Pilot rating is an official endorsement added to a pilot licence that grants additional privileges or authorisations to operate specific types of aircraft or perform certain types of flying.
Think of your pilot licence as a base qualification, and ratings as specialisations that expand what you're allowed to do.
It is an official endorsement on your pilot licence that allow you to operate a specific aircraft type.
A night rating allows you to fly after dark, turning golden hour dreams into moonlit adventures, legally and safely. Perfect for pilots who prefer their runways with a view of the stars.
Officially with a Night Rating you can fly at night in good visual weather (VFR) conditions and have the benefit of being less restricted when planning an executing a particular flight. For aviation purposes, night is defined as 15 minutes after sunset and 15 minutes before sunrise.
Allows a pilot to fly under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) which means in low visibility using instruments alone.
This rating trains pilots to fly using instruments only, essential when you can’t see the horizon, like in fog, heavy haze, or at night.
Pilots learn how to descend safely through poor visibility using procedures such as instrument let-downs or cloud breaks over surveyed ground navigation beacons.
Flights are conducted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), often with radar assistance and tracking procedures. Training also includes identifying potentially dangerous weather early and planning around it.
The standards for this rating are much higher than those for a PPL or Night Rating. Pilots are trained to handle in-flight emergencies using only instruments.
For commercial pilots, an Instrument Rating is almost essential, most airlines operate strictly under IFR, and without this rating, landing a job with them becomes much harder.
You must have passed all the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) theoretical subjects (see CPL requirements), as well as the following additional subject:
A minimum of 40 hours of instrument flight time, consisting of:
The test will be conducted by an accredited SACAA Designated Flight Examiner.
Teach to fly, fly to thrive.
Becoming a flight instructor isn’t just about teaching others to fly—it's about sharpening your own skills, boosting your confidence, and dramatically improving your employment prospects. Many pilots choose to complete an Instructor Rating to gain experience, log hours, and give their aviation careers a powerful lift.
The professional challenges of instructing enhance a pilot's capabilities and make them more attractive to employers, whether for part-time or full-time positions. Simply put, instructors have the edge.
An Instructor Rating also opens doors to long-term opportunities, such as becoming a training captain in an airline. It's one of the most effective ways to build hours toward your Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL).
Earning this rating is a smart investment in your future.
There is also an opportunity for students who have completed their CPL training and obtained an Instructor Rating to be considered for employment with us, provided they meet our criteria and have a genuine passion for teaching the next generation of pilots.
Practical skills test in both lecturing and air exercises will be conducted by an approved SACAA approved Designated Flight Examiner.
Two engines are better than one, especially when it comes to landing the job.
Many, if not most, aviation employment opportunities require multi-engine experience. While it is possible to obtain this rating separately, many candidates choose to combine their Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) test with the Multi-Engine Rating, which is both efficient and cost-effective.
The choice of testing on a single or multi-engine aircraft is ultimately up to the candidate, but multi-engine testing tends to offer a competitive edge.
Your initial Instrument Rating can also be completed on a multi-engine aircraft. To obtain the Multi-Engine Rating, a flight test with a SACAA Designated Flight examiner is required.
Keep in mind that you must have 100 hours as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) before attempting the initial Multi-Engine test.
CPL preparation and Multi-Engine Rating preparation often overlap, making it a smart move for pilots looking to fast-track their careers.
Your initial Instrument Rating can also be completed on a multi-engine aircraft. If you are combining your initial Multi-Engine Rating and Instrument Rating with your initial CPL test, the flight test must be conducted by a Designated Flight Examiner (DFE).
Start your journey with Blue Chip Flight School - where world-class training meets real-world aviation.
Apply now and become the pilot you’re meant to be.
