Flying in South Africa: a pilot's guide
The SACAA regulates South African flight under the Civil Aviation Regulations; pilots earn a Recreational or Private Pilot Licence with Class 1/2 medicals, often at high-density-altitude fields.
The national authority
Civil aviation in South Africa is regulated by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) under the Civil Aviation Regulations. This guide summarises the framework; confirm detail with the SACAA.
Getting a licence (PPL and beyond)
South Africa issues a Recreational Pilot Licence and Private Pilot Licence, with Commercial and instrument ratings beyond. Training is through approved aviation training organisations, with theory examinations and a skills test.
Medical requirements
A Class 1 or 2 aviation medical certificate is required depending on the licence, issued by SACAA-designated aviation medical examiners.
Notable rules & airspace
South Africa uses a class-based airspace system with high-density-altitude operations at many inland airfields, and its own VFR and equipment requirements.
Where to find the official rules
Consult the SACAA for the current regulations, licensing and medical requirements.
South Africa aviation by the numbers
674 airfields on record (23 with scheduled service), 273 airspace volumes, 151 navaids.
- Small airport519
- Heliport51
- Medium airport51
- Closed41
- Large airport11
- Balloonport1
- Upington Airport16,076 ft
- Mmabatho International Airport15,157 ft
- O.R. Tambo International Airport14,495 ft
- Makhado Air Force Base Airport13,189 ft
- Eastgate Airport / Air Force Base Hoedspruit13,094 ft
Counts computed from The Pilots Desk reference data (OurAirports, FAA, OpenAIP).