Cape Town Flight Training Centre

For over two decades, Cape Town Flight Training Centre (CTFTC) has stood as the Western Cape‘s premier destination for world-class flight training. Founded in 2003 by aviation professionals who recognised the need for rigorous yet accessible training, we’ve grown from humble beginnings at Cape Winelands Airport to a SACAA-licensed Aviation Training Organisation with an impeccable safety record.

Under the leadership of Principal Findlay Smith and a team of industry veterans including Head of Training Andre Groenewald and Chief Flying Instructor Mark Sheehan, we’ve shaped hundreds of pilots now flying with major airlines and private operators across the globe.

Cape Town Flight Training Centre Flight Training Programmes

Cape Town Flight Training Centre offers structured pathways for every aviation ambition, delivered by our team of 11 full-time instructors:

• Private Pilot Licence (PPL): Our 45-hour minimum course blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on flying in our Diamond DA20 fleet. Perfect for hobbyists or those testing their aviation passion.
• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL): A 200-hour intensive programme preparing students for airline careers, including advanced navigation, instrument flying, and commercial operations procedures.
• Specialised Ratings:
  • Night Rating: 5 hours of dual instruction and 5 solo night flights
  • Instrument Rating: 50 hours of simulated and actual IFR training
  • Instructor Rating: For graduates pursuing teaching careers
• Tailored Programmes:
  • Wingman Programme: Accelerated learning through paired training sessions
  • Hour Building Packages: Affordable block rates for pilots needing flight time
  • Recurrent Training: For licensed pilots maintaining qualifications

Our integrated ground school features SACAA-approved theoretical instruction in subjects like meteorology, air law, and flight planning, with access to an on-site examination centre.

Unmatched Training Infrastructure

At our Cape Winelands Airport base (formerly Fisantekraal Airfield), students benefit from:

• Optimal Flying Conditions: 300+ flyable days annually thanks to the Western Cape’s stable weather patterns
• Four Licensed Runways: Including a 1.2km primary runway (08/26) with PAPI lighting
• Modern Fleet:
  • Diamond DA20 Eclipse – Ideal primary trainer with glass cockpit
  • Piper PA28 Warrior – Perfect for complex aircraft transition
• Dedicated Facilities:
  • Flight briefing rooms with digital planning tools
  • Maintenance hangar with SACAA-approved engineers
  • Pilot shop stocking aviation essentials

Safety as Standard

Our zero-incident record stems from:

• Annual SACAA safety audits exceeding ICAO standards
• Instructor-to-student ratio never exceeding 1:8
• Mandatory competency checks for all aircraft hires
• Real-time flight monitoring systems in all training aircraft

Why Pilots Choose CTFTC

Beyond qualifications, we cultivate professional aviators through:

• Industry Connections: Partnerships with regional airlines for graduate placements
• Flexible Scheduling: Courses adapted to working professionals’ availability
• Community Spirit: Regular fly-outs and alumni networking events

Whether you’re taking your first discovery flight or preparing for airline assessments, Cape Town Flight Training Centre provides the environment, expertise and encouragement to help you succeed. Visit our Cape Winelands Airport facility to experience aviation training as it should be – professional, progressive, and personally rewarding.