Now that Covid is receding into being a bad dream and the aviation industry is bouncing back strongly, the aviation press, blogs and websites are abuzz with predictions that we’re facing a massive skills shortage. The only way to address this is by dramatically ramping up training to ensure an ongoing flow of new professionals into the industry.
The aviation industry needs more than 750,000 new pilots - and that's just the start.
WHEN YOU HEAR THE WORDS ‘career’ and ‘aviation industry’ together, the first reaction is to think ‘pilot’. But aviation is an enormous industry and accordingly has a requirement for an imposing spread of skills. From the front to the rear of an aircraft and from the ground up to its cruise altitude, there are people, skills and jobs that are the ‘wind beneath the wings’ of the industry. These are the maintenance technicians, ground-handlers, loadmasters, despatchers, meteorologists, check-in, passenger handling, cabin crew, pilots, traffic controllers, administration, caterers – the list is a long one and includes such a wide range of skills that almost anyone can find a suitable aviation career in which to get qualified.
Boeing recently released its Pilot and Technician Outlook, which projected a demand for 850,000 new pilots over the next 20 years. This is double the current workforce and the most significant demand in the Outlook’s twelve-year history.
And it’s not only the ‘pointy end’ that will need more people. Maintenance engineer demand is projected at 650,000, and commercial cabin crew a staggering 900,000 people, mostly due to changes in fleet mix, regulatory requirements, denser seat configurations and multicabin configurations that offer more personalised service.
“we will have to train millions of new people to fill the slots of a skills-hungry industry”
Collectively, the business aviation and civil helicopter sectors will also demand an additional 155,000 pilots, 132,000 technicians and 32,000 new cabin crew to support business aviation.
The post-Covid demand is being driven by an expected doubling of the global commercial fleet, a record-high air travel demand and a tightening labour supply.
The forecast also excludes general aviation (GA) requirements which swells the numbers
significantly as not every pilot is employed by a carrier, some fly (and own) aircraft purely for small business reasons or the joy of flight.
But the support system for GA is as intensive as for commercial carriers with an ever-growing number of aircraft needing pilots, maintenance, traffic control, administration and supply, as well as airfields to land, and on which to be based.
Boeing’s numbers are in line with industry projections from other bodies given to crystal ball gazing, and they all agree on one inescapable fact – we will have to train millions
of new people to fill the slots of a skills-hungry industry. And therein lies our biggest challenge.
To remain viable in facing the challenge, training organisations are dependent on two main resources: an ongoing flow of dedicated new students and a stable supply of qualified trainers. But most of the potential students are unaware of the career opportunities in aviation. And the qualified trainers are constantly being head-hunted by the industry to fill the jobs for which they’re training the students. This creates the ‘Catch-22’ revolving door of instructors and gives training organisation management sleepless nights. And there is no quick fix solution to either of these challenges.
Some enterprising organisations have addressed the problem by creating a career path that elevates successful student graduates to instructor positions. This, to some measure ‘insulates’ them from the head-hunters as they are often invisible to the industry workplace and can also be contracted to their employer with ‘golden handcuffs’ such as scholarships and student loans.
Amongst all of these is the person who is the jewel in the crown of a training organisation – a dedicated trainer. These are people who derive their personal and career satisfaction, not from doing the job, but from enabling and empowering others to do the job. To a large extent, the success of the training component of the aviation industry will rest on the shoulders of the ‘dedicated’ trainers.
unskilled population, and it is here that we should look to bridging the skills gap in the aviation industry.
Many Africans are unaware that they could be aviation professionals and those that are, often do not have access to the funds needed for the qualifications. This creates opportunities for a spread of sub-industries to increase awareness that their dream is in fact possible and then supply the funding and support mechanisms while the student qualifies. There is also scope for public private partnerships (PPP) where governments could unlock some of their higher education budget to be applied to skills training under administration by approved Aviation Training Organisations (ATOs).
A key advantage for the aviation industry is that there is no special type or basic personality needed for an individual to find a suitable career. The spread of skills demands is so wide that there is likely to be a job for anyone irrespective of their ‘type’.
Africa also has a massive opportunity in its extensive smart and eager but relatively
An aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) and a cabin crew member have vastly differing job requirements and accordingly, to be successful, will needs have very differing basic personas and skills. I cannot imagine an AME asking me if I would like a nice crunchy biscuit with my tea, or if I would prefer the ‘beef or pasta’ as lunch while I wait for the sparkplug gaps to be set.
"Some enterprising organisations have elevated successful student graduates to instructor positions”
Regional turboprop maker ATR's simulator is already attracting pilots from outside of the African continent
The organisations who have participated in this supplement are professional, dedicated entities that offer a wide spread of education opportunities, not only for new incumbents into the aviation industry, but also for those wanting to ‘upskill’ to better and more career fulfilling positions.
So, if you’re looking to build a career in aviation, a slow browse through the following pages with a pencil and pad will open up many opportunities for you. The next 20 years are going to show tremendous industry growth with the attendant opportunities for a productive and rewarding career in aviation.
Many young people (and a few older ones), dream about a career in aviation, and there has never been a better time than now to take the action to turn those dreams into reality.
4 AVIATORS ARE BASED at Cape Town International airport in the general aviation area. It is our mission to provide each client with the best flight instruction possible.
Through a comprehensive orientation and professional flight training program 4 Aviators is designed to exceed expectations for any student. Every member of our team maintains the keystones of aviation: safety, quality, integrity and community.
Whether on the ground or in-flight, safety is our main priority. We will ensure that you not only feel safe but learn to fly safe. An instructor’s education is never over; neither is safety training. Our strictly maintained airplanes and adherence to standard protocol elevate safety above financial gain.
The quality of your training experience is paramount. We hold our flight instructors and the planes they fly to the highest standards. Flight training should be an enjoyable experience as well as an educational one. Our instructors combine patience and positivity with expert transparency. Our clients are very important to us.
Contact Us: info@4aviators.com
We Offer:
• PPL
• Night Rating
• Hour Building Opportunities
• Multi Engine Ratings
• Instrument Rating
• CPL
• ATPL
• Instructors Rating
• Foreign License Conversion
•
+27 (0) 82 768 1754 j CAA/1631/ATO CAA/1013/ATO (0410)
Bases of operation:
• Cape town international
• Saldanha bay
+27 (0) 82 768 1754
We utilise the ALSIM stationed on the airport in the general aviation area. We provide accommodation and transport for our students. We have a diverse group of students from around the world.
4 Aviators is a family and we pride ourselves in this.
ALPI AVIATION IS HEADED by avid aviation enthusiast, Dale de Klerk, an accomplished hang glider, microlight, glider and fixed-wing pilot. Dale has won several regional and national competitions, becoming world Rally Flying Champion in 2003 and earning Springbok Flying colours in Rally and Precision flying from 1995 through to 2004.
ALPI Aviation SA is an accredited Flight School, certified to CAA standards, using experienced instructors with an ethos of respect toward all their students. At Alpi Aviation, we value the individuality of each student, and we will do our utmost to hone their capabilities and enhance
their passion. Our broad background of solid aviation experience and expertise will take your flying career to new heights.
Contact
Tel: +27 82 556 3592
Email: dale@alpiaviation.co.za
Website: www.alpiaviation.co.za j
AERONAV ACADEMY IS COMMITTED to providing top-level flight training utilising the most modern equipment available. This not only gives our clients an enjoyable training experience but also provides Aeronav the ability to conduct flight training in a manner that ensures that student pilots will be ready and well equipped to enter the aviation industry of the future.
Aeronav Academy is proud to offer a dynamic fleet of aircraft, including Diamond DA20s, Cessna 182s and the Diamond DA42 Twinstar Multi-engine trainer. The Academy’s latest acquisition is the impressive Alsim ALX-65 flight simulator. The amazingly realistic graphics feel of the controls and response make training in this flight simulator a truly first class experience.
The school is based at Lanseria Airport. A controlled airspace provides students with an excellent grounding in procedures and gives them the experience needed to cope with operating in a busy airline orientated environment.
Tel No: + 27 11 701 3862
Email: info@aeronav.co.za
Website: www.aeronav.co.za j
E-mail: info@aeronav.co.za
Website: www.aeronav.co.za
SACAA
BLUE CHIP FLIGHT SCHOOL provides flight training from PPL through to ATPL. The school has an accredited in-house examination centre, a superb fleet of aircraft caters for all training needs. We boast with a state-of-the-art simulator, designed and built to meet the SACAA FNPT II requirements, we also have a web based, electronic booking, authorisation sheet and student filing system.
Why do we think Blue Chip Flight School is different from any other flying school?
Blue Chip Flight School has been around for 27 years awarding people wings and the freedom to forge exciting careers in aviation. We strive to recognise and nourish the passion within each student pilot and we consciously develop a disciplined, but harmonious relationship between instructor and student. We have dedicated ourselves in providing the best quality training, never compromising on safety. We seek to optimise value through efficient operation and by instilling a
culture of professionalism and on time performance throughout our organisation.
Since January 2023 in partnership with Stadio Higher Education and Henley Aeronautical Institute of Learning, you can now at Blue Chip Flight School simultaneously complete your flight training and an accredited tertiary qualification, any previous flight qualifications can now count towards an academic qualification.
To receive more information about the Aviation Management Programmes, scan the QR Code. Contact us should you have any queries or need more advice pertaining to the above-mentioned and your future.
Main Terminal Building, Wonderboom Airport 012 543 3050
marketing@bluechip-avia.co.za
www.bluechipflightschool.co.za j
JOHANNESBURG FLYING ACADEMY established in 1984, is a SACAA approved Flight Training Facility situated South of Johannesburg. Due to our unique location at Panorama airfield, no time is wasted flying to and from the general flying area or on the ground waiting for flight clearances.
JFA offer professional training by dedicated and qualified instructors for National Pilot Licence (NPL) Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Instructors rating, Night rating, Renewals, Conversions, Endorsements, Tailwheel ratings in a relaxed, professional environment.
Training is carried out,7 days a week, on our modern fleet of 2-seater, Sling Aircraft and is tailored to your individual needs.
Contact:
Office: (+27) 083 702 3680
Email: info@jhbflying.co.za
Panorama Airfield, Alberton j
• National Pilot License
• Private Pilot License
• Commercial Pilot License
• Night Rating
• Instructors Rating
• Tailwheel Rating
• Conversion / Renewal
• Hour Building
• Owner Training
• Foreign Validations
LEARN 2 FLY WAS ESTABLISHED in 2009 in Lephalale/Ellisras by Wessel Pretorius. In 2017 he opened a branch at Wonderboom Airport. In 2019 Learn 2 Fly transferred ownership to Leon Labuschagne and has since been actively in use. Although we were hit by Covid we survived by the grace of God.
We are fuelled by a passion for aviation and our aim is to be a steppingstone for young & old to realise their dreams and passion. One is never too old to learn, or change career paths. Our instructors’ experience and qualifications vary from ex-Air Force, Hercules C130, Airbus A320 amongst others.
Safety is of the utmost importance, and we train our students accordingly.
The following courses are currently on offer: PPL, Night Rating, Instrument Rating, CPL, Instructors Rating (up to turbine instructor), Multi Engine, Turbine Rating and Conversions on different turbine aircraft.
“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” – Leonardo DaVinci. j
AS ONE OF SOUTH AFRICA’S leading flight schools, Lanseria Flight Centre (LFC) has developed a reputation for excellence catering for local and foreign students. Based at Grand Central Airport in Midrand, which is ideally situated with all facilities required to give the students the maximum exposure and experience during their training.
LFC provides a complete support service to foreign students during their training, including accommodation, meals and transport and looking after their welfare. The foreign students arrive for a limited period to complete their flying training to a recognised global standard within a set timeframe –and budget.
LFC offers training from ab-initio through PPL, CPL to ATPL, plus advanced ratings on turboprops such as the Cessna Caravan. Piper Meridian, King Air and Beechcraft 1900.
Ground school is a key component of flight training and LFC has achieved excellent pass rates. PPL lectures are conducted weekly, CPL lectures are conducted 3 times a year and ATPL lectures as required. LFC has also compiled their own ground school notes, which are proving a huge success with the students.
As private flying becomes increasingly expensive for South Africans, many of the better flight training organisations (FTO) have shifted their marketing focus to international students.Lanseria Flight Centre has a well-earned reputation for excellence with foreign students.
LFC is particulary proud of its instructors.
LFC is proud of its graduates who have been accepted into the large airlines and corporate operators across the world. These include SAA, Safair, Qantas, Emirates, Qatar, Thai, Virgin, Cathay Pacific, Air India, Aer Lingus, Air Mauritius, as well as the SAAF and SACAA. The fact that these large employers accept LFC students is testimony to the quality of LFC instruction.
Recognising that it is the instructors who play the key role in the school’s reputation for excellence, the LFC instructors have a wealth of airline, air force and charter flying experience. CEO Ian Dyson says that they are able to offer the better students a career path as an instructor to build experience towards a major airline job.
LFC is not just a training school, it has a wide range of aircraft for air charter and leasing.
It can provide VIP air charter, flying safaris, contract flights and ambulance services throughout the SADC region. LFC has contracts with many hotel groups, lodges, medivac and mining operations.
Flying safaris are an adventurous and luxurious way to see Africa. LFC assists travellers with the planning of their African flying safari to meet their individual needs.
As a comprehensive solution provider, LFC provides air charter services which include: premier shuttle services, business charters, air taxi, leisure charters, lease and contract work, film industry services and specialist cargo applications.
Quite simply Lanseria Flight Centre has it all. It is the perfect one-stop-shop for all flying training and specialist aviation solutions. j
Loutzavia is a leading group in the aviation industry, dedicated to safety and specialising in various aspects of aviation. Namely:
Loutzavia Flight Training
Aircraft Sales
Pilot Shop – Wonderboom Airport and Rand Airport
Aircraft Hangarage and Management
Our main area of focus is flight training which is headed by our very own in-house SACAA designated examiner (DFE1) and owner of the Loutzavia group He has been in aviation and specialising in flight training for 31 Years
We have one of the largest and diverse fleet of aircraft namely: Cessna 172, Cessna 177RG, Cessna Citation, Piper 160, Piper 161,Piper 181 and Tecnam P2006T We also operate a state of the art Frasca TRU-FLIGHT simulator
As one of the larger flight schools in South Africa, we are one of the most trusted, respected and established aviation organizations in the country Loutzavia is determined to provide outstanding service to all clients and are dedicated to achieving service with distinction Our passion for flying ensures that the highest quality of attention to detail and safety standards prevail It is our mission to give you the knowledge to get your wings!
SAFETY AND QUALITY eTRAINING with
LITSON AND ASSOCIATES is a SA CAA-approved Aviation Training Organisation that strives to provide excellence in training, be it undertaken in the classroom or virtually.
Our ‘open’ training courses are currently presented virtually in real-time, with the course facilitator present at all times. Virtual training courses are supported by eTRAINING, L&A’s bespoke eLearning software. L&A’s training courses are tailored specifically to aviation industry personnel, with training course facilitators having spent their careers in aviation either as senior aircrew, engineers and/or aviation accident investigators.
Our training classes require a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 16 delegates, to enable everyone to receive the best individual instruction.
Litson’s speciality in-house corporate training can enable the chosen course/s to focus on a company’s specific operations. L&A can undertake in-classroom training anywhere in the world that it is safe to do so.
Our core training courses include:
• 5-day Safety Management System (SMS) including RPAS
• 5-day Quality Management System & Auditing (QMSA)
• 3-day Lead Auditor (LA)
• 5-day Occurrence Investigation course.
L&A has now introduced additional workshops and short courses including Root Cause Analysis, Management of Change and Risk-based Thinking and Approach.
Certificates are emailed to delegates once they have successfully completed their training course. In-house course delegates receive printed manuals and hard-copy certificates at the end of their course.
Please consult our website to view the 2023 training schedule, course overviews and course registration forms.
To contact L&A: Email: enquiries@litson.co.za
Tel: +27 21 8517187 Website: www.litson.co.za j
the first of their
Series. They have now expanded the African series to include three more titles.
POOLEYS IS A WORLD-RENOWNED reference for both the student pilot and instructor. The publications aim to standardise the quality of flying training, teaching and learning equipment for flight schools and their instructors.
Users have the comfort of knowing that all the aviation training publications Pooleys produce have been closely checked by the UKCAA as well as the leading flight schools and instructors. Their text books are constantly updated edited and revised by a team of aviation subject matter experts.
Over the 35 years since the Air Pilots Manuals were launched, more than 250,000 copies of Pooleys manuals have been sold. The Air Pilot’s Manuals for Southern Africa consist of five volumes covering all the key aspects of the Private Pilots syllabus.
The key volumes published for Southern Africa so far are:
Volume 1: Flying Training
Volume 2: Human Performance and Meteorology
Volume 3: Navigation
Volume 4: The Aeroplane: Principles of Flight and Aircraft General
Volume 5: Air Law and Flight Planning.
Pooleys not only produces books, they also have a range of over 2800 products for pilots and flight training organisations. This includes Pooleys own brand products as well as those from many of the world's most recognisable aviation brands.
Many of the products that Pooleys sells are available through their distributors in South Africa.
Users’ comments strongly endorse Pooleys:
“This book is essential for all new trainee pilots. I highly recommend buying it before starting your PPL flying lessons so that you know what to expect in your flying lessons. It’ll save you money on your training if you know what’s going to happen before each lesson, so read up and be prepared! You can use it in conjunction with a simulator (e.g. X Plane, P3D, FSX) and together they’ll prepare you well for the real world.”
In 2022 the world-class Pooleys Air Pilot Manual series launched
Southern AfricanGuy Leitch
Human Performance and Limitations & Meteorology
Pooleys Air Manuals have always been very strong on Human Performance and Limitations. I suppose this is natural if you consider that the vast majority of aircraft accidents are attributed to ‘pilot error’.
IT’S THEREFORE REALLY useful to have a book dedicated to Human Performance. For the South African PPL syllabus, this is not a subject that has received the attention it warrants. Just a look at the contents and the 240 pages of the Pooleys manual makes fascinating reading –and I must confess – I could not begin to pass an exam on this subject.
The subject matter is vast and important: From stress management fatigue and sleep, to how to survive in the bush, this book is a mine of information – and a potential life saver. Examples of key info are: what are the real ‘bottle to throttle’ limitations, and what are the considerations when flying scuba divers? Plus, there is so much more, starting with a good grounding in basic eye and ear physiology.
The material is so interesting and well presented that I am tempted to just put my feet up and learn all about pilot personality traits, or leadership qualities, or first aid following a crash, or food poisoning and much, much more. Threat and Error Management (TEM) is a cornerstone of all Pooleys material and this is excellently described in a chapter on Airmanship and Threat and Error management.
The last third of the book is an excellent reference work on Meteorology. This can be a complex subject and the information transfer is greatly helped by the high quality illustrations that help clear away the fog of incomprehension.
Having a meteorology book specifically for South African students is essential due to the unusual topography of the region and its effect on weather forecasting. Due to most of the country being on the Highveld plateau, South Africa uses its own unique geo-potential metres measurement of the 850 hPa pressure surface, which is at about 1500m amsl.
Chapter 20 deals specifically with the weather patterns of the African continent. This includes local phenomena such as Berg winds, the Cape Doctor and the Black South Easter. These are essential knowledge for all pilots, not just to pass exams – but to fly cross country safely.
The last chapter is an excellent set of instructions for that most needlessly challenging of all flying stuff –interpreting METAR and TAF codes.
Quite simply, this is an excellent reference book that is required study material to pass exams – and should remain as a reference on every pilot’s bookshelf. The bottom line is – if you are studying to pass the PPL exams – this is the reference that you need.
The books may be obtained from all good pilot supply stores in Southern Africa – or order online from Pooleys in the UK: https:// www. pooleys.com/shop/category/booksebooksmanuals-resources/air-pilotsmanuals- forsouthern-africa/
QUESTION BANK IS THE LEADER in aviation examination preparation. It has over 11,000 practice exam questions for the SACAA Commercial, I-ROPS, Integrated ATP and ATP pilot exams, as well as realistic trial examinations to prepare students for examinations.
Question Bank has been designed to facilitate all pilot students studying towards their exams by providing up to date practice questions and realistic ‘mock’ examinations to assist the candidate in being adequately prepared to sit the actual SACAA examinations.
The challenge for all providers of exam preparation services such as Question Bank is to ensure that the data base of questions is always up to date with the latest questions asked by the SACAA. Question Bank has based its industry leading success on achieving the most current questions. CEO Percy van Staden says that they have a continuous recency process using a team of experts who are continuously updating the questions in the data bank.
Question Bank’s Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) have obtained vast teaching experience in the JAA, SACAA, EASA and FAA training syllabi as
well as being part of discussions in the transition from JAA to EASA. In addition, Question Bank provides interactive multi-media visual aids such as training videos to assist the candidate in, for example, the reading of flight planning graphs and meteorology or navigation data.
Question Bank is thus far more than simply a tool to pass exams. It strives to align its exam preparation material, thereby ensuring that the examination questions they choose are based on key learning objectives for each specified subject pertaining to the new syllabus.
Status Aviation has consolidated its position as the leading provider of theoretical knowledge to the aviation sector by acquiring the industry’s most popular teaching and examination aid: Question Bank.
Question Bank is far more than a tool to pass exams
We are the leaders in aviation examination preparation, making available over 16000 practice exam questions for the Commercial, Integrated ATP, and ATP pilot exams and realistic mock examinations to prepare you adequately for the SACAA examinations.
Questionbank has been designed to facilitate all Pilot students studying towards their CPL, IATP, ATP, PPL, and IR(Operational Procedures) by providing up to date practice questions and up to date, realistic mock examinations to assist the individual in being adequately prepared to sit the relevant SACAA examinations.
Use the SAFLYER202308 voucher code to get an additional 7 days on your subscription.
SOME KNOWLEDGE SHOULD NOT BE ARTIFICIAL, BE PREPARED..
SKYHAWK AVIATION was established by Mike Gough (Airbus Training Captain and SA Flyer columnist) in 2008. Well established as the dominant operation in the flight training environment at Lanseria International Airport, Skyhawk Aviation offers all the resources required for the successful completion of all CAA licences and ratings.
As a Designated Flight Examiner (DFE 1) as well as an Airbus Training Captain, Mike is able to assess student’s progress, and conduct final flight tests presenting realistic scenarios. We are also approved to conduct the full type rating for the Airbus 320, as well as proficiency checks and ATP revalidations.
Aimed specifically at developing the professional pilot, we specialise in both the full turn-key contract clients as well as individuals starting out on the road to flying for a living. Part of our services include accommodation, transport and visa services.
Skyhawk is associated with the Sakhikamva Foundation, and offers programs to high school learners to expose the kids to aviation and spark interest in maths and science through this medium. Come and see our Boeing 737 nose section kitted out as a classroom!
If you need a reality check about the sometimes hard truth about becoming a career pilot, then you can’t go far wrong by dropping in at Hanger 30, Gate 5 at Lanseria. Send an email to Mike beforehand to get welcomed to the demanding, but infinitely rewarding world of Commercial Aviation.
Contact Tracey Gough on:
Tel: 011 701 2622
Cell: 072 484 7984
j
Email: mikegough@mweb.co.za
Website: www.skyhawk.co.za
Find out if you have it in you to join the elite few that are entrusted with hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of aircraft, along with a couple of hundred of precious lives.
If you do, and are utterly determined to succeed, we will get you from zero to employability with airlines and commercial air operators.
We cover every aspect of pilot training as well as that all-important career development that will define your future flight path.
Learn with an Airline Captain who’s done the hard yards. Your track record starts here.
I WALKED INTO THE INTERVIEW with a great deal of confidence and enthusiasm. Flying airplanes was my one true passion in this life. This was my big chance to merge my occupation with my love. I would become an airline pilot.
“So you want to be an airline pilot?” the interviewer inquired.
“Yes, sir, more than anything else I have ever wanted,” I replied, realizing I sounded like an anxious adolescent.
“Well, great, welcome aboard,” the airline executive said.
“You mean I’m hired?!” I cheered.
“You bet, we’re glad to have you. Actually, we’ve had trouble finding good pilots to hire,” the exec explained. If I was surprised, it was overshadowed by my joy of reaching my dream.
“Let’s just go over a few points before you sign on the dotted line,” the company man chortled. “We’re going to send you to the world’s most renowned medical center. They’ll spend two days probing your body orifices, draining and analyzing your blood, and administering
psychological exams. They’ll literally take you apart and put you back together. If they find any hint of current or future problems, you’re fired and can find your own ride home.”
“Gee, I think my health is OK,” I nervously choked out.
The manager went on, “Good, next we’ll evaluate your flying skills in an aircraft you’ve never been in before. “If we don’t like the way you perform, you’re fired,”
I was confident with my flying, but this guy was making me nervous.
He continued, “Next, if you’re still here, we’ll run you through our training program. If during any time in the next 10 years you decide to leave the company, you’ll have to reimburse us $20,000, or we’ll sue you. Also if you fail to measure up during training, you’re fired.”
The man who had just given me my dream job listed still more hurdles. “Each time, before we allow you near one of our multimillion dollar aircraft we’ll X-ray your flight bag and luggage, because we don’t trust you. Also we’ll ask you to pass through a magnetometer each time. If you fail to do so, you’ll be arrested and jailed.”
I was looking for a job with a major airline and had finally got my shot at a selection board interview. It was my big opportunity.
The reality of pilot interviews may not be what was expected.
“When you’ve completed your flight, we’ll have you provide a urine sample, because we don’t trust you to not take drugs. Very soon, we plan to take a blood sample to look for more drugs. “Also if you ever fly with another crew member who may have used drugs or alcohol, you must report to us immediately. If you fail to notice that anyone has used these substances, you’ll be fired, have your license to fly revoked, and be fined $10,000.”
“Every six months, we want you to go back to the medical center for another exam. If they ever find a hint of a problem, your license to fly will be revoked and we’ll fire you. Anytime you see a medical person, you must tell us about it so we can see if you need to be grounded and terminated. Also, we need to examine your driving record, and you must tell us if you have even any minor infractions so we can remove you from the cockpit as soon as possible.”
“At any time, without notice, a special branch of the government will send one of its inspectors to ride in your aircraft. The inspector will demand to see your papers and license; if your papers are not in order, you’ll be removed, fined, terminated, and possibly jailed.”
“If at any time you make an error in judgment or an honest human mistake, you will be terminated, be fined tens of thousands of dollars, and be dragged through months of court proceedings. The government will make sure you never fly again for any airline.”
“You will be well out of town most holidays, weekends, and family events – half our pilots are always on the job at any point in time.
Smiling an evil smile now, the airline hirer went on. “Oh, and one last thing to cover. Occasionally, we in management fail to see a trend and screw up royally or the country’s economy falls flat on its face. If as a result of one of those events the corporation begins to lose money, you as an employee will be expected to make up the losses from your paycheck. Of course, management will not be held to the same standards.
Oh, and one last thing – if we negotiate pay and work rule concessions from you in the in exchange for a better pension plan, we probably won’t fund that pension plan agreement (unlike the management pension plan and golden parachutes) and will likely have yanked it away from you.”
“Now sign here,” he pointed, grinning as he handed me a pen.
I faked a sudden nosebleed. Holding my head back and pinching my nostrils, I hurried from his office. When I got to the hall, I began to run. I ran all the way to my car. I figured if I hurried I could still get to the county vocational school before 5:00 and enrol in the industrial welding career program. j
WE GIVE OUR AVIATORS the resources they need to become the top standard in aviation.
Springbok Air Academy is no ordinary air training organization. Our focus is not just about teaching you how to fly an aeroplane, we mentor you to become a professional aviator. We train our students through the following:
• Private Pilots License
• Night Rating
• Instructors Rating, GR III, II, I
• Multi-Engine Rating
• Instrument Rating
• Commercial Pilots License
• Airline Transport License
• A320 and B737 Type Ratings
• Any other Rating for Special Purposes.
Springbok Air Academy Advanced is there to prepare Aviators for their transition into the big commercial leagues. We have the facilities to provide you with the following:
• Instrument Rating
• Multi Engine Rating
• Airbus A320 Family and A330 Type Rating
• Boeing 737 Type Rating
• Any other Ratings for Special Purposes.
Telephone number: 011 824 2142
Email : info@springbokclassicair.co.za
Website: www.springbokclassicair.co.za j
SA CAA APPROVED
PPL - CPL - ATPL
Night Ratings
Instrument ratings
Twin ratings
Instructors ratings
All ground school subjects
SA CAA approved test centre
Accommodation available at Dakota Lodge (three star)
SKY VOYAGE, an advanced training ATO, guided and managed by its very own dynamic and entrepreneurial leader and CEO, Ricky Smit, offers a very high standard of advanced ICAO-compliant training solutions to our clients with a specific focus on pilots who want to grow their careers and progress to more advanced and complex aircraft. Sky Voyage stive to always align itself with it’s company moto, Excellence in Advanced Training.
The Sky Voyage team consists of dynamic legendary aviators, instructors and DFE’s, who are passionate about what they do. A number of our instructors and DFEs are also accredited by regulatory bodies other than the SACAA.
No aviation training is valuable or complete without the execution of the practical elements
and soft courses to round off all training. Sky Voyage also covers most aviation soft courses which are designed and approved by SACAA and exceed international standards. We continuously improve and research our course material and training techniques to deliver superior quality training.
Sky Voyage has an ever-expanding footprint in the African aviation market and will, with regulatory approval, provide tailor-made solutions to satisfy the client’s requirements in terms of time and venue.
Contact:
Tel: +27 (0) 83 231 6458
Cell: +27 (0) 83 231 6458
Email: rickysmit@mweb.co.za
www.skyvoyage.co.za j
Tel: +27 (0) 83 231 6458 | Cell: +27 (0) 83 231 6458
Email: rickysmit@mweb.co.za | Website: www.skyvoyage.co.za
We offer a very high standard of advanced training solutions to our clients which is specifically for those pilots who want to grow their career and start taking on advanced and complex aircraft - together we take them to the next level of flight training.
We consult and plan their career path by assisting with the different choices they have to make. Each client has access to individual consultation with our mentors which help them to make the right choices in their training decisions.
The team consists of dynamic legendary aviators, instructors and DFE’s, who are passionate about what they do using ICAO approved course material for all courses offered.
In the Class room. No aviation training is actually valuable or complete without the execution of the practical elements and soft courses to round off all training. Our courses are designed and approved by SACAA and exceeds international standards. We continuously improve and research our course material and training techniques to deliver superior quality of training to you.
For all advanced training requirements, Sky Voyage has you covered.
STATUS
the introduction of a BCom degree with an elective stream in aviation management.
The BCom degree with an elective stream in aviation management has a strong practical focus and is thus particularly suited to producing degreed graduates who have not just theoretical knowledge but are also immediately useful to the industry.
The programme makes use of learning through real world application. This includes the workbased challenge whereby students apply what they have learned in the industry.
Recognising that many students are working professionals in the aviation industry with ever changing schedules and geographical bases, Status Aviation has tailored the programme with a distance learning option.
The programmes are provided under the auspices of the renowned Da Vinci Institute. The Da Vinci Institute for Technology Management is registered with the Department of Education as a private higher education institution. This enables students to earn Certificates, Diplomas, Masters and PhD qualifications in the Management of Technology and Innovation, as well as the BCom degree with an elective stream in aviation management.
The BCom degree with an elective stream in Aviation Management is approved by the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA). This means that grant funding and tax rebates may be applicable for the employer.
The BCom degree with an elective stream in aviation management is designed for individuals who want to gain a deeper understanding of the aviation industry as well as take responsibility for their career.
Aviation’s key players can now improve their knowledge of the aviation industry and business management, allowing graduates to stand out for key roles, whether they be operational or at an executive level.
The BCom degree with an elective stream in Aviation Management provides a broad foundational knowledge of the aviation industry. The demand for graduates and the supply of students to this degree programme from employers such as airlines, airports, ATC and defence agencies thought Africa attests to the high value it has achieved in the industry.
Status Aviation is the leading provider of qualifications, for not just pilots, but the entire aviation industry and associated ecosystem.
jStatus Aviation offers a unique fully accredited BCom degree in aviation management.
THE BCOM DEGREE WITH AN ELECTIVE STREAM IN AVIATION MANAGEMENT
Being the most connected country in Africa via air transportation and with a total of 472 000 local jobs supported by aviation, IATA reported at a October 2019 symposium that air transport contributed US$9.4 billion in Gross Value Added to South Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management with the elective stream: Aviation management is designed for individuals who want to gain a deeper understanding of the aviation industry as well as take responsibility for their career in using education as a tool.
This qualification delivered in association with The da Vinci Institute of Technology Management is a registered NQF level 7 degree, allowing students to take advantage of distance learning by completing the degree online. This will allow aviation’s key players to improve their knowledge of the aviation industry and business management, allowing you to stand out for key roles whether they be operational or at an executive level. The da Vinci’s institute’s passion to prepare entrepreneurs, prospective managers, and business leaders to take control of their working environments and lead their teams to facilitate socio-economic development and influence the co-creation of sustainable societies.
Besides the Aviation management modules, the BCom Management: Aviation Management explores all the subject areas of business management including:
• Business management
• Economics
• Accounting
• Commercial law
• Financial management.
The Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, with the elective stream: Aviation Management has two intakes per year, one during April and one during October. Application forms need to be submitted at least one month before the intake commences for inclusion.
STARLITE AVIATION TRAINING ACADEMY
was established in South Africa in 1999, with Operations and Maintenance divisions emerging from its success. Keeping pace with an evolving aviation environment, the school, now a subsidiary of SAF Aerogroup, offers helicopter, aeroplane, drone, and simulator services to civilian and military pilots from South Africa and abroad.
Our stats: over 1700 private pilots, 3000 military pilots, 500 commercial pilots, 130 drone pilots, and 100 instructor pilots; in excess of 120 000 instruction hours, from ab initio PPL training to CPL with complex multi-engine and instrument ratings; experienced instructors with over 70 000 operational flying hours and more than 130 years combined flying experience.
The Academy is known for:
• Stringent safety and quality standards
• Competitive rates
• Unique programs for full-time, part-time, and ad-hoc students
• Aircraft availability
• World class facilities
• Experience with international students
• Mountain and air show fly-aways, fun aviation weekends, regular fly-ins
• SACAA/EASA compliant simulator training plus optional VR experience j
