Obtaining your Commercial Pilots License

Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Requirements

General Requirements:

• Age: Be at least 18 years old.

• Medical Certificate: Hold a valid Class 1 Medical Certificate.

• Radio License: Hold a valid General Radio License.

• English Proficiency: Demonstrate English language proficiency.

• Valid PPL and Night Rating:Hold a valid Private Pilot License (PPL) and Night Rating.

 Flight Time Requirements:

• Minimum Flight Time:Complete a minimum of 200 hours of flight time. 

• Pilot in Command (PIC): A minimum of 100 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC). 

• Night Flying:A minimum of 5 hours PIC at night. 

• Cross-Country:A minimum of 20 hours of cross-country flight time. 

• Instrument Time: A minimum of 20 hours of instrument flight time. 

• Complex Aircraft: At least 5 hours of dual instruction in an aircraft with adjustable flaps, retractable undercarriage, and a variable-pitch propeller or turbojet engine. 

 Theoretical Examinations:

• SACAA CPL Theory Examinations:Successfully pass the SACAA Commercial Pilot License theory examinations – 8 subjects in total.

1. Human Performance

2. Radio Navigation

3. Aircraft Instruments

4. Aviation Law

5. Fixed-Wing or Helicopter Flight Planning

6. Meteorology

7. Navigation

8. Fixed-Wing or Helicopter Technical and General

 Practical Examinations:

CPL General Flight Test:  Complete a CPL General Flight Test in a complex-type aircraft with a Grade I Designated Flight Examiner (DFE). A "complex"  aircraft has retractable landing gear, flaps, and a controllable-pitch propeller.

CPL Privileges

As a South African Commercial Pilot License (CPL), you can fly as pilot-in-command (PIC) for remuneration on any aircraft certified for single-pilot operations, and as a co-pilot on multi-crew aircraft after completing type-specific training - but to be PIC on multi-crew aircraft, you need an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).