Frequently Asked Questions2022-07-11T11:11:58+02:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Here you will find answers to the most common questions asked by prospective student pilots. If you do not find an answer to your question you can contact us and we will get back to you with an answer.

What are the Cape Town International Aviation Academy’s entry requirements?2024-09-02T12:56:01+02:00

The minimum entry requirements to commence your flight training with the Cape Town International Aviation Academy are:

  1. At least 18 years of age.
  2. Hold a formal high school or equivalent secondary education qualification.
  3. Be fluent in speaking, writing and reading of the English language.
  4. Complete the CTIAA online questionnaire and Psychometric evaluation.
  5. Complete an interview with the CTIAA Head of Training.
  6. Hold a valid Class 1 or 2 SACAA medical certificate.
  7. Study Visa for foreign students.

A basic understanding of mathematics and science will be of benefit to you during your training and is recommended if you are planning to make this your career.

Who is the Private Pilot License course for?2020-07-27T11:22:10+02:00

  • For the recreational pilot or the first step towards your Commercial Pilot License.
What are the entry requirements for the Private Pilot License course?2024-09-02T12:59:20+02:00

The Cape Town International Aviation Academy’s entry requirements are:

    1. Applicants least 18 years of age.
    2. Hold a formal high school or equivalent secondary education qualification.
    3. Be fluent in speaking, writing and reading of the English language.
    4. Complete the CTIAA online questionnaire and Psychometric evaluation.
    5. Complete an interview with the CTIAA Head of Training.
    6. Hold a valid Class 1 or 2 SACAA medical certificate.
    7. Study Visa for foreign students.
What is the duration of the Private Pilot License course?2024-09-02T13:00:58+02:00

  • Approximately 6 months to 1 year dependent on student performance, availability and funds.
What is required to obtain a Private Pilot License?2024-09-02T13:01:49+02:00

  • Please see http://caa.mylexisnexis.co.za/# (Regulations –> Civil Aviation Regulations 2011 –> Part 61 Licensing, for full requirements of a PPL.
  • 45 minimum flying hours – South African average is 65 hours for PPL.
  • 8 Theoretical examinations + radio telephony certificate – 75% pass requirement.
What aircraft will I be flying?2024-09-02T13:05:29+02:00

  • Piper Warrior, Beechcraft Sundowner or Piper Tomahawk
Will there be ground lectures?2024-09-02T13:08:51+02:00

  • The ground lectures for the PPL forms part of Training Module 1 and will consist of 8 subjects. The duration of Training Module 1 is approximately 3 months.
How can I get a quote for the Private Pilot License course?2024-09-02T13:23:30+02:00

Who is the Night Rating course for?2020-07-27T11:38:47+02:00

  • For pilots aiming to obtain a Commercial Pilot License, Instrument Rating, or fly privately by night.
What are the entry requirements for a Night Rating?2020-07-27T11:40:22+02:00

  • hold a valid PPL;
  • SACAA Class 2 Medical Certificate;
  • hold a restricted radio certificate.
What is the duration of the Night Rating course?2020-07-27T11:41:08+02:00

  • Approximately 1 – 2 months dependant on student performance, availability and funds.
What is required to obtain a Night Rating?2020-07-27T11:55:21+02:00

  • Please see http://caa.mylexisnexis.co.za/# (Regulations –> Civil Aviation Regulations 2011 –> Part 61 Licensing –> Night Rating for full requirements;
  • not less than 5 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction on the material as prescribed in Document SA-CATS 61;
  • not less than 10 hours of instrument instruction, of which not more than 5 hours may be accumulated in an approved FSTD;
  • not less than 5 take-offs and five landings by night as pilot manipulating the controls of the aircraft whilst under dual instruction;
  • a dual cross-country flight by night consisting of at least a total distance of not less than 150 NM in the course of which full-stop landings at two different aerodromes away from base are made;
  • pass the theoretical night rating examination;
  • pass the prescribed skills test: it shall include a minimum of 3 take-offs, 3 circuits and 3 landings by night; the instrument component of the skills test may be conducted by day.
What aircraft will I be flying?2024-09-02T13:11:43+02:00

  • Single Engine: Piper Warrior, Beechcraft Sundowner Piper Tomahawk, Piper Arrow (complex)
  • Multi Engine: Piper Aztec
How can I get a quote for the Night Rating course?2024-09-02T13:24:26+02:00

Who is this Instrument Rating course for?2020-07-27T11:49:38+02:00

  • This rating is generally required by most employers, unless they operate by day, in clear conditions.
  • Any pilot who wishes to fly in conditions that exceed visual minimums.
What are the entry requirements for an Instrument Rating?2020-07-27T11:50:51+02:00

  • hold a valid PPL;
  • hold a night rating;
  • SACAA Class 1 Medical Certificate;
  • hold a general radio certificate;
  • passed Airlaw and Procedures exam
What is the duration of the course?2020-07-27T11:51:51+02:00

  • Approximately 4 months – 6 months dependent on student performance, availability and funds.
What is required to obtain an Instrument Rating?2020-07-27T11:54:04+02:00

  • Please see http://caa.mylexisnexis.co.za/# (Regulations –> Civil Aviation Regulations 2011 –> Part 61 Licensing –> Instrument Rating for full requirements of IR;
  • An applicant for an IR must have completed at least 50 hours cross-country flight time as PIC of an aeroplane, of which at least 10 hours must have been in the category of aircraft for which the IR is sought;
  • The applicant must have received a minimum of 40 hours instrument flight training of which a maximum of either 20 hours or 30 hours may be in an FSTD approved for the purpose – note that 10 hours of instrument time from night rating is credited toward the 40 hours, thus 30 hours extra instrument flight training required
  • A minimum of 5 hours instrument flight training must be undertaken in the aircraft category for which the IR is sought;
  • have passed the IR theoretical knowledge examination;
  • in the case of an IR (MEL), at least five hours of instrument flight training shall be conducted in a multi-engine aeroplane and shall be additional to the training requirement for the multi-engine class or type rating. Three of the five hours may be in an FSTD approved for the purpose;
  • An applicant for an IR must have passed a skills test with a DFE (Designated Flight Examiner) as prescribed in Document SA-CATS 61.
What aircraft will I be flying?2024-09-02T13:15:17+02:00

  • Single Engine: Piper Warrior or Piper Arrow (complex)
  • Multi Engine: Piper Aztec
How long is an Instrument Rating valid?2020-07-27T11:58:25+02:00

  • An IR is valid for a period of 12 months
  • A revalidation test is required with a DFE within 12 months from initial date of issue, and every 12 months thereafter;
  • If IR lapses by more than 36 months, the theoretical examination will have to be rewritten along with revalidation test.
How can I get a quote for the Instrument Rating course?2024-09-02T13:24:56+02:00

Who is the Commercial Pilot License course for?2020-07-27T12:01:35+02:00

  • For pilots aiming at a career in aviation. A CPL is required to do any flying related job.
  • Pilots can chose to acquire an Instrument rating along with the CPL – recommended – see Instrument Rating FAQ’s for requirements.
  • Pilots can also choose whether to do a Single Engine Land (SEL) CPL, or a Multi Engine Land (MEL) CPL.
What are the entry requirements for the Commercial Pilot License course?2020-07-27T12:03:06+02:00

  • ICAO English Language Proficiency Level 4
  • SACAA Class 1 Medical Certificate
  • hold at least a valid general certificate of proficiency in radiotelephony (aeronautical)
  • hold a valid PPL License
  • 18 years or older upon qualification – students can start from 17 years old
  • Recommended Subjects : Math, Physics, Geography and English
What is the duration of the Commercial Pilot License course?2020-07-27T12:04:17+02:00

  • Approximately 8 months – 2 years dependent on student performance, availability and funds.
What is required to obtain a Commercial Pilot License?2020-07-27T12:05:40+02:00

  • Please see http://caa.mylexisnexis.co.za/# (Regulations –> Civil Aviation Regulations 2011 –> Part 61 Licensing –> Commercial Pilots License for full requirements of CPL
  • 200 minimum flying hours –
    • 100 hours PIC (pilot in command)
    • 20 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC, including one flight of not less than 300 NM, in the course of which full-stop landings at not less than two different aerodromes away from base must have been made
    • 5 hours of night flying as PIC, including not less than 10 take-offs and 10 landings by night, and a cross-country flight of at least three legs, each of a minimum length of 50 NM
    • 20 hours of instrument instruction time, of which not more than 10 hours may have been acquired in an FSTD (simulator)
    • least 5 hours instruction in an aeroplane with adjustable flaps, retractable undercarriage and variable pitch propeller or turbojet engine
  • 8 Theoretical examinations, radio license exam, general radio telephony license – 75% pass requirements
  • Night Rating – see FAQ’s on night rating course
  • Passed skills test as prescribed in Civil Aviation Regulations 61.05.4. *Note: skills test must be undertaken within 36 months of passing last CPL examination
What aircraft will I be flying?2024-09-02T13:26:17+02:00

  • Piper Warrior, Beechcraft Sundowner, Piper Tomahawk, Piper Arrow (complex) or Piper Aztec (multi-engine).
How long is a Commercial Pilot License valid?2020-07-27T12:08:24+02:00

  • A CPL is valid for 10 years provided that fees are paid and competency is maintained
  • A revalidation test is required within 12 months from initial date of issue, thereafter 24 months.
Is there any assistance for the Commercial Pilot License examinations?2020-07-27T12:10:16+02:00

  • Yes, ground school lectures form part of the CPL course.
How can I get a quote for the Commercial Pilot License course?2024-09-02T13:27:58+02:00

You can email us on enquiries@ctiaa.org requesting a quotation or phone us on +27 (0)21 934 0257.

Do I have to pay for my training upfront?2024-09-02T12:52:48+02:00

The Cape Town International Aviation Academy follow a modular training system to assist you with planning and budgeting.  Module fees must be paid in advance.

When are your course intake dates?2024-09-02T12:50:20+02:00

You can start your training with the Cape Town International Aviation Academy at any of the following annual intake dates: February, April, June or September.

Does wearing corrective lenses disqualify you from becoming a pilot?2020-07-27T11:07:47+02:00

Wearing corrective lenses does not disqualify you from becoming a pilot as long as your vision with the lenses meet the minimum requirements for the class of Aviation Medical Certificate you apply for.

The choices below indicate formal flight training options:

Flight Training Private Pilot License
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Flight Training Night Rating
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Flight Training Instrument Rating
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Flight Training Instrument Rating
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Flight Training Instrument Rating
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Remote Pilot License
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Copyright © Cape Town International Aviation Academy NPC in association with Cape Town Flying Club | All Rights Reserved.
ATO Number: SACAA/1127/ATO
Company Registration Number: 2019/316705/08
NPO Registration Number: 249-170 NPO
Directors: M Kleinhans | L King | J Van Zyl
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