The holder of a commercial pilot licence can act as a pilot of an aircraft and can be legally compensated for piloting services rendered.

 

The Commercial Pilot Licence course can be integrated to include an Instrument and Multi – Engine Rating.

 

Commercial Pilot Licence – Fixed Wing

 

A total of 200 flight hours is required to obtain the Commercial Pilot Licence. The course can be integrated to include an Instrument and Multi – Engine Rating.

 

Commercial Pilot Licence – Helicopter

 

Commercial Pilot course, which consist of 200 flying hours, after which the licence holder may do helicopter work in the private sector. The course can be integrated to include an Instrument Rating. The course is normally completed on the renowned Robinson R22 and R44.

 

Requirements

 

• At least 18 years of age before you can obtain your Commercial Pilot Licence

• Valid Private Pilot Licence

• Valid Night Rating

• Total of 200 hours of flight time (CPL)

• Class 1 Medical Certificate

• Meet the English Language Proficiency standards

 

Practical Training

 

• Minimum 100 hours pilot in command

• Minimum 10 hours pilot in command by night

• Minimum 50 hours cross country (CPL with IF)

• Minimum 20 hours cross country (CPL only)

• Minimum 40 hours instrument flying (20 hours can be on a simulator)

• Pass a practical skills flight test with a Designated Flight Examiner

 

The following subjects need to be passed with a pass mark of at least 75%:

• Instruments and Electronics

• Air Law

• Meteorology

• Navigation

• Flight Planning and Performance

• Human Performance and Limitations

• Aircraft Technical and General

• General Radio Telephony Certificate

This qualification allows you to be Pilot in Command (PIC) of an aircraft and to carry passengers. This enables you to make all decisions pertaining to planning and executing a flight, during daylight hours, and in clear weather. Additional qualifications are required to fly at night and in cloudy conditions. You may not, however, receive remuneration for your flying activities. This licence is required even if your ultimate goal is to become a Commercial Pilot, as it allows you to accumulate the relevant experience that is essential for any advanced qualifications.

Requirements for the issue of a Private Pilot's Licence (PPL):

1. You must hold a valid Student Pilot's Licence.

2. You will be required to accumulate a minimum of 45 hours for fixed wing aircraft or 50 hours on helicopters of flight time, which must include a minimum of 15 hours solo flight and a minimum of 25 hours dual flight instruction (flying with your instructor). The 25 dual flight instruction hours in aeroplanes must include 5 hours of basic instrument flight instruction. These 5 hours may be completed in an approved simulator. Within your solo flight time, you will be required to accumulate at least 5 hours of solo cross-country flight time (flying from one airport to another).

3. You must successfully complete 7 written examinations, which will test your knowledge on Engines & Airframes, Meteorology, Air Law, Navigation, Human Performance, Flight Planning and Principles of Flight.

4. A Radio (Operators) Licence, which is referred to as a Restricted Radio Licence must be obtained before you are finally issued with your PPL. It is however a good idea to complete this requirement early on in your training, as the information covered assists greatly with all aspects of your flight training.

5. You will be required to successfully pass two practical flight skills tests. The first being a General Flight Test (GFT), which must be conducted by a Grade One or Two flight instructor, and will focus on your ability to handle the aircraft in all normal, abnormal and emergency flight phases. These are aspects that you will have covered extensively during your training, and this is now your chance to demonstrate your competency. The second flight test will examine your ability to safely conduct navigation procedures, and you will be required to fly yourself and your examiner on a pre-planned triangular route, with at least two "away" landings, and flight in controlled airspace. This is when it all comes together as a pilot, and is immensely satisfying and enjoyable.

6. Once you have accumulated the required flight time in your logbook, and passed all the above mentioned tests, your paperwork will be checked. You can then send all the paperwork to the SA-CAA, with the required fee, and convert your Student Pilot's Licence to a Private Pilot's Licence.

It is essential to understand that the minimum hours prescribed by the SA-CAA are exactly that minimum requirements. It is unusual for a PPL candidate to achieve competency within these hour constraints, and it must be understood that having to complete more dual hours is not a negative reflection on yourself or your flight school. Everyone has different rates of learning and understanding, and obviously aptitude plays a major role in your progression.

The bottom line is SAFETY and COMPETENCY. It is also sensible to be self-assessing throughout, and evaluate your personal comfort level while in flight. A typical PPL may have anywhere between 45 and 65 hours in their logbook when competency is achieved. As much as additional hours are good business for your flight school, this does vastly add to your overall experience, and certainly at FTS, you will be declared competent only when you actually are. Our airline and general aviation experience will make a major impact on the quality of your progression as a pilot.