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AIR1 AVIATION ACADEMY

AIR1 AVIATION ACADEMY

Private Pilot License - PPL (A)

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AIR1 Aviation Academy

A Private Pilot License (PPL) is your gateway to the skies, whether for recreational flying or as the foundation for a future career as a Commercial Pilot. Air1 Aviation Academy, located in Port Elizabeth—the Windy City—provides the ideal environment to develop your piloting skills. The challenging weather conditions here are a perfect training ground for building confidence and expertise in the cockpit.


Completing your PPL with Air1 Aviation Academy means learning from highly qualified and experienced instructors. You’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of both the theoretical and practical aspects of aviation, setting you up for success in every flight.

PPL Requirements: Medical Fitness

To begin your Private Pilot License (PPL) training, you must be medically certified by a designated aviation medical examiner approved by the Commissioner for Civil Aviation. A minimum Class II medical certificate is required, valid for 60 months if you’re under 40 years old or 24 months if you’re 40 or older. For the initial examination, a chest X-ray is also required.

 

The medical requirements are comparable to those for a standard life insurance policy. At Air1 Aviation Academy, we are here to guide you through the process and assist in scheduling the necessary appointments.

PPL Requirements: Citizenship & Legal Age

To pursue a Private Pilot License (PPL), you must meet the following criteria:
 

Be at least 15 years old to apply for a Student Pilot License.
 

Be 16 years or older to undertake solo flights.
 

Be 17 years or older to obtain a Private Pilot License.
 

Additionally, you must be a South African citizen or hold a valid study permit. Proficiency in English at a minimum of Level 4 is required, and you must also possess a valid Student Pilot License to begin 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.

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