Flight Instructor Rating
Obtaining a Flight Instructor Rating will enable you to apply for employment at a flying school to teach future pilots to fly. An Instructor’s rating improves your abilities and skills, increasing your employment opportunities. The course takes approximately 3 to 4 months to complete. This may, however, vary for each individual student.
Flight Instructor Rating Requirements
The only requirement is a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) or an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). Training can commence whilst you are in the process of completing your CPL.
Practical Training
- 20 hours of practical flight instructor training (patter) of which 5 hours may be completed on a Simulator.
- 80 hours of ground briefings.
- Pass a practical skills test in lecturing and air exercises with a Designated Flight Examiner.
Theoretical Training
- Applied Meteorology and Navigation
- Principles of Flight and Aircraft Technical and General
- Air Law and the Methodology of Instruction
- The above subjects are tested in 2 examinations and a pass mark of at least 75% is required.
Important Information
It is essential to know that the minimum hours required by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) to obtain a licence is a guideline. It is unusual for a student to achieve the level of competency within these hour constraints as every individual has different rates of learning and understanding. Aptitude plays a major role in your progression and therefore additional training to meet the standards expected in testing, might lead to additional hours of training.