Private Pilot Licence- Aeroplane (PPL-A)

Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 October 2012 09:21 Written by Administrator Tuesday, 29 November 2011 12:55

In order to be issued with a Private Pilot Licence in South Africa, the following minimum requirements need to be met:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• An applicant for a PPL-A has to be at least 17 years old
• The applicant must also have a valid class I or II medical certificate
• The applicant must have a valid Restricted Radio Licence (done as part of your PPL training)
• An applicant must have a valid SPL, or show evidence of having held either a valid pilot’s licence issued by a foreign state, OR, a South African Air Force pilot qualification, OR, a Recreational Pilot Licence within the previous 60 months (5 Years)
• The applicant must have successfully completed training at a CAA approved flight training organisation
• Have passed all the theoretical knowledge examinations required for the PPL syllabus. The subjects are: 1) Aviation Meteorology, 2) Flight Planning and Performance, 3) Navigation, 4) Aircraft technical and general, 5) Principles of Flight, 6) Radio, 7) Human Performance, 8) Air Law
• Have successfully passed the flight skills test
• An applicant must have a minimum of 45 hours flight time as pilot of an aeroplane, of which:
• At least 25 hours must be dual flight instruction (flying with an instructor)
• At least 15 hours of solo flight time of which at least 5 hours must be accumulated doing cross country flying
• A qualified South African Air Force pilot may apply for exemption to any or all of the above requirements
• The theoretical examinations have to all be passed within a period of 12 months, and the last exam needs to be passed not more than 6 months before the skills test of a PPL

PRIVILEGES OF A PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE

• A PPL pilot may, by day, act as pilot in command or co-pilot of any aircraft on which he/she holds a valid rating
• The holder of a PPL may act as co-pilot of any aircraft on which a co-pilot is NOT required
• A PPL pilot may not act as pilot in command of any aircraft that is carrying passengers or freight for reward or hire
• A PPL pilot may not be remunerated for acting in any pilot capacity on an aircraft
• A PPL pilot may act as pilot in command of any aircraft in the course of his/her own or employer’s business, PROVIDED that; the flight is only incidental to the business; and that the aircraft does not carry passengers or freight for reward or hire
• A PPL is valid for a period of 10 years, provided that the applicable fees are paid annually
• A PPL pilot has to undergo a revalidation check within 12 months of the date of issue of the licence, and thereafter every 24 months