|
 This section lists the answsers to the most common questions that people ask us about learning to fly. If you have a question that we have not listed here, please contact us and we will gladly assist you!
Who may fly?
How will I get a licence?
How can I start a flying career?
How long does it take me to get my PPL?
How much will a PPL / CPL / Night Rating or Instrument rating cost me?
How will I pay for my flight hours?
Legally speaking anyone can fly who satisfies the following two fundamental criteria: must be at least 17 years of age, and be medically fit. In fact, flight training may begin before the 17th birthday, but solo may not be flown before the 17th birthday.
The first licence a pilot gets is typically a Student Pilot License (SPL). SPL holders authorised to fly dual with an instructor or solo if supervised by an instructor, but not allowed to carry passengers. Following the flight training, where there is a legal minimum of 40 hours (out of which 15 hours must be solo), the pilot has to pass all the required tests (both theory and flight), and if worked hard, you will obtain the Private Pilot Licence (PPL). The PPL will allow you to fly aircraft that you are rated on during the day and in suitable weather conditions, as well as carry passengers, provided you do not do so for gain.
To keep your license, of course, you have to fly regularly - and you can't find a better organization than Wits Flying Club for that! You will have to fly certain number of hours, renew your medical and do a flight test within stipulated time periods, depending on your age (usually every one or two years).
Assuming that you have a PPL, the next step is that you go for night rating and instrument rating. Following serious flight training you can obtain a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), which will allow you to work for a commercial operator, for example a charter company.
A minimum of 40 flight hours are required by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, of which 15 hours must be solo time. Most people at the club obtain their PPL somewhere between 45 and 55 hours - it depends a lot on your enthusiasm, time, willingnes to learn, and of course, your pocket too.
Self study cannot be emphasized enough. Flying an aircraft is a serious responsibility, and it is important to go over what you have been taught and shown during your lesson, and what you will be doing your next lesson. Flying over the weekends only an average student takes at least 6 months to obtain a PPL, but many of our members have taken less time.
Please refer to our COSTS page in the About Us Section.
How will I pay for my flight hours?
Unlike other flying schools, we do not expect you to pay us upfront, but you will have to pay as you fly. We do not accept fly now - pay later. Payment can be made by cheque, cash, Internet banking, or if you wish, you can make a deposit into our account. When your funds are exhausted we will notify you to deposit a further amount. | 
