43 Air School is Africa's largest and most respected flight training establishment, located in Port Alfred on South Africa's picturesque "Sunshine Coast." With origins dating to 1940 as a WWII training facility for the Royal Air Force, the modern school has trained over 6,000 pilots since re-establishing in 1988. As Africa's only Jeppesen and Boeing approved ab-initio facility, 43 Air School offers unique integrated programs that fast-track students from zero experience to airline-ready qualifications—including Airbus A320 type ratings—in under 24 months.
43 Air School at a Glance
iATPL Program
~$50-70K
USD equivalent
Duration
14-17 mo
Integrated programs
Fleet
70+
Training aircraft
Graduates
6,000+
30+ years training
School Overview
43 Air School operates a 50-acre self-contained residential campus with over 250 full-time staff, including 70+ flight and ground instructors. The school specializes in Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA), producing airline-ready pilots for carriers worldwide.
Key Credentials
- • SACAA Approved Training Organization
- • Africa's only Jeppesen approved facility
- • Africa's only Boeing approved ab-initio
- • EASA exam center (Austro Control)
- • Bristol Groundschool partner
- • 30+ years training experience
Training Environment
- • South Africa's largest GF training area
- • Low air traffic density
- • Coastal "Sunshine Coast" climate
- • Nearby: PE, East London, Bisho airports
- • Cross-country to CPT, DUR, JNB
- • 300+ residential student capacity
WWII Heritage
43 Air School originated on 11 November 1940 as an Air Observer School for the RAF/SAAF during World War II, training over 2,000 navigators, bombardiers, and gunners for allied forces before closing in 1946. The modern school was re-established in 1988 with 11 trainee pilots.
Training Programs
43 Air School's integrated programs are unique—students skip traditional PPL/CPL examination routes and train directly toward ATPL theory credits, making training more cost-efficient and faster.
| Program | Duration | Hours | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| iATPL | 14 months | 199 | Frozen ATPL + CPL + ME/IR + MCC |
| iATPL+ Airline Ready | ~15 months | 200+ | + APS MCC (airline ready) |
| iATPL++ Type Rated | ~16 months | 200+ | + Airbus A320 Type Rating |
| JPP (Jet Pilot Programme) | 17 months | 335 | + Boeing 737-800 Type Rating (FO) |
| PPL | 3-6 months | 45+ | Private Pilot Licence |
Unique iATPL Approach
The iATPL program skips PPL and CPL examinations entirely—students study directly toward ATPL theory credits. This streamlined approach delivers airline-ready pilots faster and more cost-effectively than traditional modular pathways.
Costs & Investment
South Africa offers significant cost advantages—flight training costs 30-50% less than Western Europe or USA while maintaining international standards. Contact 43 Air School directly for current ZAR pricing.
| Component | Estimate (USD) |
|---|---|
| iATPL Integrated Program | $50,000-$70,000 |
| JPP with B737 Type Rating | $55,000-$75,000+ |
| Campus Accommodation | Included in program |
| EASA Exams (per subject) | ~R1,450 (~$80) |
*Costs are estimates based on available information. South African Rand (ZAR) pricing available for SA citizens. Contact 43 Air School for current quotes.
Fleet & Simulators
43 Air School operates Africa's largest training fleet with 70+ aircraft, from single-engine trainers to turboprops, plus advanced jet simulators:
| Aircraft/Simulator | Type | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Piper Cherokee 140/180 | Single-engine | Basic/PPL training |
| Piper Arrow PA-28R-200 | Complex single (glass cockpit) | Advanced single-engine |
| Piper Seneca PA-34 | Twin-engine | ME/IR training |
| King Air 200 | Turboprop | Advanced/turbine training |
| ALSIM AL200 MCC | FNPT II Simulator | MCC/IR training |
| Airbus A320 | Full simulator | MCC/JOC, Type Rating |
| Boeing 737-800NG | Full simulator | JPP Type Rating |
Campus & Facilities
The 50-acre Port Alfred campus provides a complete residential training environment:
Campus Amenities
- • Modern single-room accommodation
- • Full catering facilities
- • On-campus ground school
- • Fully equipped Pilot Shop
- • Unlimited campus WiFi
- • Games area with TVs
Training Facilities
- • On-base EASA examination center
- • Multiple simulator bays
- • Dedicated briefing rooms
- • eLearning (iPad-based)
- • On-campus maintenance
- • Soccer, golf, basketball courts
EASA Credentials in Africa
43 Air School offers monthly EASA ATPL exams through Austro Control partnership. Combined with Bristol Groundschool's online theory course, pilots can obtain EASA credentials alongside SACAA licenses—enabling European career opportunities without relocating for training.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
- Minimum age 17 for PPL, 18 for CPL
- SACAA Class 1 Medical Certificate
- Matric/high school diploma or equivalent
- English proficiency
- Valid passport (visa assistance for international students)
Contact Information
43 Air School
Port Alfred Airfield, Bathurst Street
Port Alfred, Eastern Cape 6170, South Africa
Email: fly@43airschool.com
Website: 43airschool.com
EASA Exams: easa@43airschool.com
Information accurate as of January 2026. Contact 43 Air School directly for current pricing and programme availability.