Resources
Aviation glossary, frequently asked questions, useful links, and official SACAA information.
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Aviation Glossary
PPL — Private Pilot Licence
A pilot licence allowing you to fly aircraft privately, but generally not for payment or commercial air transport.
ME — Multi-Engine Rating
Qualification allowing a pilot to fly aircraft with more than one engine.
CPL — Commercial Pilot Licence
A licence that allows a pilot to be paid for certain flying activities and is a major step toward becoming a professional pilot.
MEIR — Multi-Engine Instrument Rating
A multi-engine qualification combined with the ability to operate under instrument flight rules.
ATPL — Airline Transport Pilot Licence
The highest level of pilot licence, required to act as a captain in most airline operations.
Frozen ATPL
A common industry term for a pilot who has completed the required ATPL theory and holds the necessary commercial qualifications but has not yet accumulated the experience required to obtain a full ATPL.
Type Rating
Training and qualification required to fly a specific aircraft type, particularly larger or more complex aircraft.
IR — Instrument Rating
A rating allowing a pilot to fly using instruments and operate under Instrument Flight Rules when appropriately qualified and current.
Class Rating
A qualification covering a group of similar aircraft, such as single-engine piston aircraft or multi-engine piston aircraft.
Instructor Rating
A qualification allowing a suitably qualified pilot to provide flight instruction.
Instrument Rating (IR)
Qualification that permits a pilot to conduct flights primarily by reference to aircraft instruments rather than relying solely on outside visual references.
Total Time (TT)
The total amount of flight time a pilot has accumulated.
PIC — Pilot in Command
The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft during a flight.
PICUS — Pilot in Command Under Supervision
A pilot who performs the duties of pilot in command under the supervision of an appropriately qualified pilot.
SIC — Second in Command
A pilot who assists the Pilot in Command and is commonly referred to as the First Officer in airline operations.
Dual Received
Flight time received while being trained or supervised by a flight instructor.
Solo
Flight time during which a student pilot operates the aircraft without another person on board, where permitted.
Cross-Country Time
Flight time involving a flight away from the departure point that meets the applicable requirements for cross-country experience.
Night Rating
Qualification allowing a pilot to conduct flights at night, subject to applicable regulations.
Multi-Engine Time
Flight experience accumulated flying aircraft with two or more engines.
Turbine Time
Flight experience gained on aircraft powered by turbine engines.
Jet Time
Flight experience gained flying jet-powered aircraft.
Simulator Time
Training or experience completed in an approved flight simulator rather than an actual aircraft.
Recent Experience
Recent flying experience required to remain legally or operationally current for particular types of flying.
Logbook
The official record where a pilot records their flight experience, training and qualifications.
SEP — Single-Engine Piston
A class of aircraft powered by one piston engine, commonly used for initial pilot training.
MEP — Multi-Engine Piston
A class of aircraft powered by two or more piston engines.
Turboprop
An aircraft powered by a turbine engine that drives a propeller.
Jet
An aircraft powered by a jet engine, typically capable of higher speeds and altitudes than most training aircraft.
General Aviation (GA)
A broad category covering non-scheduled aviation such as private flying, flight training, charter and aerial work.
Commercial Air Transport (CAT)
The operation of aircraft to transport passengers or cargo commercially.
Charter
A flight operated for a specific customer or group rather than as a scheduled airline service.
Airline Operations
Scheduled or commercial air transport operations conducted by an airline.
Aerial Work
Commercial aviation activities other than traditional passenger or cargo transport, such as surveying, photography or agricultural operations.
VFR — Visual Flight Rules
Flying where the pilot primarily navigates and maintains separation from terrain and other aircraft using visual references, within prescribed weather conditions.
IFR — Instrument Flight Rules
Flying conducted primarily using aircraft instruments and air traffic control procedures rather than relying solely on visual references.
VMC — Visual Meteorological Conditions
Weather conditions that allow flight under the applicable visual flight rules.
IMC — Instrument Meteorological Conditions
Weather conditions where the outside visibility or cloud conditions are below the requirements for visual flight.
METAR
A routine aviation weather report describing current conditions at an aerodrome.
TAF
A forecast describing expected weather conditions at an aerodrome over a specified period.
ATIS
An automated broadcast providing pilots with current aerodrome information such as weather, runway in use and operational information.
Ceiling
The height of the lowest significant cloud layer reported for an aerodrome or area.
Visibility
The distance at which objects or lights can be clearly seen under prevailing conditions.
Wind Shear
A change in wind speed and/or direction over a relatively short distance, which can significantly affect an aircraft.
IFR Flight Plan
A flight plan filed for a flight conducted under Instrument Flight Rules.
VFR Flight Plan
A flight plan associated with a flight conducted under Visual Flight Rules, where required or used.
SID — Standard Instrument Departure
A published instrument procedure used by aircraft departing an airport.
STAR — Standard Terminal Arrival Route
A published route used to guide aircraft arriving at an airport toward the approach environment.
Approach
The procedure used to position an aircraft for landing.
ILS — Instrument Landing System
A precision approach system that provides lateral and vertical guidance to an aircraft during an approach to a runway.
RNAV — Area Navigation
A navigation method allowing aircraft to fly along defined paths using onboard navigation systems rather than relying solely on direct routes between ground-based navigation aids.
GNSS
Satellite-based navigation using systems such as GPS.
Waypoint
A defined geographical position used for aircraft navigation.
Holding Pattern
A published or instructed racetrack-shaped flight pattern used to keep aircraft in a specific area while waiting for further clearance.
First Officer (FO)
The second pilot in command of an airline aircraft, commonly sitting in the right-hand seat.
Captain
The pilot in command of an airline aircraft and ultimately responsible for the flight.
Co-Pilot
A commonly used term for the second pilot, usually referring to the First Officer.
Line Pilot
A pilot who operates regular flights as part of an airline or commercial operator's normal operations.
Cadet Pilot
A pilot undergoing a structured airline or operator-sponsored training pathway toward employment as a professional pilot.
Flight Instructor (FI)
A qualified pilot who provides flight training to student and developing pilots.
Flight Examiner
An appropriately authorised person who conducts practical tests or checks to assess a pilot's competence.
Check Pilot
A qualified pilot authorised to conduct operational checks, assessments or training within an operator.
Line Training
Training conducted during normal operational flights after a pilot has completed the required initial training.
Line Check
An assessment of a pilot's ability to operate safely during normal line operations.
Type Rating Training
Training required to qualify a pilot to operate a particular aircraft type.
MCC — Multi-Crew Cooperation
Training designed to teach pilots how to work effectively as part of a multi-pilot flight crew.
CRM — Crew Resource Management
Training focused on communication, teamwork, decision-making, situational awareness and managing human factors in the cockpit.
Ground School
The classroom or theoretical component of pilot training covering subjects such as aviation law, meteorology and navigation.
Flight Training
Practical training conducted in an aircraft or approved simulator.
Flight Test
A practical assessment in which a pilot demonstrates the required skills and knowledge to an authorised examiner.
Skill Test
A formal practical test used to demonstrate that a pilot meets the required competency standard for a licence or rating.
Proficiency Check
A periodic assessment used to confirm that a pilot remains competent and qualified for particular operations.
Aviation Medical
A medical examination required to establish whether a pilot meets the applicable medical fitness standards.
Class 1 Medical
A higher-level aviation medical certificate generally required for professional commercial and airline pilots.
Class 2 Medical
A medical certificate generally associated with private pilot privileges, subject to the applicable regulations.
ICAO
The International Civil Aviation Organization, which develops international standards and recommended practices for aviation.
SACAA
The South African Civil Aviation Authority, responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation in South Africa.
AIP
Aeronautical Information Publication containing official aeronautical information necessary for flight operations within a country.
NOTAM
A notice providing pilots and aviation personnel with important temporary information affecting flight operations.
Airline Minimums
The minimum qualifications, licences, ratings, experience or flight hours an airline requires from applicants.
Hiring Minimums
The minimum criteria an aviation employer uses when deciding whether a candidate is eligible for a position.
Hour Building
Flying primarily to accumulate the flight experience required for further licences, ratings or employment.
First Job
A pilot's first professional flying position after completing their initial commercial training.
Right Seat
Informal aviation terminology referring to the First Officer's seat in a multi-crew aircraft.
Left Seat
The Captain's seat in most multi-crew aircraft.
Upgrade
The process of progressing from First Officer to Captain after meeting the operator's requirements.
Minimums
The minimum experience or qualification requirements established for a particular position, operation or procedure.
Recency
Whether a pilot has completed enough recent flying or training to legally and operationally exercise particular privileges.
Currency
The state of being legally and operationally current to perform a particular type of flight or operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Useful Links & SACAA Information
Pilot's Pocket App:
Daily Essential information used by pilots for daily flying.
Aviation Central
SA Aviation Hub For news & Airshows
Important: Regulatory information should always be checked against the latest SACAA regulations, Technical Standards and official publications. SACAA publishes updated licensing requirements, forms and fees. Pilot Pathway does not hard-code old regulations — always verify with official sources.
