Being a commercial airline pilot can be one of the world’s top jobs. First-year salaries at South African Airways (SAA) for instance are R900,000 a year, rising over time to a level on par with those of C-suite corporate executives. Internationally, pilots earn a premium over similar graded professionals in the corporate world. This is in recognition that pilots assume levels of responsibility for the lives of their passengers and fellow crew that is well above the corporate norm.
Given premium salaries, it is therefore surprising that there is a worldwide shortage of pilots. Leading aviation consultants AirInsight projects that there is a global requirement for about 31,000 new pilots annually. The average age of pilots is also increasing, suggesting younger people are not attracted to the profession.
Jimmy Conroy, chairman of the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) says this apparent contradiction is explained by the fact that being a pilot comes at a high cost to one’s personal life, and follows a demanding and expensive process to qualify for.
“It all starts with a dream and a goal – to become an airline pilot. The first step is to pass matric with mathematics and/ or science at advanced grade, with a C symbol or higher. Thereafter, you must pass a Class 1 medical from an aviation medical examiner, enroll at a training school and commence with a Student Pilots Licence.”
This involves studies that make a university honours degree pale in comparison: the Student Pilot’s Licence requires Air Law and Aircraft Technical; the Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) requires Radio licence exams and seven exams comprising of: Aviation Meteorology; Flight Performance and Planning; General Navigation; Aircraft General; Principles of Flight (Aerodynamics); Human Performance and Limitations; Air Law; and to complete, a practical flight test. Finally, completing a Private Pilot’s Licence requires approximately 45 – 50 hours flying training.
A Commercial Pilot’s Licence training involves the following advanced exams: Theoretical and oral radio licence exams; Aviation Meteorology; Flight Performance and Planning; Radio Aids and Communication; General Navigation; Instruments and Electronics; Aircraft Technical and General; Human Performance and Limitations; and Air Law.
The pass mark for examinations is 75%, following which one has to complete a practical flight test, and undertake 200 – 220 flying hours.
“By this stage, it is theoretically possible to fly passengers for remuneration, but few organisations will employ a new commercial pilot with just 220 flying hours,” says Conroy. “Most charter companies require a minimum of 500 hours flying time, commuter airlines require 900 hours and airlines 1,500 flying hours. In addition, most organisations require experience encompassing twin- and turbine-engines which is difficult to obtain. Many gain the requisite experience by obtaining instructor’s ratings or securing positions as co-pilots on small twin engine aircraft. Others build their hours ferrying or delivering aircraft, doing parachute dropping or glider towing.”
Once a young commercial pilot finds employment at a charter company, he or she may first expect to work for a year as an ops officer in an office before flying, to pay back the cost of their training. “It’s a tough time in a young pilot’s life.” One still has to complete Instrument Rating, which requires a further six exams and a difficult practical flight test.
“Once one obtains a Commercial Pilot’s Licence with an Instrument Rating and 900 hours flying time, one becomes marketable to commuter airlines. Getting to this point will typically have taken you five years and cost up to R1 million. Once employed by a commuter airline, one will accumulate a further 800 flying hours a year, though salaries will still not be good.”
“Generally pilots will have little chance of getting into major international airlines such as SAA with less than 5,000 hours flying time,” says Conroy.
The top qualification is an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL). To acquire this, one is required to pass various subjects with a high level of applied mathematics and physics: Aviation Meteorology; Flight Performance and Planning; Radio Aids and Communications; General Navigation; Instruments and Electronics; and Aircraft Technical and General; followed by an advanced flight test.
“Once fully qualified with an ATPL and employed in an airline, one is still required to undertake continuous professional training. This consists of passing a Class 1 flying medical every year, completing each year at least two simulator checks of eight hours in time, completing a minimum of six exams and one route check per year.
“So yes, once you have done all that, being a commercial airline pilot can certainly be one of the world’s top jobs – but you’ll have earned your position,” concludes Conroy.
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.