What a private pilot licence costs in South Africa
By the Sonowe Fly team · Published · Every figure links to its source
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Budget roughly R110 000 to R200 000 for a private pilot licence in South Africa in 2026. Where you land in that range depends mostly on the aircraft you train on, how many hours you need beyond the 45-hour minimum, and what the school's package leaves out.
What schools charge
Three schools' own published prices, as of their latest price lists:
| School | Aircraft | Published PPL price | What it's based on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madiba Bay School of Flight, Gqeberha | Sling 2 | About R106 460 | 30 hours dual and 15 solo, minimum hours, passing everything first time; medical not included1 |
| OFA Ermelo Flight School | Not stated | R152 000 plus extras | 30 hours dual and 15 solo at R3 050 an hour; notes, licences, medical and ground school extra (updated August 2026)2 |
| Johannesburg School of Flying, Rand Airport | Cessna and Piper fleet | From R200 996 | 4 to 6 months full-time, including a night rating (May 2026 info pack)3 |
The gap is mostly the aircraft: Madiba Bay's Sling 2 costs R1 750 an hour with an instructor and R1 640 solo,1 while Ermelo charges R3 050 an hour.2 Over 45 hours that difference alone is roughly R60 000.
The hours: the biggest number
Package prices assume the regulatory minimum of 45 hours. One school says a typical student has 45 to 65 hours when they're ready for the test.4 At the hourly rates above, each extra hour adds about R1 640 to R3 050, so 10 extra hours can add R16 000 to R30 000. Plan for it rather than hoping for the minimum.
SACAA's own fees
These are set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority and are the same at every school (from 1 October 2026):
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Student pilot licence | R8475 |
| PPL theory exams (each subject; schools describe eight) | R427 each, about R3 416 for eight6 |
| Exam re-mark (each subject) | R7596 |
| Restricted radiotelephony exam | R7966 |
| PPL issue | R1 0825 |
| Night rating (licence fee; its exam is another R796) | R65156 |
Costs packages often leave out
Ermelo publishes its estimates for the extras, which is a useful checklist whichever school you choose:2
- Ground school: about R10 000
- Notes and logbook: about R5 000
- Aviation medical: about R1 700
- Radio licence: about R1 500
- English proficiency test: about R1 500
- Excess insurance while training: R200 a month
- Accommodation if you train away from home: about R6 500 a month
Ask every school for these in writing, along with landing fees, re-test fees and what happens to the price if you need more hours.
How to spend less
- Fly often. Two or three lessons a week means less time relearning what you forgot.
- Get the theory done early. Arriving at lessons knowing the material makes each hour count.
- Compare aircraft. Light sport aircraft such as the Sling 2 cost far less an hour than older certified types. Ask what that means for the aircraft you'll fly after your licence.
- Get your medical first. It costs less than an hour's flying and rules out a nasty surprise.
- Consider a microlight licence. If you only want to fly for fun, the National Pilot Licence for microlights and light sport aircraft is a cheaper, separate route; see how to become a pilot.
Find schools near you on flight schools by region, and if you've done your PPL recently, share what yours cost so others can plan.
Common questions
How much does a private pilot licence cost in South Africa?
Three schools' published prices in 2026 range from about R106 460 at Madiba Bay School of Flight (on a Sling 2) to R200 996 and up at Johannesburg School of Flying (including a night rating).13
Why do flight schools' prices differ so much?
Mostly the aircraft. Madiba Bay's Sling 2 costs R1 750 an hour with an instructor, while OFA Ermelo charges R3 050 an hour. Over 45 hours that difference alone is roughly R60 000.12
What does the Civil Aviation Authority charge for a private pilot licence?
From 1 October 2026: R847 for the student pilot licence, R427 for each theory exam subject and R1 082 to issue the private pilot licence.56
Sources
Prices are the schools' own published figures on the dates shown; they change, so confirm before you pay anything. Sonowe Fly isn't connected to any school listed.
- Madiba Bay School of Flight, “Private Pilot Course Fees” (Sling 2; price list November 2026). mbsf.co.za, checked 5 November 2026.
- OFA Ermelo Flight School, “Private Pilot Licence” (updated August 2026). avpilot.co.za, checked 5 November 2026.
- Flight School Finder, “Johannesburg School of Flying”, prices from the school's May 2026 info pack. flightschoolfinder.co.za, checked 5 November 2026.
- Flight Training College, “Private Pilot License”: typical hours and duration. flighttraining.co.za, checked 5 November 2026.
- South African Civil Aviation Authority, “Pilot Licensing Fees As From 1 October 2026” (PDF). caa.co.za fees.
- South African Civil Aviation Authority, “Examination fees, Effective 01 October 2026” (PDF). caa.co.za fees.
This guide is general information, not advice. The South African Civil Aviation Authority's regulations and your flight school have the final word. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in Feedback and ideas.