Commercial pilots fly passengers and cargo for airlines and charter companies. In South Africa, becoming a commercial pilot requires a Private Pilot Licence (PPL), then Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), and an Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) for airline captains. Flight training is expensive (R400,000–R800,000+) but bursaries are available through SA Express and Air Traffic & Navigation Services.
Pilots complete pre-flight checks, file flight plans, coordinate with air traffic control, fly aircraft safely, monitor weather and systems, manage emergencies, and complete flight logs.
Mathematics (Level 4+), Physical Sciences (Level 4+), English (Level 5+)
Use the free Career Helper APS Calculator to calculate your exact score for each SA university.
Programme names and requirements vary by institution. Always verify directly with the university before applying.
Achieve APS 24+ with Mathematics and Physical Sciences. Excellent eyesight and medical fitness (Class 1 medical) are essential. Apply to SACAA-approved flying schools.
Complete PPL training (~70 hours flying), then CPL training (~200 hours), then instrument and multi-engine ratings. Total cost is R400,000–R800,000. Bursaries from airlines are available.
Work as a first officer on commercial aircraft, accumulating flying hours. After 1,500 hours you can write the ATPL exams and progress to captain. Airlines include FlySafair, Airlink, Cemair, and SA Express.
What APS do I need to become a pilot in South Africa?
How much does it cost to become a pilot in South Africa?
What do commercial pilots earn in South Africa?
Salary ranges are indicative for South Africa 2026 based on market data. Actual salaries vary by employer, location, and experience.