Infinite Aviation Logo

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to help you get started

Infinite Aviation General FAQ

Infinite Aviation General FAQ
How does ground school scheduling work?
Ground school courses for all licenses run in cycles throughout the year. Classes are allocated to specific times, dates and venues. This allows students to plan their studies and ensures that an instructor is available to teach.
Students do not need to complete all subjects in one cycle.  Since ground school runs in cycles throughout the year, students may attend subjects across multiple cycles depending on their schedules and workload.  Some students have full time jobs while others are full time students. Options for how to approach ground school cycles can be discussed with the student individually. 
Students are welcome to attend classes at different venues.  The only requirement is that a booking is made with Infinite Aviation on hello@infiniteaviation.co.za or +27610977088 so that we know the student plans to attend and that space is available in the classroom.  This is particularly useful for students who move between cities or work shifts. 
While Infinite Aviation strives to accommodate students with regards to ground school attendance and work schedules, there are limitations.  In cases where a schedule conflict exists the student will need to speak to us directly so that we can explore possible options.  Sometimes it is simply not possible and the student may need to adjust their schedule. 
We supply study material for PPL and CPL students.  Books can be purchased individually or as a set. This does not affect the price.  Courier delivery can be arranged, or books can be collected from selected flight schools.  We can also assist with sourcing other aviation items if required. Please contact us for more details on hello@infiniteaviation.co.za or +27610977088 

We supply aviation training equipment including: 

  • NAV rulers
  • Square protractors
  • E6B whizz wheels
  • CX3 flight computers
  • (CPL and ATPL only)
  • PPL & CPL Navigation
  • Plotting charts and more. 

Please contact us on hello@infiniteaviation.co.za or +27610977088 to order your stationery. 

One on one tuition is available, especially for students who have written an exam and need help preparing for the next attempt.  During these sessions the instructor reviews the coaching report and focuses on the areas requiring improvement.  Please contact us on hello@infiniteaviation.co.za or +27610977088 for rates. 
Students have 18 months to complete all required exams from the date that the first exam is passed. 

PPL 

Private Pilot License. Allows a pilot to fly but not earn money for flying services. Minimum of 45 flight hours required for aeroplane and 50 hours for helicopters. 

CPL 

Commercial Pilot License. Allows a pilot to earn money by flying. Minimum of 200 flight hours required. 

ATPL 

Airline Transport Pilot License. The highest level of license. Requires a minimum of 1500 flight hours. 

Ground school can be started while students are beginning their flight training. However students should ideally already be enrolled with a flight school and have completed their aviation medical. 

The time required depends on the student’s schedule, study pace, and flight training availability. 

  • PPL students normally complete their exams and training within 6 to 12 months.
  • CPL students typically take between 18 and 36 months depending on whether they are studying full time or while working.
  • ATPL theory exams are usually written by pilots who are already flying commercially and building the required flight hours. 

Students have 18 months from the date of their first exam pass to complete all theory exams for each license. 

Students have 36 months from the date of their last PPL or CPL exam to complete their practical training. 

A CPL holder may complete their ATPL exams prior to obtaining the 1500 hour requirement. If a student keeps their Instrument Rating current, their ATPL subjects stay valid until they get their ATP Licence. 

Aviation exams require discipline and structured study but they are designed to test understanding of the syllabus rather than academic ability. 

Students who attend ground school, study consistently, and prepare properly, generally perform well. 

Ground school helps simplify complex topics and allows students to ask questions so that concepts are properly understood before attempting the exams. 

There is no maximum age to start flight training.  Many students begin training in their 30s, 40s, or even later.  The key requirement is passing the aviation medical examination and committing to the study and flight training required to obtain the license.  

Students can start their training as early as 15 years of age. 

The regulatory limits are as follows: 

  • 16 years of age to fly an aircraft solo
  • 17 years of age to obtain a PPL
  • 18 years of age to obtain a CPL
  • 21 years of age to obtain an ATPL 

Students who start their flight training whilst still at school need to carefully consider the amount of work load, stress and pressure that can be encountered. 

It is recommended to start aviation training after school, as the level of maturity required to make decisions quickly that relate to safety, are critical. 

A CPL allows pilots to earn money by flying.

Typical career paths include:

  • Charter flying
  • Flight instruction
  • Corporate aviation
  • Cargo operations
  • Medical operations
  • Vehicle tracking (helicopters)
  • Game capturing (helicopters)
  • Fire fighting
  • Airline careers after gaining sufficient experience

Many pilots build flight hours through charter or instruction before progressing to larger commercial operations.

Private Pilot License (PPL)

Everything you need to know about getting your PPL

Private Pilot License (PPL) FAQ
Are your PPL ground school courses approved by aviation authorities?

Our ground school courses are built in alignment with the syllabus set out by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). We monitor the SACAA website for changes to the syllabus and adjust accordingly. 

Students who attend ground school with Infinite Aviation but who intend writing exams in another country will need to confirm with that country’s civil aviation authority whether training based on the South African syllabus will be accepted. 

We have had students attend our ground school who later wrote exams for licenses outside South Africa. 

There are 7 theory exams for the Private Pilot License.  In addition to the theory exams, students must also complete the Restricted Radio exam and practical test. 
Ground school courses run in cycles throughout the year. This allows students to attend courses across different cycles depending on their personal planning and schedules.  For PPL students it is recommended that subjects are completed in the following order:  Air Law  Human Performance  Principles of Flight  Aircraft Technical and General  Meteorology  Subjects may be attended in a different order depending on which course is running when a student joins a cycle.  It is also important that PPL students speak to their flight school instructors to determine which exams must be passed before they are allowed to go solo – which is the first milestone. 

Some subjects rely on earlier theory knowledge and practical flying experience. These are usually completed later in training. 

  • Flight Planning
  • Navigation
  • Restricted Radio 

These subjects draw on prior learning from earlier subjects as well as practical flight training and are easier to understand once students have some flying experience. 

The pass mark for all SACAA PPL exams is 75 percent.  Students have 18 months to complete all required exams for their license from the date that the first exam subject is passed. It is the responsibility of the student to keep track of this timeframe and plan accordingly. 

PPL exams can be written at: 

  • A flight school that has an approved in house exam centre
  • The SACAA exam centre in Centurion
  • An SACAA out-station venue that operates during specific weeks at selected locations around South Africa 

If a PPL student fails an exam they must wait 7 days before attempting the exam again. 

There is no rule that states a student must have a medical certificate or Student Pilot License before starting ground school.  However it is strongly advised that students obtain their aviation medical certificate before starting ground school. Aviation is an expensive and highly regulated industry and the medical certificate confirms that the student will be able to continue with flight training.  The Student Pilot License can only be applied for once the medical certificate has been issued, as the certificate must be submitted to the SACAA as part of the license application.  Without a Student Pilot License a student cannot write exams or complete flight training.  For this reason it is generally recommended that students starting PPL training are already enrolled with a flight school, have completed their aviation medical examination, and have begun the process of applying for their Student Pilot License. 
There are no mandatory school subjects required in order to begin studying for a pilot license.  However Maths (Core), Physics, Biology and Geography are helpful for understanding many aviation concepts. 
A matric certificate is not required to begin studying toward a pilot license.  However a matric certificate is often requested during the application process for a commercial pilot position once a Commercial Pilot License has been obtained. For this reason it is generally advisable to complete matric. 
Once you have attended ground school we are still available to support you during your exam preparation.  If you have a question or two you may send them on WhatsApp and we will ask an instructor to assist you.  If you have more than three questions you will be required to book a tuition session with an instructor.  If you write an exam and it does not go as expected you may send us a picture of your coaching report and an instructor will advise you on which areas to focus on for the next attempt.  We can also assist you with a study plan that helps you to achieve your goals. 
Students are required to have their own study material.  If needed, Infinite Aviation can supply the required books as well as certain aviation stationery items.  Notes made by the instructor during training may be shared with students where appropriate.  PowerPoint presentations cannot be shared as they are the intellectual property of Infinite Aviation. Per our online training agreement we are also not permitted to share recordings of online classes. 
Students are required to have their own study material.  If needed, Infinite Aviation can supply the required books as well as certain aviation stationery items.  Notes made by the instructor during training may be shared with students where appropriate.  PowerPoint presentations cannot be shared as they are the intellectual property of Infinite Aviation. Per our online training agreement we are also not permitted to share recordings of online classes. 
Students are welcome to attend classes at different venues.  The only requirement is that the student makes a booking with Infinite Aviation so that we know the student intends attending and so that we can confirm there is space available in the classroom. 
Ground school courses run according to fixed schedules and venues to ensure instructor availability.  While Infinite Aviation always tries to accommodate students where possible, there are limitations. In these cases students should speak to us directly so that we can explore possible options.  In some cases students may need to adjust their schedules in order to attend specific courses. 
We supply study material for PPL students. Books can be purchased individually or as a full set.  Courier delivery can be arranged, or books may be collected from selected flight schools.  We can also assist students in finding other aviation equipment or advise on suppliers if required. 

We supply aviation training equipment including: 

  • NAV rulers
  • Square protractors
  • E6B whizz wheels
  • CX3 flight computers (CPL and ATPL only)
  • PPL & CPL Navigation
  • Plotting charts and more. 

Please contact us on hello@infiniteaviation.co.za or +27610977088 to order your stationery. 

Yes.  We offer one on one tuition sessions, usually for students who have written an exam and want assistance preparing for their next attempt.  During these sessions an instructor will review the student’s coaching report and focus on the areas that need improvement.  Please get in touch with us for tuition rates on hello@infiniteaviation.co.za or +27610977088 

Commercial Pilot License (CPL) FAQ

Everything you need to know about getting your CPL

Commercial Pilot License (CPL) FAQ ​
Are your CPL ground school courses approved by aviation authorities?
Our ground school courses are built in alignment with the syllabus set out by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). We monitor the SACAA website for changes to the syllabus and adjust accordingly.  Students who attend ground school with Infinite Aviation but who intend writing exams in another country will need to confirm with that country’s civil aviation authority whether training based on the South African syllabus will be accepted.  We have had students attend our ground school who later wrote exams for licenses outside South Africa. 

Ground school courses run in cycles throughout the year. This allows students to attend courses across different cycles depending on their personal planning and schedules. 

CPL students may complete subjects in any order. Students need to decide what works best with their schedules and study approach. 

Some students choose to start with subjects they find most challenging. Others prefer to take one subject with a heavy workload together with one that is lighter. Some students follow the schedule and complete subjects in the order that they are presented. 

Remember that for CPL, Aircraft Technical and General and Principles of Flight are written together in one exam. 

There are 8 theory exams for the Commercial Pilot License. 

These subjects include: 

  • Air Law
  • Human Performance
  • Meteorology
  • Flight Planning
  • Navigation
  • Radio Aids
  • Instruments and Electronics
  • Principles of Flight and Aircraft Technical and General (written together as one exam) 

In addition to the theory exams, students must also complete the General Radio theory and practical examination. 

The pass mark for all SACAA PPL exams is 75 percent.  Students have 18 months to complete all required exams for their license from the date that the first exam subject is passed. It is the responsibility of the student to keep track of this timeframe and plan accordingly. 
CPL exams must be written at the SACAA exam centre in Centurion or at one of the SACAA outstation venues during the designated exam periods. If a CPL student fails an exam they must wait 7 days before attempting the exam again. Students are allowed three attempts at a subject. If the third attempt is failed a two month ban is placed on that subject before it may be attempted again. This ban remains in place for each additional failed attempt. If students fail with 50% or lower, on either attempt, an immediate two month ban is in force and the ban remains in place for each additional failed attempt. Students may continue writing other subjects while they are banned from the subject that has been failed.

There is no rule that prevents a student from starting ground school for the next license before testing for the one they are currently completing.

However the workload involved in obtaining a license is high and many students struggle to manage both levels at the same time. For this reason the general recommendation is to first complete the current license and once it has been tested and issued then enrol for the next level of ground school.

A student must have completed the previous license and have it in their possession before starting the exams for the next license.

Once you have attended ground school we remain available to support you during your exam preparation.

If you have one or two questions they can be sent on WhatsApp and we will ask an instructor to assist.

If you have more than three questions you will be required to book a tuition session with an instructor.

If you write an exam and it does not go as expected you may send us a picture of your coaching report and an instructor will advise you on the areas that need attention before your next attempt.

We can also assist you with a study plan that helps you to achieve your goals.

Students are required to have their own study material.

Infinite Aviation can supply the required CPL books as well as certain aviation stationery items if needed.

Notes made by the instructor during training may be shared where appropriate.

PowerPoint presentations cannot be shared as they are the intellectual property of Infinite Aviation. Per our online training agreement we are also not permitted to share recordings of online classes.

Yes. We offer an exam booking service for CPL students. An administration fee is charged for this service. Students who would like assistance with exam bookings can send a request via email or WhatsApp and we will assist with the process.
Students are welcome to attend classes at different venues. The only requirement is that a booking is made with Infinite Aviation so that we know the student plans to attend and so that we can confirm that space is available in the classroom.

We supply study material for CPL students. Books can be purchased individually or as a full set.

Courier delivery can be arranged or books may be collected from selected flight schools.

We can also assist students in sourcing additional aviation equipment or direct them to appropriate suppliers if required.

We supply several aviation stationery items used during training including:

  • Navigation rulers
  • Square protractors
  • E6B whizz wheels
  • CX3 flight computers
  • Navigation plotting charts

The CX3 flight computer is typically used by CPL and ATPL students.

Yes. 

We offer one on one tuition sessions, usually for students who have written an exam and want assistance preparing for their next attempt. 

During these sessions an instructor will review the student’s coaching report and focus on the areas that need improvement. 

Please get in touch with us for tuition rates on hello@infiniteaviation.co.za or +27610977088 

Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) FAQ

Everything you need to know about getting your ATPL

Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) FAQ
Are your ATPL ground school courses approved by aviation authorities?

Our ground school courses are built in alignment with the syllabus set out by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). We monitor the SACAA website for changes to the syllabus and adjust accordingly.

Students who attend ground school with Infinite Aviation but who intend writing exams in another country will need to confirm with that country’s civil aviation authority whether training based on the South African syllabus will be accepted.

We have had students attend our ground school who later wrote exams for licenses outside South Africa.

ATPL students are required to write 6 theory exams.

The subjects include:

  • Principles of Flight and Aircraft Technical and General
  • Meteorology
  • Flight Planning
  • Navigation
  • Instruments and Electronics
  • Radio Aids

    ATPL students do not write Air Law or Human Performance at this level.

There is no prescribed order in which ATPL subjects must be written. 

Students need to determine what works best with their schedules and plan their studies accordingly. 

Some students prefer to focus on the more challenging subjects first while others structure their studies around the course schedule and their work commitments. 

The pass mark for all SACAA ATPL exams is 75 percent. Students have 18 months to complete all required exams for the license they are working toward from the date that the first exam subject is passed. It is the responsibility of the student to keep track of this timeframe and plan accordingly.

ATPL exams must be written at the SACAA exam centre in Centurion or at one of the SACAA outstation venues during the designated exam periods.

If a student fails an ATPL exam they must wait 7 days before attempting the exam again.

Students are allowed three attempts at a subject. If the third attempt is failed a two month ban is placed on that subject before it may be attempted again. The ban remains in effect for each further failed attempt.

If students fail with 50% or lower, on either attempt, an immediate two month ban is in force and the ban remains in place for each additional failed attempt.

Students may continue writing other subjects while they are banned from the subject that has been failed.

There is no rule that prevents a student from starting ground school for the next license before testing for the one they are currently completing.

However the workload involved in obtaining a license is high and many students struggle to manage both levels at the same time. For this reason the general recommendation is to first complete the current license and once it has been tested and issued then enrol for the next level of ground school.

Once you have attended ground school we remain available to support you during your exam preparation. If you have one or two questions they can be sent on WhatsApp and we will ask an instructor to assist. If you have more than three questions you will be required to book a tuition session with an instructor. If you write an exam and it does not go as expected you may send us a picture of your coaching report and an instructor will advise you on which areas to focus on before your next attempt. We can also assist you with a study plan that helps you to achieve your goals.

Students are required to have their own study material.

Infinite Aviation can assist with sourcing the required books and aviation equipment if needed.

Notes made by the instructor during training may be shared where appropriate.

PowerPoint presentations cannot be shared as they are the intellectual property of Infinite Aviation. Per our online training agreement we are also not permitted to share recordings of online classes.

Yes. We offer an exam booking service for CPL students. An administration fee is charged for this service. Students who would like assistance with exam bookings can send a request via email or WhatsApp and we will assist with the process.
Students are welcome to attend classes at different venues. The only requirement is that a booking is made with Infinite Aviation so that we know the student plans to attend and so that we can confirm that space is available in the classroom.

We supply study material for CPL students. Books can be purchased individually or as a full set.

Courier delivery can be arranged or books may be collected from selected flight schools.

We can also assist students in sourcing additional aviation equipment or direct them to appropriate suppliers if required.

We supply several aviation stationery items used during training including:

  • Navigation rulers
  • Square protractors
  • E6B whizz wheels
  • CX3 flight computers
  • Navigation plotting charts

The CX3 flight computer is typically used by CPL and ATPL students.

Yes. 

We offer one on one tuition sessions, usually for students who have written an exam and want assistance preparing for their next attempt. 

During these sessions an instructor will review the student’s coaching report and focus on the areas that need improvement. 

Please get in touch with us for tuition rates on hello@infiniteaviation.co.za or +27610977088 

Contact Us

Your flight path starts here

ENQUIRE