Training

About Us

The Personnel Licensing Department (PEL) under the Training Standards and Personnel Licensing Division (TSP) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority. The Training Section is responsible for the certification and oversight of Aviation Training Organisations for compliance with the South African Civil Aviation Regulations.

 Core Mandate:

  • Approve training organisations for pilot, cabin, UAS, ATS and AME.
  • Qualify flight simulation training devices (FSTD).
  • Examine the PEL training standards and make recommendations for improvement.
  • Develop and execute plans for the surveillance of different aviation training activities.
  • Review training curricula and programmes submitted for approval.
  • Continued surveillance of approved training organisations.

Aviation Training Organisations

South African Aviation Training Organisations Scamming Alert

Prospective students in South Africa and from all over the world are being scammed by unscrupulous persons tricking students into paying over funds to undergo training at Aviation Training Organisations (ATOs) allegedly holding approvals granted by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

Scammer are using fake websites and other media to lure potential victims.  Some of the training being offered is cabin crew training, aircraft type ratings, etc. often followed by the promise of an employment contract as a First Officer or Cabin Crewmember on a named airline.

Enquiries about these advertisements invariably are followed up by a request to deposit funds into a named bank account. Some scammers have even requested money to be sent through “Cash Send” services available through most ATM services.

When responding to an advertisement for a particular training service, please request the training service provider to supply you with a copy of its approved ATO certificate as well as a copy of its approved Training Operations Specification (Opspec). The Opspec issued by the SACAA will list the training that has been approved for the particular ATO. You are then invited to verify the authenticity of the supplied documentation with the SACAA by sending an email to PEL.Training.caa.co.za

Note – in the subject line of the email, please insert “VERIFICATION OF ATO CERTIFICATE AND OPSPEC“.

Prospective students are advised to exercise caution and carry out due diligence (especially where promises of employment are included) before committing to any financial arrangement, as the SACAA is not able to assist in any way with persons that have been scammed.

“If it sounds too good to be true, then it is probably not true!”

Training Organisation Information

  • For enquiry regarding a particular Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) / Declared Training Organisation (DTO), please send your enquiry to PEL.Training@caa.co.za.  Categorise your email in the “SUBJECT” box of the mail, by starting with the name of the ATO, or its trading name, the ATO approval number (if available), then the nature of the email

Aviation Training Organisations Start-Up Information

WHAT IS THE PROCESS FOR AN ATO APPROVAL?

The ATO application and certification process follows a 5-Phase process, as detailed below:

  1. Pre-application phase. During this phase a Prospective Aviation Training Organisation Pre-Assessment Statement of Intent (POPS) is filled in. The SACAA (PEL Training) will schedule a pre-application meeting with the prospective ATO applicant and the allocated SACAA Principal Operations Inspector (POI).

    As a prerequisite to the approval process, (Initial Approval), an ATO shall demonstrate that it is staffed, equipped, financially resourced and shall be operated in a manner conducive to achieving the required standards SA-CARS 141.01.2 (1), SA-CARS 141.01.6(3)(a) and SA-CATS 141.

    An additional regulatory change indicates that an application shall only be considered if the local municipality, land owner or airport licence holder, has given written consent for the establishment of a new ATO, taking into consideration available facilities and in the case of flight training, air traffic volumes.

  2. Application Phase. During this phase, the supporting documentation, Training and Procedures Manual (TPM) and scheduling of events are discussed. Formal application is then submitted and payment is made, in terms of Part 187.  The POI will submit the application to SACAA Finance and receive internal verification. No services shall be completed without POP of the relevant fee and SACAA Finance verification.
  3. Document and Evaluation Phase. All Manuals and relevant application forms are checked and approved. Refer SA-CATS 141 (structure of TPM, QMS manual) and SA-CATS Part 140 (structure of the Safety Management Manual).
  4. Demonstration and Inspection Phase. The physical audit is carried out at the ATO’s facilities, together with checking and demonstration of all operational requirements such as Management responsibility, Quality Management, Training, Student records, Instructor records, Incident reporting, Emergency response plan, Infrastructure and all SACAA publications.
  5. Certification Phase. The audit report is generated, and the recommendation is made for the issue of the ATO approval. The Manager PEL: Training reviews and approves the documentation pack. The ATO Certificate together with the Training Operations Specification (OpSpec) for the type of training is issued and sent to the Senior Manager PEL for document review and OpSpec sign off, thereafter final approval and signature of the ATO Certificate is completed by the Executive: TSP.

    This concludes the process. The ATO can only advertise and start operating once they have received their signed ATO certificate and OpSpec.

HOW LONG DOES THE ATO CERTIFICATION PROCESS TAKE?

Experience has shown that the 5 Phase process generally takes between 6 and 9 months to complete, however, this can vary depending on factors such as operator preparedness and readiness, appointment of personnel and resources.

FEES

Please take note of the applicable fees currently in force, please visit the Fees page to se the SACAA User Fees.

TAKE NOTE

  • Annual fees must be paid for ATO continued operations
  • NO service may be delivered without verification of payment made

REGULATIONS

Ensure that you are familiar with the latest SACAA Regulations and Technical Standards governing Aviation Training Organisations.  This can be found from the Aviation Legislation page.

ICAO GUIDING PRINCIPLE TO PROSPECTIVE ATOs

ICAO Document 9841 Third Edition dated 2018 – Manual on the Approval of Training Organisations is the latest publication which provides guidance for the development of regulations for the approval of an ATO.

Flight Simulator Training Device Start-Up Information

For information and queries, please email PEL.FSTD@caa.co.za

This information below gives an overview for initial Qualification of an FSTD.

The FSTD qualification process follows a 5-Phase process, which includes a 3 part FSTD evaluation.

  1. Pre-application phase. An ATO initiates contact with the FSTD Team (via the centralized email address), regarding the intent to start up or amend FSTD Operations. The FSTD Inspectorate will schedule a pre-application meeting with the prospective Operator, to discuss Regulatory requirements, standards and practices, and to check that the Operator is equipped and resourced to reach compliance with all requirements. Please note multiple meetings may sometimes be necessary before closing this Phase.
  2. Application Phase. Formal application and payment is made, for each device that is to be evaluated. Once payment is received, CAA internal finance verification is required. No services shall be delivered without POP of the relevant fee.
  3. Documentation Phase. All FSTD technical and supporting documentation, processes, procedures and manuals are discussed, reviewed, and checked for approval. When this Phase is complete, a physical date can be scheduled for the FSTD Evaluation.
  4. FSTD Evaluation Phase. The FSTD Evaluation is completed in 3 parts, all 3 inter-dependant and full compliance of all 3 is required for a successful evaluation outcome.

    Objective Evaluation

    The Manufacturer Validation data is reviewed, and the FSTD Qualification Test Guides are interrogated for proof of match to the Validation Data. The performance of the device as tabled by the manufacturer, is compared to the actual performance achieved during objective testing, by running of the QTGs. Inspectorate will oversee a portion of the QTG being run and may ask for the running of additional QTG to substantiate observations raised whilst scrutinising the previously run results. Maximum deviation tolerances, will be checked, as prescribed in SACAA-FSTD A or SACAA-FSTD H as applicable. Full compliance with SACAA-FSTD (A) or SACAA-FSTD (H) as applicable has to be satisfied.

    Subjective Evaluation

    During the subjective evaluation, the performance of the device is measured during a fly-out. SACAA requires a rated and competent crew complement to be available for the fly-out demonstration and for the exclusive checking evaluation by the SACAA FSTD Inspectorate. The handling characteristics and aerodynamic behaviour of the device is tested under scrutiny, dependant on level of qualification being sought. All subjective criteria are contained in SACAA-FSTD A or SACAA-FSTD H as applicable.

    FSTD QMS System: The FSTD QMS System is specifically focused on FSTD Operations, this includes FSTD documentation, maintenance processes and procedures, maintenance outcomes, general device conditions, safety and security aspects pertaining to FSTD operation, adherence to Manufacturer requirements and recommendations at a minimum, administration and record keeping, Technical Integrity and Processes, Personnel responsibilities and accountabilities, feedback system into the Quality and Management systems for continuous improvement, Compliance to Part 60 and FSTD requirements and Oversight of that entire FSTD ecosystem.  The FSTD QMS System must not be confused with the overarching Part 141 ATO Quality System. Requirements for the FSTD QMS System can be found in SACAA-FSTD (A). 
  5. Certification Phase. The FSTD audit report is generated, and the audit processes are completed for recommendations for the issue of the FSTD Qualification certificate and device specification.  The FSTD audit pack is then submitted to The Manager Personnel Licensing: Training for review and approval, thereafter to the Senior Manager Personnel Licensing, for review and approval, and finally to the Executive: TSP for final approval and sign-off.

    That concludes the process.

HOW LONG DOES THE FSTD PROCESS TAKE?

Experience has shown that the FSTD Qualification, Evaluation and Certification process generally takes on average, between 3-4 months, depending greatly on variable factors, such as, operational readiness of the Operator, size and scope of the Operation, number of operating models or variants of the device, complexity of the devices, etc.

Flight Simulation Training Devices (ATO)

List of Remote Pilot Aviation Training Organisations

Information for Cabin Aviation Training Organisations

Urgent Notices

Third Party Simulator User Certificate Renewal

This general notice serves to inform industry of an amended process for the annual renewal of a simulator third party user certificate.

Notice to Aviation Training Organisations Conducting Night Training

This notice serves to inform all aviation training organisations conducting night training, for aeroplane and helicopter, of the need to establish a pre-flight risk assessment which is to be completed by the flight instructor as part of safety data and safety information capture and analysis.  Read more by clicking here.

Training Procedures Manual Compliance

This general notice serves to inform industry of the minimum compliance standard for a Training Procedures Manual (TPM).  Click here to see the notice.

Notice of Extension

Extension of General Exemption in respect of the Initial Cabin Crew Training and/or Testing.  Read the notice here…

General Notice

To read a Notice of approval of extension of general exemption from compliance with the provision of Part 64.02.2 and 64.02.3(1) and 64.02.4 of the SACATS, click here.

General Notice # PEL-2023/ATO 002 – ATO Licensing Applications and the Use of Old Approval Numbers

Click here to read the notice that serves to address and clarify the use of ATO legal entity names, Trading As names, old ATO approval numbers and the approval numbers assigned since 1 April 2019.

General Notice – Terminology Changes Relating to Drone Training

To read General Notice # PEL-2023 ATO 001, relating to drone training terminology changes, click here.

General Notice – Skills Tests

Withdrawal of General Notice # PEL – 2020/005 that relates to flight tests or checks conducted during the Covid-19 lockdown.  Click here to read more.

General Notice – Radio Telephony Operator’s Certificate and Radio Telephony Examiners

The purpose of this General Notice is to afford affected industry members the opportunity to comply with the content of the AIC 009/2021.  Click here to read the notice.

Reduced fidelity level of FSTD’s due to insufficient electrical supply or any other event that affects the fidelity of the device

This notice is applicable to all Aviation Training Organisations (ATO) and Air Operator Certificate holders (AOC) conducting training on FSTD’s in terms of the Civil Aviation Regulations, 2011 (As amended).  Click here to read the full notice.

Unauthorised Flipping Operations at an ATO or DTO

This Notice serves to address and clarify the use of air experience flight (introductory flights) for the purpose of enrolling as a student at a flight school to receive training towards the issuance of a Private Pilot Licence (PPL) a National Pilot Licence (NPL) or a Glider Pilot Licence (GPL).  Click here to read the full notice.

Third-Party FSTD User Certificate Approvals

This notice is applicable to all Aviation Training Organisations (ATO) conducting training on FSTD’S as third-party users in terms of the Civil Aviation Regulations, 2011 (As amended).  Please click here to read more.

ATO TPM Compliance

This General Notice serves to address the amendment procedure for compliance of ATO TPM approved in terms of the Civil Aviation Regulations, 2011 (As amended).  Please see  the attachment to read more

Sale or Transfer of Ownership of Aviation Training Organisations

Click here to read more about the sale or transfer of ownership of Aviation Training Organisations

Notice Regarding the Lodging Of ASO-related Complaints

The SACAA has established a special Team to manage and track client queries that have exceeded the service level standards’ timelines.  Please see the attachment to read more.

Virtual Training

Please see the attachment to read a notice relating to virtual training.

Aviation Training Scam Alert – be cautious

The South African Civil Aviation Authority (“SACAA”) has received reports of scams where fictitious organisations pose as approved aviation training organisations to the public.

There are numerous advertisements on social media and in publications such as Junk Mail and Gumtree where employment opportunities such as cabin safety attendants are offered. An applicant would be required to complete an application form in order to undergo training and this form must be accompanied by proof of a deposit to be paid in at a retailer such as PEP Stores or Ackermans. These are also a SCAM.

There are also advertisements from organisations without approval, offering aviation training to obtain pilot licenses and ratings. South African Flight Training Academy (with approval number CAA/0271) is one such organisation, which advertises its services, which was closed down by the SACAA years ago.

Please take note that aviation training must be conducted under the auspices of a SACAA approved Aviation Training Organisation (“ATO”). The approval must be granted in terms of the South African Civil Aviation Regulations, 2011 and associated Technical Standards. It is an offence to advertise aviation training without proper approval and displaying the SACAA approval number.
When considering training with a service provider, please ask for proof of the SACAA approval. You can also verify approved service providers by contacting the SACAA.

As some training organisations cease operations and new entrants come, an up-to-date verification of the training approval can be sent by email to PEL.Training@caa.co.za.  In the subject line of your email, please use “VERIFICATION OF TRAINING APPROVAL”

Inappropriate Qualification of Flight Simulation Devices and Credits to FSTDS

Please click here to read a notice relating to inappropriate qualification of flight simulation training devices and award of training credits to FSTDS.

Pilot Aptitude Testing

An argument often raised by training providers is that training itself constitutes the most realistic assessment and selection platform. But failure costs mount as the student progresses into the training. Also, the argument itself is not supported by facts, as selection during the training process generates low values of predictive validity. Flight instructors may be able to judge specific flying skills or competencies of a candidate over time but due to the variable nature of multiple factors in this approach, a standardized assessment is difficult to produce. Frequent instructor changes and insufficient instructor experience and training in aptitude testing make it impossible to reliably diagnose important measuring dimensions such as personality traits, socio-interactive abilities and basic or specific mental abilities.

Many cadets manage to get a license despite some challenges during training, and as their flying experience increases, they learn to compensate for their weaknesses in normal operations. However, their deficiencies may resurface (several deficiencies may even compound or overlap) when the pilot encounters complex challenging situations with high performance demand, especially during times of fatigue and stress. The more reliable and cost-effective solution is to perform professional aptitude testing for candidates prior to the start of their training.

Below find guidance material for consideration. ATO’s and Operators are invited to give feedback toPEL.Training@caa.co.za regarding their experiences, concerns or suggestions.  

Enquiry Details

AVIATION TRAINING ORGANISATIONS AND FLIGHT SIMULATOR TRAINING DEVICES ENQUIRIES:

Please take note of the communication protocol for PEL Training.

All ATO correspondence is to be addressed to peltraining2@caa.co.za

Subject line of email correspondence should be – “NEW ATO APPLICATION & NAME OF ORGANISATION” or “NAME OF ATO, ATO NUMBER & NATURE OF REQUEST.

This is a centralised mailbox and correspondence needs to be easily identifiable to provide efficient service.

Forms

Personnel Licensing Forms

CategoryTitleDescriptionFile
Part 60 Forms – FSTDCA 60-01Application for Qualification of FSTDDownload 185 kb
Part 141 Forms – DTOCA 141-36DTO Training Program – Hang and ParaglidingDownload 1046 kb
Part 60 Forms – FSTDCA 60-02FNPT and BITD ChecklistDownload 354 kb
Part 60 Forms – FSTDCA 60-04FFS Level ABCD ChecklistDownload 649 kb
Part 141 Forms – DTOCA 141-37Gliding TMG and InstuctorsDownload 1046 kb
Part 60 Forms – FSTDCA 60-08FSTD Desktop Evaluation ChecklistDownload 260 kb
Part 60 Forms – FSTDCA 60-09FTD ChecklistDownload 391 kb
Part 60 Forms – FSTDCA 60-11FFS Level C D UPRT ChecklistDownload
Part 141 Forms – DTOCA 141-35Application for Approval of DTODownload 1663 kb
Part 60 Forms – FSTDCA 60-03Application for FSTD User CertificateDownload 176 kb
TGMTGM DTO Procedures ManualTGM Declared Training OrganisationProcedures ManualDownload 1663 kb
TGMTGM For An ATOTGM for an ATO Quality Assurance and Quality SystemDownload 1663 kb
TGMTGM For An ATOTGM 5 Phase Certification Process ATOsDownload 1663 kb
Part 141 Forms – ATOCA 141-42Checklist for ATO Cabin Crew Training ManualDownload 173 kb
TGMTGM For Helicopter FSTD’sTGM Type Specific Approval for Helicopter FNPT II or II MCC FSTDDownload 1663 kb
TGMTGM ATO TPMTGM for Development of Aviation Training Organisation Training Procedures Manual (Pilot Training)Download 1663 kb
Part 141 Forms – ATOCA 141-44Checklist AirsideDownload 173 kb
Part 141 Forms – ATOCA 141-44aCertificate for CompetencyDownload 173 kb
Part 141 Forms – ATOCA 141-20TPM ChecklistDownload 173 kb
Part 141 Forms – DTOCA 141-38DTO Training Program – Training Syllabus WCM LicenceDownload 1663 kb
Part 141 Forms – DTOCA 141-39DTO Training Program – Training Syllabus LSA and CCM LicenceDownload 1911 kb
Part 141 Forms – DTOCA 141-40DTO Training Program – Gyrocopter and InstructorsDownload 832 kb
Part 141 Forms – ATOCA 141-04Application for Approval of ATODownload 242 kb
Part 141 Forms – ATOCA 141-24Application for Inclusion of Aircraft on ATODownload 171 kb
Part 60 Forms – FSTDCA 60-05Helicopter FNPT I_II_IIMCC ChecklistDownload 434 kb
Part 141 Forms – ATOCA 141-27Removal of Aircraft on ATODownload 115 kb
Part 141 Forms – ATOCA 141-29Application for Approval of a Financial Business Plan for a new ATODownload 173 kb