{"id":235163,"date":"2021-08-13T16:57:24","date_gmt":"2021-08-13T15:57:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/buzzsouthafrica.com\/?p=235163"},"modified":"2021-08-13T16:57:28","modified_gmt":"2021-08-13T15:57:28","slug":"pilot-salary-in-south-africa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buzzsouthafrica.com\/pilot-salary-in-south-africa\/","title":{"rendered":"Pilot Salary in South Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"

The job of a pilot ranks among the most distinguished and respected careers in South Africa and fortunately, it is also a well-remunerated role. The country\u2019s aviation industry has grown from strength to strength and contributes billions of dollars to the economy each year. It also provides tens of thousands of jobs and now attracts an avalanche of international airlines, in addition to the local ones. This fact means that there is a veritable career opportunity for people who aspire to be pilots and they also stand to make impressive money.<\/p>\n

While South African pilots may not earn enough to dethrone the likes of Jeff Bezos as the richest man in the world, they will certainly earn a paycheck that will leave them, and perhaps their family, quite well-off in their active days, as well as their retirement. Bear in mind though that the salary that one will earn as a pilot differs due to a wide range of reasons, including years of experience, the type of aircraft one flies, and the industry they find themselves in. It is guaranteed though that once you gain experience in the career, you will end up in the topmost echelons.<\/p>\n

Requirements to Become a Pilot in South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Student Pilot License and Private Pilot License<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Believe it or not, you do not need a university degree to study to be a pilot. In fact, some flight training schools do not even insist that you must have a matric to join. You are however required to go through many hours of flight training and theoretical study. The first step towards that training and theoretical study is to clock the age of 16. If you are a foreigner, that age requirement goes up to 18<\/a>. Once you satisfy this requirement, the next step is to scout out the flying school (also known as Approved Training Organization) that is suitable for you.<\/p>\n

When you register with the institution, they will help you apply for your student pilot license (SPL). To be granted this license, you must provide a certificate of identity, as well as a valid class 1 or class 2 medical certificate. Of course, it goes without saying that you must have fulfilled the minimum age requirement. Once you have your Student Pilot License in the bag, you can now start training towards your first pilot license known as the Private Pilot License. If you scale that hurdle, then the next step is to start working towards a Commercial Pilot License.<\/p>\n

\"Pilots
Image Source<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Commercial Pilot License and Airline Transport Pilot License<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A CPL requires 200 hours of flight time. You will also be required to understudy and pass courses such as air law, general radio, instruments, general navigation, meteorology, human performance, and aircraft technical and general. Other requirements to obtain a CPL include night rating, general radio license, and class 1 medical certificate. Once you get your CPL, you can now pilot an aircraft and be remunerated for your work. You can also start working towards your Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), the highest license in civil aviation.<\/p>\n

To apply for the ATPL, you must be at least 21 years old, hold a Class 1 medical certificate, hold a General Radio Telephony certificate, and hold a valid CPL. You are also required to have completed, within the previous 60 months, a multi-crew cooperation course at an approved ATO. It is also important to complete the SACAA ATPL theory examinations, covering a wide range of relevant subjects. Flight training of up to 1500 hours is also required. This includes 500 hours as PICUS (Pilot-in-Command Under Supervision), 200 hours of cross-country flight time, of which 100 hours may be as co-pilot or PICUS, 75 hours of instrument time, and 100 hours of night flight time as PIC or co-pilot.<\/p>\n

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Our pilots are some of the best trained in the industry. #FLYSAA<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/mCOCLLIOLL<\/a><\/p>\n

— SouthAfricanAirways (@flySAA_US) June 28, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n