How to Choose a Flight School Without Getting Burned
Choosing the right training organisation is one of the most important decisions you will make. Use this checklist to investigate any school before you pay.
Search Recommended Flight Schools
Browse approved training organisations on Aviation Central
SACAA Warning: Verify Before You Pay
SACAA specifically advises prospective students to verify an organisation's approval and training specifications. SACAA warns about aviation-training scams and false employment promises. Always verify through official SACAA resources — do not rely solely on information supplied by a school.
Verify on SACAA websiteVerify Before You Pay — Checklist
0 / 23 checkedApproval
Aircraft & Facilities
Training Quality
Costs & Terms
Outcomes
Questions to Ask Every School
What is included in the quoted hourly rate — fuel, instructor, landing fees?
What is your average completion time for PPL and CPL?
What percentage of students complete training on schedule?
What happens if I need additional hours beyond the minimum?
What is your refund policy if I need to withdraw?
Are your instructors full-time or part-time?
What aircraft types do you use and how well are they maintained?
Do you offer accommodation or assist with finding it?
What career support do you provide after graduation?
Can I speak to current students or recent graduates?
Red Flags to Watch For
Guaranteed employment after training
Pressure to pay large sums upfront
Reluctance to show aircraft or facilities
No clear refund policy
Vague answers about completion times
No SACAA approval documentation
Promises of unrealistic timelines
No recent graduates available to speak to
