If you’ve always wanted to learn to fly, our Flying School provides professional flying training from the Private Pilot Licence to Airline Transport Pilot Licence, with standards that will ensure your success no matter what your aspirations are.

Located at Port Elizabeth Airport, with its sophisticated instrument approach facilities and uncluttered skies, the Algoa Flying Club is the ideal place for both basic and advanced pilot training. The perfect environment to learn to fly.

We are a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) accredited Private Pilot Licence (PPL) Test Centre. There is no longer any concern of unnecessary delays in completing the PPL as Private Pilot Licence theory testing is now available at our flight school.

Uniform high standards and consistent training methods are the hallmarks of our training system. You will learn to fly with flying instructors who are highly qualified professionals that take pride in the high standard of flying training for which our school is known.

You will find our attitude is friendly and professional, and our rates are most reasonable coupled with over 68 years of experience at all levels in the provision of flying lessons while individual lessons and personal briefings for each student ensure efficient progress and a very high success rate.

Many of our students who undertook pilot training at our flying school are today pursuing lucrative careers in aviation. When next you board an airline, anywhere in the world, remember that there is always the chance that the captain began his career at Algoa Flying Club.

The flying school is owned and operated by the Algoa Flying Club, a not-for-profit company, which is made up of flying enthusiasts with the aims and objectives of promoting flying and flight training in all its facets and to the highest standards. It is an organisation that has long established roots and is highly respected as one of the leading flying schools in South Africa. Amongst our members are pilots from all walks of life and include many seasoned flying instructors and seasoned airline pilots. It’s the shared experience that helps to make the Algoa Flying Club the right place to earn your wings.

Algoa Flying Club’s aircraft, course content and facilities comply in full with the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
Algoa Flying Club’s aircraft, course content and facilities comply in full with the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

Please feel free to contact us regarding the training offered at the Algoa Flying Club.

COURSES:

PRIVATE PILOT LICENCE

The First Step in Learning to Fly

Algoa Flying Club will show you how easy it is to spread your wings and discover freedom.

Discover how flying gets you where you want to be, safely and quickly. If your goal is personal use of this unique form of transport whether for business or pleasure, then the Private Pilot Licence will be all you need to meet your needs.

All pilots have to begin as student pilots. These exciting initial steps will form the foundation of your aviation career!

Entry Requirements for a Student Pilot Licence

An applicant for a Student Pilot Licence must be 16 years or older and must hold a valid Class 2 medical certificate. Algoa Flying Club’s Flight Training Division can arrange the necessary medical examination for you.
There are no other specific entrance requirements, but some knowledge of basic mathematics and a good command of the English language are strongly recommended. We are able to arrange an Aviation English course on your behalf if required.

Once registered as a student pilot, your training can begin.

Your instructor will provide you with step-by-step training in the form of flight training exercises. These will consist of a pre-flight briefing, the training flight, and a post-flight de-briefing.

Before going solo, you will be evaluated by a Grade II or higher instructor (someone other than your regular instructor), and you will be required to undergo two formal written tests:

Air Law, as appropriate to student pilots; and
Aircraft Knowledge, covering the aircraft make and model used for your training

Validity of a Student Pilot Licence

A Student Pilot Licence is valid for a period of 2 years from the date of issue, provided the annual currency fees are paid.
The holder must be in the possession of a valid Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate, and the licensing authority must be in possession of a copy of the medical certificate.

Privileges and limitations of a Student Pilot Licence

As a student pilot, you will be permitted certain privileges, subject to the certain limitations:

You may only fly solo for the purpose of training for the applicable pilot licence in the type of aircraft endorsed in your logbook. Any flight you undertake must be authorised and supervised by your instructor.
You may not carry passengers.
You may not cross international boundaries on your flight.
You may only fly in Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC), by day.
You may only take off from a licensed airfield.
Except in an emergency, you may only land at a licensed airfield.

Requirements for a Private Pilot Licence (Aeroplane)

To be issued your Private Pilot Licence, you must:

be 17 years or older – however, your training may begin at age 16.
hold a valid Class 1 or Class 2 medical certificate.
hold at least a valid restricted certificate of proficiency in radiotelephony (aeronautical). There is a Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) exam that must be written and passed.

Ground School for Private Pilot Licence

You must pass the following SACAA exams with a mark of 75% or higher:

Aviation Meteorology
Flight Performance and Planning
General Navigation
Aircraft General
Principles of Flight
Human Performance and Limitations
Air Law

Ground School preparation classes are held regularly, and students are provided with all the materials necessary to complete the practical and theoretical requirements.

Flight Training for Private Pilot Licence

There is a minimum of 45 hours flight time required.
At least 25 hours are dual instruction in aeroplanes, which must include 5 hours instrument instruction time.
At least 15 hours are accumulated in solo flight, of which at least five hours are cross-country flight time.
The solo cross-country flight time must include one triangular cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles (NM), on which at least one point must be not less than 50 NM from base and must include full-stop landings at two different aerodromes away from base.
A maximum of five hours dual instruction may be in our FNPTII simulator.

The course can be completed in 8 to 10 weeks, full-time, or you may prefer to spread it over several months in a part-time capacity. Algoa Flying Club can accommodate the flying schedule to meet your individual needs.

NIGHT RATING

As a valuable addition to your Private Pilot Licence, the Algoa Flying Club’s Flight Training Division offers pilots the opportunity to complete a Night Rating Course as part of their flight training.

A night rating is the next logical step for the private pilot and allows you to fly in visual flight conditions after dark. Not only is the rating useful but the 15 hours of training that you will carry out towards the attainment of the night rating adds greatly to your flying skills.

Students will be provided with the required study materials and full briefings on all facets of night flying, and will be required to pass the SACAA night-rating examination.

Course requirements are a minimum of 10 hours flight training under simulated instrument conditions. For the new pilot this will be a new and exciting introduction to the art of flying on instruments alone.

Of the 10 hours of instrument training:

5 hours may be carried out in the FNPTII flight simulator.
A further 5 hours will consist of flying at night, including both training in night landings and night navigation.
The course includes a complete flight at night visiting the nearby towns of Grahamstown and Port Alfred.

When planning for a Private Pilot Licence consider extending your stay by about 14 days and add a night rating course as well.

COMMERCIAL PILOT LICENCE

If you are interested in pursuing a career as a pilot, then the Commercial Pilot’s Licence is your first step. As a holder of the licence, you will be able to earn a salary as a pilot through a wide variety of career opportunities.

Algoa Flying Club offers pilot training courses that will help you achieve this goal.

Requirements for a Commercial Pilot Licence (Aeroplane)

To be issued your Commercial Pilot Licence you must:

be 18 years or older
hold a valid Class 1 medical certificate
hold at least a valid general certificate of proficiency in Radiotelephony (aeronautical)
hold a valid Night Rating.
complete the Instrument Rating for Commercial Pilot Licence Instrument Flight Rules (CPL IFR)

Ground School for Commercial Pilot Licence

The following CAA exams must passed with a minimum mark of 75%

CPL Visual Flight Rules (VFR):

Aviation Meteorology;
Flight Performance and Planning;
Radio Aids and Communication;
General Navigation;
Instruments and Electronics;
Aircraft Technical and General;
Human Performance and Limitations;
Air Law
General Radiotelephony.

CPL Instrument Flight Rules IFR:

Aviation Meteorology;
Flight Performance and Planning;
Radio Aids and Communication;
General Navigation;
Instruments and Electronics;
Aircraft Technical and General;
Human Performance and Limitations;
Air Law
General Radiotelephony
Instrument Rating (Operational Procedures).

Flight Training

There is a minimum of 200 hours of flight time required for a Commercial Pilot Licence which may include 20 hours of flight instruction time in our FNPT II simulator.
The total of 200 hours must include :
- 100 hours as pilot-in-command
- 20 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot-in-command, including one flight of not less than 300 nautical miles (NM), in the course of which full-stop landings at not less than two different aerodromes away from base must have been made. If an instrument rating is to be included then 50 hours of cross country time is required.
- 5 hours of night flying as pilot-in-command, 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 a flight simulation training device; and
- at least 5 hours instruction in an aeroplane with adjustable flaps, retractable undercarriage and variable pitch propeller or turbojet engine.

INSTRUMENT RATING

To be able to fly in cloud, or in any weather that does not allow a clear view of the ground and horizon at all times, requires the development of special skills. This is the instrument rating.

If your aspirations involve professional flying, then you will want to include the instrument rating as part of your flight training.

The holder of a Private Pilot Licence may also obtain an instrument rating, but it is especially important for those intending to become a professional pilot. Our Commercial Pilot Course includes all of the training required for an Instrument Rating, as an integral part of the flight training.

This includes a minimum of:

40 hours of flying under simulated instrument conditions.
- Of this requirement 20 hours will be carried out on our FNPTII flight simulator. Part of this requirement will have been met upon completion of the Night Rating course.

An Instrument Rating course is all about precision flying. You will learn to use the instruments and navigation aids, not only to fly in inclement weather, but also to develop a greater degree of precision that is not possible to achieve by visual reference alone.

The Instrument Rating requires a much greater level of theoretical knowledge and therefore we offer a separate Ground School specifically for the Instrument Rating Exam.

When you have met the requirements and the standards required, the Chief Flying Instructor will recommend you for the Instrument Flight Test which will be carried out by a SACAA Designated Flight Examiner.

MULTI-ENGINE RATING

Professional Pilots seeking to advance in their career will do a Multi-Engine Rating which will allow you to operate aircraft with more than one engine.

This rating will give you a competitive advantage when applying for a job at Airline and Charter companies. Many charter companies fly light twins like Cessna 414s or King Airs, with clients on board.

Requirements –

Hold, as a minimum, a valid Private Pilot Licence.
7 hours of theoretical knowledge instruction in a multi-engine aircraft
Must have at least 70 Hours of PIC of Aircraft
Have completed a minimum of 6 hours dual flight training on multi-engine aircraft; including not less than 2 hours dual flight training under normal conditions and at least 3.3 hours dual flight in engine failure procedures and asymmetric flight.
Pass a practical flight test with a SACAA-designated Examiner.

INSTRUCTOR RATING

Obtaining a Flight Instructor Rating will enable you to apply for employment at a flying school to teach future pilots to fly.

It also allows you the opportunity to earn an income, while hour building for your Airline Transport Licence.

Candidate instructors will initially be trained in lecturing techniques and will then prepare and present Private Pilot Standard theory lectures to students. The course includes instruction in flight briefing and twenty hours of flight training in a single-engine aeroplane.

This is followed by a Flight Instructor test conducted by an external South African Civil Aviation Authority Designated Flight Examiner.

Requirements:

The applicant for a Grade III flight instructor (A) rating shall pass prior to the commencement of practical class and flight training the written theoretical knowledge examinations in the subjects listed below – (a) Applied Meteorology and Navigation; (b) Principles of Flight and Legislation.
Hold a valid Commercial Pilot License.
Complete 20 hours of Flight Instructor Patter (5 hours may be on Simulator)
Pass 2 theoretical online examinations.
Do at least 80 hours of Flight Instruction Briefings and preparation.
Do a combined theoretical and practical flight test with a Designated Flight Examiner.

Our Instructor Rated Students have all been employed after course completion, and work for various flying schools around South Africa, including ourselves…

AIRLINE TRANSPORT LICENCE

Obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot Licence

The highest level of pilot training in your professional pilot career is the Airline Transport Pilot Licence. This licence is required to fly for any airline, or to captain any aircraft exceeding 5700kg.

If this is your dream, you can achieve it with the Algoa Flying Club’s Flight Training Division.

The requirements for the Airline Transport Licence are:

A current Instrument Rated Commercial Pilot Licence
Minimum age of 21 years
Class 1 medical certificate
General Radio Licence
Valid Commercial Pilot Licence
Minimum of 1500 hours of flight time of which:
- 500 hours must be PICUS; or
- 250 hours must be as PIC, of which up to 150 hours may be PICUS; and
- 200 hours must be cross-country flight time, of which 100 hours may be as co-pilot or PICUS;
- 75 hours must be instrument time, of which not more than 30 hours may be acquired in an FSTD approved for the purpose; and
- 100 hours shall be night flight time as PIC or as co-pilot.

You may, however, write the ATPL subjects before accumulating the 1500 hour and qualifying for a “Frozen ATPL” until you meet the hour requirements.

A frozen Airline Transport Pilot Licence is a Commercial Pilot Licence with the ATPL subjects passed.

The ATPL test must be completed in a multi-engine aircraft in an actual or simulated multi-crew and instrument flight rules (IFR) scenario, conducted by a designated flight examiner.

Ground School for the Airline Transport Pilot Licence

The following South African Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) examinations with a minimum pass mark of 75%, must be completed:

Navigation General
Meteorology
Aircraft Technical & General
Flight Planning
Instruments
Radio Aids

A Class I Medical Certificate

A requirement in order to operate as an Airline Transport Pilot. The Class I Medical certificate must be renewed every 12 calendar months (if under 40 years of age) or 6 calendar months (if over 40).

You can commence ground school for your Airline Transport Pilot Licence immediately after obtaining your Commercial Pilot Licence, however, there is a time limit of 5 years to complete the 1500 flying hours, after completing your last exam.

It is advisable therefore, to being by building your flight experience to the necessary hours first, and when nearing the required hours, begin the ground school training. In this way, completion of the two requirements can coincide, without one delaying the other, or running out of time.

The Algoa Flying Club’s Flight Training Division will guide you through the entire training process and provide you with the required ground school training according to your individual needs, whether you wish to begin from a student pilot level or merely wish to continue from previous training.

Aviation English Proficiency Testing

The test is in accordance with ICAO and SACAA Standards. The ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements were developed to address the safety concern raised by accidents and incidents in which communication played a key role.
The Algoa Flying Club is certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority to conduct English Proficiency Tests in accordance with the recommended standards as laid out by ICAO – All pilots must be able to understand and use the ICAO phraseology as well as international common practised English.

This test evaluates and assesses the following skills:
• Pronunciation
• Structure
• Vocabulary
• Fluency
• Comprehension
• Interactions

Test Method

Candidates will be asked a series of questions. Some questions relating to your work environment and other general questions.
The test is not testing your knowledge of the job or your options, but only your understanding and command of the English Language.
The Examiner will rate you on the 6 Proficiency skills mentioned above according to the ICAO recommended Rating Scale.

This Rating Scale has 6 levels as follows:
6 = Expert
5 = Extended (6 year validity)
4 = Operational (3 year validity)
3 = Pre-operational
2 = Elementary
1 = Pre-elementary

The Lowest score achieved on any of the Proficiency Skills becomes the overall Rating e.g. If you are rated (5) for Pronunciation, Structure, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Interactions, but you are rated (4) for Fluency, your overall rating becomes a (4).

Air Traffic Controllers and Flight Crews involved in Flight Operations in airspace where the use of the English Language is required must achieve a rating of 4, 5 or 6.
Candidates achieving a Rating of 3 or lower: Shall not be permitted to operate in International Airspace as May 2008, and shall have to be re-tested in order to comply. Re-testing can be conducted a maximum of once per week.

Testers
Candidates shall be tested simultaneously by 2 examiners:

An English Linguist
An Aviation Expert

Test Times
Booking a test session is essential. Please contact us to book your session.
The Test Duration is between 30 Minutes and 1 hour per candidate.

Please note that some Tests may take a few minutes less and some may take a few minutes more.

Costs: R500 (Non-AFC Members) / R400 (AFC Members) per person (incl. VAT)

If you require an English Language Course to help improve your Aviation English skills, we can assist you with one-on-one customised sessions, so you excel in your future career. Whether you aspire to become a pilot or cabin crew, or are preparing for SACAA exams, we have the expertise to help you succeed.

RADIOTELEPHONY LICENCE (RESTRICTED & GENERAL)

RESTRICTED RADIOTELEPHONY LICENSE

Who should attend course?

Restricted Radiotelephony Licence:
- Student pilots busy completing their PPL training (Fixed wing, helicopter, microlight, gyrocopter, hot air balloon)
- Any person interested in VHF communication between pilot & ATC.
General Radiotelephony Licence:
- Student pilots busy completing their CPL training (Fixed wing & Helicopter)
- Any person interested in VHF communication between pilot & ATC.

Note: In this instance you will only be able to be issued with a certificate of attendance, as a person needs to complete the SACAA Online Exam; and undergo an RTE Oral Exam before the licence will be issued.

AIRCRAFT TYPE CONVERSIONS

Once you have completed your helicopter or aeroplane training you may choose to convert onto a different aircraft. Many pilots convert so they can carry more passengers or to upgrade from a piston to a turbine engine aircraft.

You begin with ground school and will need to pass the accompanying written tech quiz before commencing practical training on the aircraft in question. Once deemed competent, an onsite examiner will conduct your practical flight skills test. If you are completing a multi-engine or Type rating, a designated flight examiner (DFE) will conduct the test.

The specific requirements for each rating will depend on the aircraft you choose to fly.

We also offer Aircraft Owner training / conversions.

Learn to Fly