What is the Private Pilot License – PPL(A)?

PPL(A) is regarded as a “recreational license”. It is a qualification that allows the holder to fly as pilot-in-command (PIC) or co-pilot on aircraft in noncommercial operations without remuneration.

PPL(A) allows you to fly on single engine land (SEL) aircraft in visual meteorological conditions (VMC) under Visual Flight Rules (VFR).

The Private Pilot License is the first step towards becoming a professional pilot.

Private Pilot License – PPL(A) training description:

  • The training is designed for applicants with 0 flight experience.
  • The Private Pilot License training is designed for applicants without any previous flight experience who want to obtain the PPL(A).
  • The PPL(A) course consists of both theoretical and practical training.
  • Theoretical preparation and practical training are done concurrently – we offer the perfect combination of both without wasting your time.
  • The course is concluded by a written exam, an oral examination and a practical examination (Check Ride).
  • The Private Pilot License training can be started anytime.
    You can start the PPL(A) course anytime you are ready. All the lessons will be planned individually for you to suit your time requirements.
  • The Private Pilot license can be obtained in a minimum period of 8 weeks.
  • The duration of PPL(A) training will depend on the each trainee’s time availability for both the theoretical and the practical training.
  • Use of electronic study materials
    You can use the school’s iPad which includes ForeFlight during your light.

What are the Private Pilot License course entry requirements?

  • To be at least 16 years old
    You need to be at least 16 years old (license can be issued only at the age of 17 years).
  • To have at least Class 3 Medical
  • You need to be physically fit for recreational flying and capable of holding a Pilot Medical Certificate, Class 3. Our school will assist with the procedure.
  • To be proficient in the English language
  • You need to be able to read, write, understand and speak English in a fluent way.

How can I get my Private Pilot License – PPL(A)?

You can do so through an SACAA authorized school. Flight Star is a flight school authorized by the SACAA (South African Civil Aviation Authority) in the South Africa. We are a Part 141 approved school.

Start the Ground and Flight training

The ground and Flight training are combined during the whole preparation in obtaining the Private Pilot License.

Ground Training

The Ground training is the theoretical part of the training that takes place in the classroom and is taught by our flight instructors, approved by the SACAA. In order to complete the Private Pilot License, there is a minimum requirement of 35 hours of ground training.

The Ground Training is divided into 3 stages and will cover the following topics. During the ground school training, the student will have 3 exams, one for each stage.

  • Discovering Aviation
  • Airplane Systems
  • Aerodynamic Principles
  • The Flight Environment
  • Communications and Flight Information
  • Stage I exam
  • Meteorology for Pilots
  • Federal Aviation Regulations
  • Interpreting Weather Data
  • Presolo exam
  • Airplane Performance
  • Navigation
  • Stage II exam
  • Human Factor Principles
  • Flying Cross Country
  • Stage exam III


The student will obtain the aeronautical knowledge and obtain the prerequisites in the CATS/CARS for the SACAA Private Pilot therotical knowledge exams.

Flight Training

The Flight Training will take place in a Single Engine Land airplane. This training will also be divided into three stages and will have three stage flight tests. The student will obtain the necessary aeronautical skill and experience necessary to meet the requirements for a private pilot license.
In order to obtain a Private Pilot License, the student must complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight.

Minimum Requirements:


  • 45 hours minimum total time.
  • 5 hours of solo flight minimum, including local and cross country. One cross country of more than 50 NM and another of 100 NM.

Flight Test

After all training has been completed a flight test will be conducted, once the student has passed this they are then a qualified private pilot. The pilot may then freely conduct flights in accordance with the regulations for a private pilot.