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AERO SA BLOG

How To Become A Pilot ?

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by Blue Chip Flight School

Private Pilot License (PPL)

Meant for the enjoyment of recreational flying or the aspiring Commercial Pilot

PPL_Requirements

A Private Pilot License (PPL) is the first step on the ladder of aviation training. A person holding a Private Pilot Licence is allowed to fly an aircraft for recreational purposes during daytime in good weather conditions.

Doing your PPL in Pretoria with Blue Chip Flight School means you will be trained by qualified and experienced flight instructors in both the theoretical and practical aspects of becoming a pilot.

Private Pilot License (PPL) Requirements

Medical

Man during the medical examination with therapist

Students need to be declared medically fit by a designated aviation medical examiner, which has been approved by the Commissioner for Civil Aviation and need at least a Class II medical certificate which is valid for 60 months if under the age of 40 or 24 months if 40 or older. With the initial examination chest x-rays are needed. Requirements are roughly the same as for a normal life insurance policy. We will assist in making the relevant appointments.

Citizenship & Legal Age

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There is no minimum age to start your flight training but you must be 15 years or older to go solo and 17 to obtain your Private Pilot Licence. You must be a South African citizen or a holder of a study permit. You must be proficient in English. You must be the holder of a valid student pilot licence.

Training for PPL

Theory

Black Young Man Studying at Night

We host ground schools at least 3 times a year.  Together with our study guides, integrated training approach and with the aid of our dedicated flight instructors which offer their assistance and guidance you should easily pass the practical applied subjects.  The applicant must pass 8 written exams with a minimum of 75% which is the passing score.  The exams are written “on line” in our accredited examination centre, linked with the South African Civil Aviation Authority.

  • Meteorology
  • Navigation
  • Air Law
  • Principles of Flight
  • Aircraft Technical and General
  • Human Performance
  • Flight Performance and Planning
  • Restricted Radio Licence

The theoretical exams are relatively straight forward and designed for the Pilot to fly for recreational purpose only.

Practical

Pilot in training and flight instructor in the cockpit of an airplane. Portrait of attractive young pilot with headphones preparing to fly. He is sitting next to the female instructor and looking at the board.

During your PPL training you will learn to do a pre-flight, post flight, take-offs and landings at different airports, how to file a flight plan, interpret weather.  Learn how to navigate, all instruments in the aircraft’s cockpit including communication equipment, basic flight manoeuvres and most importantly approved safety and emergency procedures.

  • Minimum of 25 hours dual flight training with an instructor
  • Minimum of 15 hours of solo flight training including a minimum of three hours solo cross country navigation flight
  • Practical flight and navigation skills test
  • 5 Hours Basic IF Simulator training

Each flying session includes a theoretical component or briefing before and after each flight.  The student will be briefed on what to prepare for in terms of checks, flows, procedures, vital actions and theory before the next flight.

The test will be conducted by at least a Gr II Instructor.

Estimated time to obtain your Private Pilot Licence is 6 months.

Integrated Training Approach

Each flying session includes a theoretical component or briefing of respectively 30 minutes. before and after each flight. The student will also be shown what to prepare for in terms of checks, flows, procedures, vital actions, and theory before the next flight.

Our PPL program is structured to reward students who are willing to do more than just the minimum. Our practical flying approach also offers opportunities for ‘critical-analytical’ thinking, i.e. to learn from one’s mistakes and those of others and the possible outcomes, solutions, and remedies; as well as ‘risk assessment’ briefings applicable to the professional pilot in his airline transport career.

Come and see more from Blue Chip Flight School at AERO SA 2022

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