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Take Off Towards Your Aviation Career

Flight Training at Lowveld Aero Club

Nelspruit Airfield (Mbombela)

Thank you for your interest in flight training at Lowveld Aero Club, based at the historic Nelspruit Airfield in Mbombela.
We offer professional, SACAA-compliant pilot training for both recreational pilots and those pursuing aviation as a career.

Training is conducted six days a week, with our administrative office operating Monday to Friday.
Flight training and introductory flights resume on 5 January 2026.

Aviation is an exceptional career choice for individuals seeking a dynamic, rewarding, and future-focused profession.

Pre-Register Here

*Pre-registration does not commit you to full enrolment, but ensures you are guided correctly from the start.

Next Course starts 6 April 2026

Is Aviation for You?

With a strong global demand for skilled professionals, particularly pilots and air traffic controller, aviation provides excellent job security and high earning potential. Beyond flying, the industry offers a wide range of career paths, including aircraft maintenance, technical operations, safety management, and aviation support services.

Aviation professionals also enjoy lifestyle benefits such as flexible schedules, travel privileges, and the opportunity to work in an internationally connected industry. For those passionate about learning, responsibility, and making a real impact, aviation delivers long-term fulfillment in a vital and continuously growing global sector.

Pre-Register Here

Be in Demand with Our Professional Training

Explore our courses and learn how to fly!

PPL

This is the entry level license and opens up avenues for further training. Lowveld Aero Club has trained many PPL holders over the years and a good number continue to be active club members.

  • Minimum of 25 hours’ dual flight training with an instructor
  • Minimum of 15 hours of solo flight training including a minimum of three hours solo cross country navigation flight
  • 5 Hours Basic IF Simulator training
  • Practical flight and navigation skills test with a Grade II instructor
  • In addition, the applicant should also hold a Restricted Radio License – Lowveld Aero Club also offers training for this. See Radiotelephony
  • Minimum Class II Aviation Medical Certificate issued by a registered Aviation Medical Examiner, contacts of which can be obtained from the club

Night Rating

Night Flying requires a different and enhanced set of skills. After obtaining a PPL, most of our students choose to progress their flying journey by acquiring a Night Rating. This gives the students the ability to fly at night in good visual conditions.

  • Valid Private Pilot License
  • 5 Takeoffs and landings by night
  • 10 hours of instrument instruction – 5 of these can be accumulated on an approved flight simulator
  • Night cross-country flight of at least 150 nautical miles. This flight includes two full stop landings at different aerodromes and a controlled airport

Instrument Training

Achieving the initial PPL requirements means the pilot can fly in “fair weather conditions” or Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC) in accordance with Visual Flight Rules (VFR). 

The Instrument Rating equips pilots with skills to fly solely by reference to instruments in clouds and conditions where a visual external horizon is absent (Instrument Meteorological Conditions), using Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) procedures. As can be expected, this is a more rigorous training, designed to ensure proficiency so as to provide safety. It requires an elevated level of accuracy and adherence to procedures.

  • Minimum 40 hours instrument flying
  • 20 hours in a simulator
  • 20 hours in an aircraft
  • Practical flying skills test with a CAA approved designated examiner

Complex Training

This rating enables a pilot to fly a complex aircraft i.e. one with a variable pitch propeller (as opposed to the fixed pitch ones that are used in primary training), flaps and a retractable gear. In addition to honing the pilot’s skills, this endorsement is important for pilots who wish to obtain a commercial pilot license later.

Taildragger Rating

Initial training worldwide is carried out on nose-wheel aircraft.  Taildraggers require a different set of skills on the ground and in the air. About 10 hours of training in a taildragger are required with an rated instructor.

Radiotelephony (RT)

As a minimum, the applicant for a PPL should hold a valid certificate in restricted radio telephony operations. This authorizes the trainee to operate the radio equipment on board the aircraft in accordance with the airspace requirements. We offer periodic training towards the issuance of this certificate, carried out in our briefing room at Old Nelspruit Airfield. Our Chief Flight Instructor is also an approved RT examiner in both restricted and general radio certificates.

Ready to apply?

Pre-registering helps you:

  • Secure your place for upcoming training intakes

  • Receive guidance on medicals, exams, and requirements

  • Get early access to course information and schedules

  • Prepare financially and academically in advance

Pre-registration does not commit you to full enrolment, but ensures you are guided correctly from the start.

Aviation professionals also enjoy lifestyle benefits such as flexible schedules, travel privileges, and the opportunity to work in an internationally connected industry. For those passionate about learning, responsibility, and making a real impact, aviation delivers long-term fulfillment in a vital and continuously growing global sector.

LOCATION & TRAINING ENVIRONMENT

Lowveld Aero Club is based in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, offering:

  • Ideal flying weather conditions

  • A controlled and supportive training environment

  • Experienced instructors

  • Real-world aviation exposure

*17 Years or older on Qualification
You can select more than one option.
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You’re Not Alone in This Journey

Our team will assist you with:

  • Understanding the aviation pathway

  • Explaining costs and timelines

  • Preparing for medicals and exams

  • Answering all your questions honestly

What you’ll gain:

  • Advanced flight training
  • Professional aviation standards
  • The qualifications required to fly commercially
  • A pathway toward airlines, charter operations, and mo

Minimum Entry Requirements

Private Pilot Licence (PPL – South Africa)

  • Minimum age to start training: 16 years
  • Minimum age for licence issue: 17 years
  • Valid SACAA Class II Aviation Medical
  • Student Pilot Licence (SPL)
  • Minimum 45 flight hours (as per SACAA regulations)
  • Completion of 8 SACAA theoretical examinations

Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL – South Africa)

  • Valid SACAA Class I Aviation Medical
  • Valid Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
  • Additional flight hours and advanced theoretical subjects
    (Full details are provided in the formal course outline)
learn to fly South Africa flight training

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