If you have always wanted to learn how to fly, or just like to view Johannesburg from above, please don't hesitate to give us a call.

We can arrange an introductory flight right away.

Cardinal Leisure, in association with Sky Raiders, provide a complete and dedicated training environment, where you can achieve your objective in the most efficient and cost effective manner.

The training centre is located at Rand Airport in Germiston. The climate varies from an average temp of 30 degrees centigrade in the summer months to around 15 degrees centigrade in the winter months. In both our wetter and drier months, we are able to complete short courses in the allocated times. The advantage of flying in these conditions is the exposure to situations, such as decreased aircraft performance, that you will most definitely encounter in your future flying career. Weather is one of the major problems inexperienced pilots have to contend with, and teaching you to be conscious of the challenges involved, is one of our objectives.

Rand Airport controls a large portion of unscheduled, light aircraft traffic in the area. Training in busy airspace such as this, ensures students will gain an exceptional sense of situational awareness and confidence in radio operation and procedures. You will master the basic training skills in the general flying area, situated approximately 15 minutes away. This will be followed by skills development in the surrounding airspaces, which are equipped with the necessary navigation and approach facilities.

• Private Pilot Licence
• Commercial Pilot Licence
• Night Rating
• Instrument Rating
• Instructors Rating
• Aerobatics Training
• Multi Engine Conversions
• Aircraft Hire and Fly to licensed pilots (Subject to Checkout Flight)

We operate from 8 am to 5 pm, seven days a week as well as night flight training with prior arrangement.

The fleet consists of:

Initial Training

• Piper Cherokee 140
• Beechcraft Sundowner 180

Advanced Training

• Piper Arrow 200

Aerobatic Training

• Yak 52
• Extra 300L

TO BECOME A PILOT:

• You must be at least 16 years of age for a Students Pilot Licence (enabling you to go solo) and a Private Pilot Licence and 18 years to qualify for a Commercial Pilots License or higher. There is no maximum age limit.
• There is no basic minimum educational requirement, but you must be able to read, speak and understand English. An understanding of advanced Mathematics and basic Science would be an advantage.
• You must be medically fit, and must take a Civil Aviation Association (CAA) required medical exam every two years (annually after 40 years of age) to ensure that you don't have medical conditions that would interfere with your ability to fly. Contrary to popular belief, pilots can wear glasses or contact lenses, and other physical limitations don't automatically keep you from learning to fly.

STUDENT PILOT LICENCE (SPL)

A Student Pilot Licence (SPL) allows you to start with your training immediately, including flying solo and is the first step in your aviation career.

You can start your flying training without a SPL; however you will need to obtain it before you can undertake your first solo flight.

Before your first solo flight you will also have to complete the pre-solo theory examination as well as an aircraft technical.

• You must be at least 16 years of age.
• You must have a reasonable command of English - the international language of aviation.
• You must pass a Class 2 medical examination.

Once you have completed the medical examination the results are also sent to the SACAA Medical Section who will keep your medical certificate on record.

During the initial stages of your training you will be taught the basics of flight in preparation for your first solo flight.

These flights will be performed both in the circuit area and in the general flying area (GF).

The time taken to achieve the first solo flight varies with the student's ability, but usually happens after 15 to 25 flying hours.

The first solo flight is one of the most exhilarating moments in your flying career, when your instructor steps out of the aircraft and allows you to take full control of the aircraft, flying a circuit around the aerodrome on your own.

Once you are competent in the circuit pattern you will move onto more advanced flying practices and exercises.

The SPL enables you to complete your training for the Private Pilot Licence.

This license means that you have completed all of the basic flying exercises and are fully capable of flying the aircraft safely within certain limitations.

You will learn to handle the aircraft through every stage of flight, and how to deal with emergencies that could potentially occur.

You will also no longer need authorization from your instructor for solo flying.

As a PPL holder you cannot fly for hire or reward - you need a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) to work as a pilot.

An extremely adventurous and rewarding part of your PPL training will include navigation cross-country flights, designed to develop your skills in map reading and pre-flight planning in a variety of flying environments.

The focus of these training exercises is to bring your skills to a level from where you can undertake a solo navigation flight.

In addition to that you will be introduced to the basics of radio navigational aids.

At the conclusion of your training you will be subjected to a flight test.

Before you can attempt the test for your PPL you must:

• Have passed the Restricted Radio course (RT Licence).
• Have completed the flying training syllabus, which consists of at least 25 hours dual, as well as 15 hours solo.
• Have completed at least 3 hours solo navigation exercises covering at least 150Nm.
• Have passed the PPL theoretical examinations in the required subjects.
• Be recommended for the test by our Chief Flying Instructor (CFI).
• Have a class 2 medical.

All the above may sound difficult; however it is not as difficult as first perceived.

The various examinations are not too difficult. Most are in multiple choice format, with ample practice questions available for you to assess your own ability and progress.

THIS IS YOUR PASSION

Your education doesn't stop at the conclusion of your PPL. This is just the start of an ongoing learning experience.

If you intend to pursue a career in aviation, or if you want to improve your flying skills and enjoy greater freedom as a recreational pilot, you will need to qualify for your Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

In order to qualify as a Commercial Pilot you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older.
• Be able to read, write and speak English.
• Hold a General Radio License.
• Hold a full pass in the Commercial Pilot Licence theory exam.
• Have performed a minimum of 200 flying hours, including 100 hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) of which 10 hours must be at night.
• At least 20 hours cross-country Pilot in Command (PIC).
• One cross-country of at least 300Nm, with 2 away landings.
• 40 Hours instrument flight time.
• Have passed a Commercial Pilot License flight test.

This rating allows the Commercially rated pilot to act as instructor on the aircraft types appropriately endorsed. Some candidates find this a useful method of gaining experience, although it should be considered as a long term commitment to the aviation industry.

Requirements for the issue of the Instructor's Rating:

• Be a holder of a valid Commercial Pilot's License.
• You must have completed 20 hour's "Patter", which is the process of learning to teach in the cockpit environment, and learning how to effectively demonstrate the various flight manoeuvres, while providing meaningful commentary.
• You must have passed the two SACAA theoretical examinations, which are a combination of multiple choice and long hand questions.
• Pass a combined theoretical and practical flight test with a Grade One Designated Examiner.