A Pilot is a person who operates the flying controls of an aircraft.
Below is How To Become A Pilot In Ghana
Is becoming a Pilot your dream or are you simply just curious about how to become a Pilot in Ghana? If you answer yes to one of these, then this is “How to become a Pilot in Ghana.
Do research on the available flight training options in Ghana
You need to know what pilot training programs are being offered in the country and which among those is the most suitable for you. This is where you should take into account what your aviation goal is.
Do you want to obtain a Private Pilot License (PPL) or a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)? Are you seeking to work for an airline? If yes, then an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) is for you. Do you aim to attain a college degree at the same time too? Or do you see yourself joining the military, particularly the Air Force?
Did we lose you? Don’t panic! If you’re not familiar with the terms or can’t choose which license is right for you, you can send in your questions and our team will be happy to help you out.
Here are your options
- Flight School
There is only one (1) flight school in Ghana that offers pilot training.
Should you decide to take pilot training abroad, it is important that you create a list of your preferred flight school/s so you can compare which is fitting for you. Each school has its own procedures, enrollment requirements, and depending on which pilot training courses you decide to take, the tuition fee also varies.
- Aviation-related college degree program
However, if you’re interested in obtaining a college degree accompanied by flight training, you should consider aviation-related college degree programs.
These programs allow students to combine a college degree with flight training. With this kind of program, you will earn a college degree together with a pilot license such as Commercial Pilot License (CPL) in most cases. This will give you the opportunity to have the best of both worlds.
- Airline cadet pilot program
Meanwhile, if your greatest childhood dream is to become an airline pilot, you should consider airline cadet pilot programs. Airlines often sponsor these programs and students are guaranteed employment upon course completion. In this pilot program, you will obtain an Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL).
You can reach out to us to get an insight into the options currently available.
Look up the Basic Requirements
What is the minimum age to become a pilot in Ghana?
You need to be at least 17 years old to start your pilot training in Ghana.
What do I need to start pilot training in Ghana?
In order to start your pilot training, you will need to secure a medical certificate. The best way to do this is to speak with the flight school you would like to enroll in and they will help arrange it for you.
What are the minimum educational requirements to become a pilot in Ghana?
Potential students must be at least a high school (Class 12) graduate.
What level of English do I need to become a pilot in Ghana?
Since the language of aviation internationally in English, it is recommended to have at least a level 4 English standard before receiving your pilot license. If you are looking to improve your English, you can send us a message and we will give you tips on what courses to take.
What is the maximum age for airline pilots in Ghana?
The retirement age for airline pilots is 67 years old.
Decide on which training stages you will have to undergo
In general, there are five (5) different pilot training stages in which students need to complete depending on what their goal is. The stages of pilot training are as follows:
- Student Pilot License (SPL)
The first pilot license you will need to obtain is a student pilot license. This license allows you to start your flight training.
- Private Pilot License (PPL)
The private pilot license will allow you to fly solo, passengers, or cargo but without monetary compensation.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
To start earning from flying, you will need to obtain a commercial pilot license. This license allows you to become a paid professional pilot.
Both Instrument Rating and Multi-Engine Rating are add-ons to your pilot license…
- Instrument Rating (IR)
Being instrument-rated means that you can fly the aircraft in any weather condition (for example low or zero visibility) using just the instruments. Flight schools offer Instrument ratings along with their commercial pilot training. But this can also be obtained separately.
- Multi-Engine Rating (MER)
The multi-engine rating will allow you to fly multi-engine aircraft. Flight schools offer Multi-Engine ratings along with their private pilot training and commercial pilot training. But this can also be obtained separately.
- Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)
ATPL is the highest level of Aircraft Pilot Certificate that allows you to act as a pilot in command on scheduled air carriers.
Choose a flight school
After doing your research on the type of license you would like to obtain, the next step is to choose which flight school is the most suitable for your budget.
So, how much does pilot training cost?
It is important to note that becoming a pilot requires a certain budget. Your flight training cost depends on the country you do your training, the flight school you pick, and a number of other factors.
Note that, currently, there is only one (1) flight school in Ghana.
You can get more information about it on flight training institutes in Ghana by registering with us on Aviationfly. Our flight school directory has a list of all the latest active flight school/s around the world including their brief background, pilot training courses being offered, the school’s fleet details, what they can offer to you, and other information.
On the other hand, if you decide to do your flight training abroad, there are a number of popular countries to choose from.
One important thing to note is that after your training abroad, you will have to convert your license to the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority.
Consider your Career Options
Many aspiring pilots have a defined career path they would like to pursue, while others don’t. Below is a list of options for what you can potentially do with a pilot license.
Airline pilot for large airlines or smaller regional ones
Corporate or business aviation pilot
Cargo pilot
Charter / Air taxi pilot
Flight instructor
Medical/ Air ambulance pilots
Agricultural pilot and many more options
A frequently asked question is: how much does an Airline Captain in Ghana make? (GHS 6,910) per month plus benefits.
Tips for Picking a Flight School
Tip 1. Decide on your pilot goals
Firstly, ask yourself – what are your long-term aspirations in aviation? Do you want to become a pilot in your free time (Private Pilot License)? Or do you want to fly in General Aviation (Commercial Pilot License)? Do you want to become an airline pilot through an airline pilot cadet program? Additionally, which airlines are currently hiring? What type of aircraft will be utilized by airlines in the next few years? Which flight schools do the airlines usually hire from? Best to ask flight schools if they have partnerships with airlines. These are critical questions you should list and get answers to when asking yourself “how will I become a Pilot”.
Tip 2. Determine how much you can afford to spend
Secondly, different flight schools have different costs (due to location, number of students, aircraft type and several other factors), and find out the reasons for the price difference. Moreover, do these programs have financial assistance/loan programs? Might a part-time program work for you?
Tip 3. Determine how much free time you have
Each flight training school has its own training schedules with some offering flexibility while others want the cadets to train full time and on campus. Note that delaying flight training usually increases your training costs.
Tip 4. Find out what type of aircraft the flight school uses and information of its aircraft maintenance center
This is important from a training point of view, but even more importantly, from a safety aspect. Furthermore, you should also take into consideration the equipment preference of airlines. Aircraft age does not always relate to safety, this is dependent on the aircraft maintenance – ask the flight school in detail about their aircraft maintenance department and safety features of the aircraft.
Tip 5. Visit your shortlist of flight schools
Finally, when possible, speak to the instructors and flight school management teams to learn about the training, safety policies, history, and graduates of the flight school.
Who is the best pilot in Ghana?
Solomon Quainoo is a Ghanaian pilot.
Which university can I study pilot in Ghana?
Crystal Galaxy College.
Global Institute of Aviation.
Institute of Aviation and Professional Studies.
Mish Aviation Flying School.
Ghana Civil Aviation Training Academy (GATA).
International School of Aviation.
Pegasus Aviation Academy.
Ghana Civil Aviation Authority.