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Military Pilot
Military pilots are highly trained professional pilots who work for the air force or army, flying military aircraft.
Military pilots perform a variety of duties and may, for example, transport military cargo and passengers. They may conduct reconnaissance where high-flying photographically equipped aircraft are used. They could be involved in aerial combat where fighter aircraft are used as weapons’ platforms.
The duties of military pilots depend to some extent on the type of aircraft on which they were trained. More experienced military pilots could train new recruits as well as be involved in the conversion training of qualified pilots.
There are usually two pilots on board during military aircraft operations, the pilot-in-command (captain) and the co-pilot (first officer). There may, however be more, depending on the type of aircraft and the specific operation.
The captain is responsible for the safety of the aircraft, passengers, crew and cargo. The captain supervises the crew, giving instructions, making decisions, checking the aircraft, route, weather and specific operational orders before take-off. The co-pilot assists or relieves the captain in the operation of the aircraft. The co-pilot also monitors flight instruments.
Satisfying Aspects
- flying
- being part of a defence force team
- “free" training to become a pilot
Demanding aspects
- working irregular hours
- stress when having to fly in adverse weather conditions
- reduced life expectancy if and when war breaks out
Requirements
A military pilot should:
- have excellent health and stamina;
- have good hearing, eyesight and good colour discrimination;
- have no history of organic or nervous disease, mental disorders, drug addiction or alcoholism;
- be responsible;
- have above average intelligence;
- have excellent leadership abilities;
- be able to work well under stress;
- be emotionally stable and mature;
- be able to work in a team;
- undergo a selection procedure.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Geography, Languages
Training
SA Air Force: The training in the SA Air Force is physically and mentally very demanding. The applicant must be a South African citizen, medically fit and between 17 and 25 years old when training commences.
After exhaustive medical and psychological screening, pupil pilots are sent to the flying training school to qualify as pilots and be awarded their wings. After completing this training pilot officers have to serve contract periods with the SA Air Force.
Advanced Training: Pupil pilots start training on Pilatus PC 7 (MKII) (Astra) aircraft. After successfully completing this training and serving the required flight hours pilots may do conversion training on other aircraft e.g. helicopters or cheetahs.
After obtaining their wings, candidates may apply for further studies at the Military Academy or to undertake a BSc degree at an aproved university.
Employer
- SA Air Force
- self-employment, as a freelance pilot with charter companies or with an instructor's rating work at flying schools on a freelance basis.
Contact
Airline Pilots’ Association of South Africa (ALPA-SA)
P O Box 796
Kempton Park, 1620
Tel: (011) 394-5310 Fax. (011) 970-1357
www.alpa.co.za
South African National Defence Force (SANDF)
Media Liaison Officer: Department of Defence Information Centre
Private Bag X161
Pretoria, 0001
E-mail: info@mil.za or medialiaison@mil.za
Tel: (012) 355-6372/3 Fax: (012) 355-6398
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA)
Private Bag X 73
Halfway House, 1685
Tel: (011) 545-1000 Fax: (011) 545-1465
E-mail: mail@caa.co.za
www.caa.co.za