become a Pilot with Maths Literacy?
Zama addresses this common concern by affirming that Maths Literacy is not a barrier to becoming a pilot. While Mathematics and Physics may offer an advantage in understanding certain aviation concepts, the training programme provides all the technical knowledge required.
“You do not need those subjects, but if you did do them, that is definitely a plus,” she notes. Students with Maths Literacy can thrive in aviation training because the curriculum introduces and builds foundational concepts methodically. Her experience highlights that determination and effort matter more than the type of maths taken in high school.
What Subjects are Covered at Pilot Schools in South Africa?
Becoming a pilot involves intensive academic and practical preparation. Zama provides a breakdown of the subjects covered during her Private Pilot Licence (PPL) training:
- Aircraft General Knowledge: Understanding the mechanics and functions of the aeroplane.
- Principles of Flight: Learning how an aircraft achieves and maintains flight.
- Meteorology: Analysing weather patterns critical for safe flying.
- Navigation: Planning and executing flight paths accurately.
- Human Performance: Studying how pilots react to various conditions and challenges.
She emphasises that the training is demanding but rewarding: “It’s part of studying, obviously. They were not all easy, but I enjoyed all of them.” Beyond classroom learning, students engage in practical exercises such as pre-flight checks and navigation using maps and instruments like flight computers. Success requires a combination of focus, discipline, and passion.
Do You Need Maths and Physics to Become a Pilot?
Zama provides a straightforward answer: Maths and Physics are not mandatory. However, she acknowledges that having a background in these subjects can be beneficial. “You do not need those subjects, but if you did do them, that is definitely a plus,” she explains.
For those concerned about missing specific subjects, Zama reassures: “I only did Physics and Mathematics; I did not do Geography, so I thought that was going to count against me, but honestly, it did not.” All essential topics are taught from scratch during aviation training, making the path to becoming a pilot accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds.