Schools & Instructors

Free Flight South Africa supports safe, structured training in paragliding, hang gliding and paramotoring.

This page helps prospective students, pilots, schools and instructors understand how training is managed, what approvals may be required, and how to verify information before committing to a course or flight.

Before Choosing a School

Aviation training in South Africa is regulated by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. Before paying for training, prospective students should confirm that the school is properly approved for the training being offered.

Ask the school for:

  • its SACAA DTO approval number;
  • the name of the Accountable Manager;
  • the name of the Chief Flight Instructor;
  • the disciplines and training courses covered by the approval;
  • the expiry date or current status of the approval;
  • the training sites used;
  • the expected training process, costs and refund terms.

You may also contact SACAA directly to verify whether a school is approved. When requesting verification, include the school name and DTO approval number if available.

Find a School

FFSA is preparing a public register of schools and instructors to help prospective students identify recognised training providers.

Each school listing should include, where available:

  • school name;
  • SACAA DTO approval number;
  • approval status;
  • accountable manager;
  • chief flight instructor;
  • province and operating area;
  • disciplines offered;
  • website or public contact details;
  • last verification date.

The register is intended to assist members of the public, but students should still verify approval directly with SACAA before starting training.

What Students Should Expect

A properly structured training environment should include:

  • clear briefing on the training programme;
  • supervised progression from ground handling to flight;
  • site briefings and weather assessment;
  • equipment checks;
  • training records;
  • safety briefings;
  • clear explanation of costs and limitations;
  • guidance on licensing, membership and insurance requirements.

Students should not be pressured into flying in conditions they are uncomfortable with or into buying equipment before they understand their training pathway.

For Schools

Schools operating in the free-flight environment should maintain clear training, safety and administrative arrangements.

This includes:

  • maintaining the required SACAA approvals where applicable;
  • ensuring instructors operate within their privileges;
  • keeping appropriate student and training records;
  • using suitable approved or permitted training sites;
  • reporting safety concerns, incidents and accidents through the correct channels;
  • complying with applicable aviation regulations and FFSA procedures;
  • keeping public information accurate and up to date.

For Instructors

Instructors play a central role in safety and pilot development.

FFSA expects instructors to:

  • maintain appropriate instructor status and privileges;
  • supervise students within the limits of their approval and experience;
  • keep training records;
  • brief students properly on weather, site conditions and equipment;
  • support a safety-conscious training culture;
  • report safety concerns and incidents where required;
  • comply with the Code of Conduct and applicable operational procedures.

Training Sites

Training operations may have stricter site requirements than ordinary recreational flying.

Prospective students should ask where training will take place and whether the school has permission to use the relevant launch and landing areas. For training and tandem operations, only sites that meet the applicable regulatory and operational requirements should be used.

See also: Site Guide

Consumer Protection

Before paying for training or equipment, students should understand what they are buying and what happens if the course is delayed, cancelled or not completed.

Ask for clear information about:

  • course fees;
  • what is included and excluded;
  • refund terms;
  • equipment rental or purchase requirements;
  • insurance arrangements;
  • expected training duration;
  • what happens if weather delays training.

If there is a commercial dispute with a school or equipment supplier, it may fall under consumer protection processes rather than FFSA’s internal procedures.

Incorrect or Outdated Information

Schools and instructors are responsible for ensuring that their public information is accurate.

If a school listing is missing, incorrect or outdated, the school should contact FFSA with supporting documentation, including any relevant SACAA approval certificate or updated school details.

Supporting Documents

The following documents provide further detail:

  • Operations Manual
  • Manual of Procedures
  • Code of Conduct
  • Safety Reporting Procedure
  • Site Guide
  • Membership Requirements
  • Incident and Accident Reporting Guidance

Need Help?

If you are a prospective student, school or instructor and need guidance, contact FFSA through the official support channel.