What subjects do I need to become a pilot?

English, Mathematics, and Physical Sciences help the most, because the exams use physics and calculations. Geography helps with weather and navigation.

Can I become a pilot with Maths Literacy?

Some flight schools accept Maths Literacy, but pure Mathematics and Physical Science make the commercial exams much easier. Check with the flight school.

Can I study to be a pilot without matric?

You can start a Private Pilot Licence without matric, but to become a commercial pilot and get an airline job, you really need matric with Maths and Science.

What health checks do I need to be a pilot?

You must pass a Class 1 aviation medical. A special doctor checks your health, eyesight, and hearing. Do this early, because it decides if you can fly for a living.

How old must I be to become a pilot?

You can start training young, but you must be at least 18 for the Commercial Pilot Licence. The Air Force takes people aged about 18 to 24.

Aviation requirements: subjects, APS and how to qualify

What you need in matric

You must have

English
A matric certificate

Also good to have

Mathematics
Physical Sciences
Geography
A Class 1 aviation medical

Ways to become a pilot

The best way is first. If your marks are not enough for one way, try the next one down.

LicenceAbout 18 months to 2 yearsBest way

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)

To get in: English, Maths and Physical Science help a lot. You must be at least 18 for the CPL, pass a Class 1 aviation medical, and be good in English. Matric with Maths and Science makes the exams much easier.

You train at a SACAA-approved flight school. You first get the Private Pilot Licence (PPL), then build to at least 200 flying hours and pass the exams for the CPL. Training costs about R800,000 or more. You can fly for a living, for example for a charter company or an airline. Later you build hours towards the ATPL, the top airline licence.

LicenceVaries

Air Force (SAAF) pilot

To get in: Matric with Maths and Physical Science, Aged about 18 to 24, single, South African citizen. You must pass strict health and fitness tests.

The South African Air Force trains you to fly for free, and you serve in the Air Force. You apply through SAAF recruitment. You become a military pilot. Later, some pilots move to flying for airlines.

Cannot afford flight school? The Air Force trains pilots for free, but entry is strict and very competitive.

If you don’t get in yet

The biggest wall for pilots is money, not marks. If you cannot pay for flight school, you still have ways to fly.

Apply for the Air Force (SAAF)

The Air Force trains pilots for free, and you serve in the military. You need matric with Maths and Science, and you must pass strict tests.

Apply for a cadet programme

Airlines like SAA run cadet programmes that fund training for chosen students. Selection is very competitive, so keep your marks strong.

Start small and build up

You can get your PPL first, work in aviation, and pay for the CPL over time. Some pilots instruct to build hours and earn while they train.

How to sign up to work

You sign up with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

The SACAA gives out pilot licences and sets the rules. You cannot fly for money without a Commercial Pilot Licence.
You must pass a Class 1 aviation medical to fly commercially.
You train at a SACAA-approved flight school.
You pass written exams and flying tests for each licence.
You keep your licence and your medical up to date.