Heading 2

RATINGS

Pilot Ratings:

Pilot ratings are endorsements added to your pilot license, certifying your ability to operate specific types of aircraft or perform specialized flying tasks. These ratings are issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of each country and confirm that you have met the necessary knowledge and experience requirements.

 

To earn a rating, you must successfully pass a practical flying test. Keep in mind that certification processes and standards may vary between countries, so it’s essential to understand the specific requirements in your region.

What is Night Rating?

Fly Safely After Dark

 

Once you’ve earned your Private Pilot License (PPL), the next step in your aviation journey could be obtaining a Night Rating.

 

What is a Night Rating?


A Night Rating enables you to fly safely at night under good visual weather conditions, offering greater flexibility when planning and conducting flights.

For aviation purposes, night is defined as the period starting 15 minutes after sunset and ending 15 minutes before sunrise.

 

Night Rating Requirments:

To qualify for a Night Rating, you must:

 

  • Hold a valid Private Pilot License (PPL).
  • Complete at least 5 night takeoffs and landings.
  • Log 10 hours of instrument instruction, with up to 5 hours permitted in an approved flight simulator.
  • Perform a night cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles, including two full-stop landings at different aerodromes, one of which must be at a controlled airport.

 

You must be at least 17 years old to hold a PPL and pursue a Night Rating.

 

Why Obtain a Night Rating?


A Night Rating not only enhances your skills but also increases your versatility as a pilot. The training culminates in a basic flight test conducted by a Grade II Flight Instructor or higher.

 

Ready to Learn More?


Boost your confidence and expand your flying capabilities with a Night Rating. Contact us today to discover how we can guide you through this exciting next step in your aviation training.

Theory

Air1 Aviation Academy conducts year-round ground school sessions, ensuring continuous opportunities for theoretical learning. Using study guides from Lazy Bird Learning and an integrated training approach, combined with the guidance and support of our dedicated flight instructors, you will be well-prepared to excel in the theoretical subjects.

 

To obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL), you must pass 8 written exams with a minimum passing score of 75%. These exams are conducted online at our accredited examination center, linked directly to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

 

Exam Subjects Include:

 

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

 

The theoretical exams are structured to be straightforward, focusing on equipping pilots with the knowledge necessary for safe and enjoyable recreational flying.

Practical

Your practical training at Air1 Aviation Academy covers all essential aspects of piloting. You will learn to perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections, execute take-offs and landings at different airports, file flight plans, interpret weather reports, and navigate using cockpit instruments, including communication equipment. You will also master basic flight maneuvers and critical safety and emergency procedures.

 

Practical Training Requirements Include:

 

  • A minimum of 25 hours of dual flight training with an instructor.
  • A minimum of 15 hours of solo flight training, including at least three hours of solo cross-country navigation.
  • A practical flight and navigation skills test.
  • 5 hours of Basic Instrument Flight (IF) Simulator training.

 

Each flight session includes a theoretical briefing before and after the flight. These briefings prepare students for the next session, focusing on checks, flows, procedures, vital actions, and theory.

 

The final skills test will be conducted by a Grade II Instructor or higher.

 

The estimated time to obtain your Private Pilot License (PPL) is approximately 6 months.

Instrument Rating Training:

Master the Skies in All Conditions

 

Why Obtain an Instrument Rating?


An Instrument Rating equips pilots with the skills to fly safely in conditions where visual references are unavailable, such as in clouds, fog, haze, or at night. With this rating, pilots rely solely on instruments for navigation and control.

 

Key training includes:

 

Safely descending through low-visibility conditions using instrument approaches and cloud-break procedures over ground-based navigation beacons.

 

Conducting flights under instrument flight rules (IFR), aided by radar vectoring and tracking procedures.

 

Recognizing and managing hazardous weather conditions in advance and planning flights accordingly.

 

The Instrument Rating demands a higher standard of precision and procedural knowledge than a Private Pilot License (PPL) or Night Rating (NR).

 

It is an essential credential for advanced private pilots and those seeking commercial aviation opportunities. Airlines and commercial operators strictly adhere to instrument flying rules, making this rating critical for career advancement.

Theory

Theoretical Requirements:


Achieve a minimum pass mark of 75% in the following subjects:

 

  • Human Performance
  • Meteorology
  • Radio Aids
  • Instruments
  • General Navigation & Plotting
  • Air Law and Procedures
  • Flight Planning

 

Ready to Elevate Your Skills?


An Instrument Rating not only enhances your safety and proficiency but also expands your opportunities in both private and commercial aviation. Contact [Your Flight School Name] today to learn more about our training programs and how we can help you achieve this essential qualification.

Practical

  • Be at least 18 years old.
  • Hold a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.
  • Hold a valid Private Pilot License (PPL).
  • Hold a Night Rating.
  • Provide proof of English language proficiency.
  • Accumulate a minimum of 200 total flight hours, including:
  • 100 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC).
  • 5 hours of cross-country flight time as PIC.
  • 40 hours of dual instrument time (of which 20 hours may be completed in an approved Flight Simulation Training Device (FSTD)).
  • 5 hours of dual training in an aircraft equipped with adjustable flaps, retractable undercarriage, and a variable pitch propeller or turbojet engine.

 

To complete the rating, candidates must pass a practical skills test with a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)-approved designated examiner.

Multi-Engine Rating:

Expand Your Horizons and Career Opportunities

 

A Multi-Engine Rating is essential for many aviation career paths, as most commercial aviation roles require multi-engine experience. While training for your Commercial Pilot License (CPL), you can opt to incorporate preparation for your initial Multi-Engine Rating to save time and enhance your qualifications.

Why combine training?

If you decide to combine the CPL and Multi-Engine Rating tests, it’s advisable to allocate an additional five hours of preparation. This approach is popular among candidates, as it streamlines training. However, the choice to test on a single-engine or multi-engine aircraft ultimately lies with you.

 

The initial Instrument Rating test can also be conducted on a multi-engine aircraft, further maximizing the value of your training.

 

Multi-Engine Rating Requirments:

Multi-Engine Rating Requirements

 

A minimum of 100 hours as pilot-in-command is required before testing for the Multi-Engine Rating.

 

A practical flight test with a designated examiner is necessary to complete the rating.

 

Ready to Enhance Your Skills?


A Multi-Engine Rating not only prepares you for advanced flying but also opens doors to greater career opportunities. Contact [Your Flight School Name] today to learn more about our training programs and how we can help you achieve your Multi-Engine Rating.

Theory

Air1 Aviation Academy conducts year-round ground school sessions, ensuring continuous opportunities for theoretical learning. Using study guides from Lazy Bird Learning and an integrated training approach, combined with the guidance and support of our dedicated flight instructors, you will be well-prepared to excel in the theoretical subjects.

 

To obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL), you must pass 8 written exams with a minimum passing score of 75%. These exams are conducted online at our accredited examination center, linked directly to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

 

Exam Subjects Include:

 

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

 

The theoretical exams are structured to be straightforward, focusing on equipping pilots with the knowledge necessary for safe and enjoyable recreational flying.

Practical

Your practical training at Air1 Aviation Academy covers all essential aspects of piloting. You will learn to perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections, execute take-offs and landings at different airports, file flight plans, interpret weather reports, and navigate using cockpit instruments, including communication equipment. You will also master basic flight maneuvers and critical safety and emergency procedures.

 

Practical Training Requirements Include:

 

  • A minimum of 25 hours of dual flight training with an instructor.
  • A minimum of 15 hours of solo flight training, including at least three hours of solo cross-country navigation.
  • A practical flight and navigation skills test.
  • 5 hours of Basic Instrument Flight (IF) Simulator training.

 

Each flight session includes a theoretical briefing before and after the flight. These briefings prepare students for the next session, focusing on checks, flows, procedures, vital actions, and theory.

 

The final skills test will be conducted by a Grade II Instructor or higher.

 

The estimated time to obtain your Private Pilot License (PPL) is approximately 6 months.

Instrument Rating Training:

Master the Skies in All Conditions

 

Why Obtain an Instrument Rating?


An Instrument Rating equips pilots with the skills to fly safely in conditions where visual references are unavailable, such as in clouds, fog, haze, or at night. With this rating, pilots rely solely on instruments for navigation and control.

 

Key training includes:

 

Safely descending through low-visibility conditions using instrument approaches and cloud-break procedures over ground-based navigation beacons.

 

Conducting flights under instrument flight rules (IFR), aided by radar vectoring and tracking procedures.

 

Recognizing and managing hazardous weather conditions in advance and planning flights accordingly.

 

The Instrument Rating demands a higher standard of precision and procedural knowledge than a Private Pilot License (PPL) or Night Rating (NR).

 

It is an essential credential for advanced private pilots and those seeking commercial aviation opportunities. Airlines and commercial operators strictly adhere to instrument flying rules, making this rating critical for career advancement.

Theory

Theoretical Requirements:


Achieve a minimum pass mark of 75% in the following subjects:

 

  • Human Performance
  • Meteorology
  • Radio Aids
  • Instruments
  • General Navigation & Plotting
  • Air Law and Procedures
  • Flight Planning

 

Ready to Elevate Your Skills?


An Instrument Rating not only enhances your safety and proficiency but also expands your opportunities in both private and commercial aviation. Contact [Your Flight School Name] today to learn more about our training programs and how we can help you achieve this essential qualification.

Practical

Practical Requirements

 

  • Hold a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with at least 200 flight hours or a Private Pilot License (PPL) with a Night Rating and at least 250 total flight hours (including 100 hours as pilot-in-command).
  • Complete a minimum of 40 hours of instrument flying:
    • 20 hours in a flight simulator.
    • 20 hours in an aircraft.
  • Pass a practical flight skills test with a CAA-approved designated examiner.

Instructors Rating:

Elevate Your Skills and Open New Opportunities

 

Many pilots choose to pursue an Instructor Rating to refine their skills and enhance their career prospects. The professional challenges of being an instructor not only sharpen your abilities but also make you more employable, whether on a part-time or full-time basis.

 

Holding an Instructor Rating gives you a competitive edge in the aviation industry. It can also lead to long-term career growth, such as becoming a training captain for an airline.

 

Obtaining an Instructor Rating is a smart investment in your future. You’ll begin with a Grade III Instructor Rating, and after logging at least 23 hours of instruction, you can take the test with a CAA-approved designated examiner to progress further.

Why combine training?

If you decide to combine the CPL and Multi-Engine Rating tests, it’s advisable to allocate an additional five hours of preparation. This approach is popular among candidates, as it streamlines training. However, the choice to test on a single-engine or multi-engine aircraft ultimately lies with you.

 

The initial Instrument Rating test can also be conducted on a multi-engine aircraft, further maximizing the value of your training.

 

Instructors Rating Requirments:

  • A valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
  • Completion of at least 31 hours of ground lectures.
  • A minimum of 20 hours of air exercises, also known as "patter."

  • Successful completion of the CAA theoretical exam in two subjects.
  • A practical skills test, which includes both lecturing and air exercises, conducted by a CAA-approved designated examiner.

 

 

Why Pursue an Instructor Rating?

 

An Instructor Rating not only strengthens your flying expertise but also opens doors to a range of rewarding career opportunities. Start your journey toward becoming a trusted mentor and aviation professional.

 

Want to Learn More?

 

Contact us to find out how we can help you achieve your Instructor Rating and take your aviation career to the next level.

Theory

Air1 Aviation Academy conducts year-round ground school sessions, ensuring continuous opportunities for theoretical learning. Using study guides from Lazy Bird Learning and an integrated training approach, combined with the guidance and support of our dedicated flight instructors, you will be well-prepared to excel in the theoretical subjects.

 

To obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL), you must pass 8 written exams with a minimum passing score of 75%. These exams are conducted online at our accredited examination center, linked directly to the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

 

Exam Subjects Include:

 

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

 

The theoretical exams are structured to be straightforward, focusing on equipping pilots with the knowledge necessary for safe and enjoyable recreational flying.

Practical

Your practical training at Air1 Aviation Academy covers all essential aspects of piloting. You will learn to perform pre-flight and post-flight inspections, execute take-offs and landings at different airports, file flight plans, interpret weather reports, and navigate using cockpit instruments, including communication equipment. You will also master basic flight maneuvers and critical safety and emergency procedures.

 

Practical Training Requirements Include:

 

  • A minimum of 25 hours of dual flight training with an instructor.
  • A minimum of 15 hours of solo flight training, including at least three hours of solo cross-country navigation.
  • A practical flight and navigation skills test.
  • 5 hours of Basic Instrument Flight (IF) Simulator training.

 

Each flight session includes a theoretical briefing before and after the flight. These briefings prepare students for the next session, focusing on checks, flows, procedures, vital actions, and theory.

 

The final skills test will be conducted by a Grade II Instructor or higher.

 

The estimated time to obtain your Private Pilot License (PPL) is approximately 6 months.

Instrument Rating Training:

Master the Skies in All Conditions

 

Why Obtain an Instrument Rating?


An Instrument Rating equips pilots with the skills to fly safely in conditions where visual references are unavailable, such as in clouds, fog, haze, or at night. With this rating, pilots rely solely on instruments for navigation and control.

 

Key training includes:

 

Safely descending through low-visibility conditions using instrument approaches and cloud-break procedures over ground-based navigation beacons.

 

Conducting flights under instrument flight rules (IFR), aided by radar vectoring and tracking procedures.

 

Recognizing and managing hazardous weather conditions in advance and planning flights accordingly.

 

The Instrument Rating demands a higher standard of precision and procedural knowledge than a Private Pilot License (PPL) or Night Rating (NR).

 

It is an essential credential for advanced private pilots and those seeking commercial aviation opportunities. Airlines and commercial operators strictly adhere to instrument flying rules, making this rating critical for career advancement.

Theory

Theoretical Requirements:


Achieve a minimum pass mark of 75% in the following subjects:

 

  • Human Performance
  • Meteorology
  • Radio Aids
  • Instruments
  • General Navigation & Plotting
  • Air Law and Procedures
  • Flight Planning

 

Ready to Elevate Your Skills?


An Instrument Rating not only enhances your safety and proficiency but also expands your opportunities in both private and commercial aviation. Contact [Your Flight School Name] today to learn more about our training programs and how we can help you achieve this essential qualification.

Practical

Practical Requirements

 

  • Hold a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) with at least 200 flight hours or a Private Pilot License (PPL) with a Night Rating and at least 250 total flight hours (including 100 hours as pilot-in-command).
  • Complete a minimum of 40 hours of instrument flying:
    • 20 hours in a flight simulator.
    • 20 hours in an aircraft.
  • Pass a practical flight skills test with a CAA-approved designated examiner.

NEWS