How much do SAA pilots earn?

Being a commercial airline pilot can be one of the world’s top jobs. First-year salaries at South African Airways (SAA) for instance are R900,000 a year, rising over time to a level on par with those of C-suite corporate executives. Internationally, pilots earn a premium over similar graded professionals in the corporate world. This is in recognition that pilots assume levels of responsibility for the lives of their passengers and fellow crew that is well above the corporate norm.

Given premium salaries, it is therefore surprising that there is a worldwide shortage of pilots. Leading aviation consultants AirInsight projects that there is a global requirement for about 31,000 new pilots annually. The average age of pilots is also increasing, suggesting younger people are not attracted to the profession.

Jimmy Conroy, chairman of the SAA Pilots Association (SAAPA) says this apparent contradiction is explained by the fact that being a pilot comes at a high cost to one’s personal life, and follows a demanding and expensive process to qualify for.

“It all starts with a dream and a goal – to become an airline pilot. The first step is to pass matric with mathematics and/ or science at advanced grade, with a C symbol or higher. Thereafter, you must pass a Class 1 medical from an aviation medical examiner, enroll at a training school and commence with a Student Pilots Licence.”

This involves studies that make a university honours degree pale in comparison: the Student Pilot’s Licence requires Air Law and Aircraft Technical; the Private Pilot’s Licence (PPL) requires Radio licence exams and seven exams comprising of: Aviation Meteorology; Flight Performance and Planning; General Navigation; Aircraft General; Principles of Flight (Aerodynamics); Human Performance and Limitations; Air Law; and to complete, a practical flight test. Finally, completing a Private Pilot’s Licence requires approximately 45 – 50 hours flying training.

A Commercial Pilot’s Licence training involves the following advanced exams: Theoretical and oral radio licence exams; Aviation Meteorology; Flight Performance and Planning; Radio Aids and Communication; General Navigation; Instruments and Electronics; Aircraft Technical and General; Human Performance and Limitations; and Air Law.

The pass mark for examinations is 75%, following which one has to complete a practical flight test, and undertake 200 – 220 flying hours.

“By this stage, it is theoretically possible to fly passengers for remuneration, but few organisations will employ a new commercial pilot with just 220 flying hours,” says Conroy. “Most charter companies require a minimum of 500 hours flying time, commuter airlines require 900 hours and airlines 1,500 flying hours.  In addition, most organisations require experience encompassing twin- and turbine-engines which is difficult to obtain. Many gain the requisite experience by obtaining instructor’s ratings or securing positions as co-pilots on small twin engine aircraft.  Others build their hours ferrying or delivering aircraft, doing parachute dropping or glider towing.”

Once a young commercial pilot finds employment at a charter company, he or she may first expect to work for a year as an ops officer in an office before flying, to pay back the cost of their training. “It’s a tough time in a young pilot’s life.” One still has to complete Instrument Rating, which requires a further six exams and a difficult practical flight test.

“Once one obtains a Commercial Pilot’s Licence with an Instrument Rating and 900 hours flying time, one becomes marketable to commuter airlines. Getting to this point will typically have taken you five years and cost up to R1 million. Once employed by a commuter airline, one will accumulate a further 800 flying hours a year, though salaries will still not be good.”

“Generally pilots will have little chance of getting into major international airlines such as SAA with less than 5,000 hours flying time,” says Conroy.

The top qualification is an Airline Transport Pilot’s Licence (ATPL). To acquire this, one is required to pass various subjects with a high level of applied mathematics and physics: Aviation Meteorology;      Flight Performance and Planning; Radio Aids and Communications; General Navigation; Instruments and Electronics; and Aircraft Technical and General; followed by an advanced flight test.

“Once fully qualified with an ATPL and employed in an airline, one is still required to undertake continuous professional training. This consists of passing a Class 1 flying medical every year, completing each year at least two simulator checks of eight hours in time, completing a minimum of six exams and one route check per year.

“So yes, once you have done all that, being a commercial airline pilot can certainly be one of the world’s top jobs – but you’ll have earned your position,” concludes Conroy.

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Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.

📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.

  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.

  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.

  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.

  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.

  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.

💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).

🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.

🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information

📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.

 

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