A Z Booklet
A Z Booklet
The Joint Aviation Awareness Programme (JAAP) is a state initiated entity that brings
together aviation role players to pursue and achieve transformation of the aviation industry
by ensuring that previously disadvantaged youth have access and play a part in initiatives
aimed at education, awareness and career development.
VISION
“We are committed to excellence-driven transformation by bringing awareness and
accessibility of the aviation industry to the people”
MISSION STATEMENT
JAAP is a state initiated entity that brings together aviation role players to pursue and
achieve transformation of the aviation industry by ensuring that the previously
disadvantaged youth have access and play an active part.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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INTRODUCTION TO AVIATION
Aviation plays a major role in the world’s economies, not only in transport but in many
other fields, it brings people together from all the corners of the globe and has been
reaching into space for almost a century. Civil aviation in this country is regulated by the
South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). Aviation, or the aerospace industry, may
be divided broadly into:
• Flight operations;
• Airport management;
• Air traffic and navigation services;
• Aviation maintenance and repair;
• Passenger and freight services;
• Ground handling and emergency services;
• Weather services;
• Design and construction;
• Aviation law;
• Communication;
• Legislation and enforcement;
• Aviation administration;
• Ancillary services;
• Aviation safety;
• Miscellaneous functions;
• Aviation Medicine
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A-Z OF CAREERS IN AVIATION
Air Cargo Agent: It is this person's job to supervise the cargo terminal, record air freight
shipments, and arrange for deliveries.
Air Cargo / Baggage Handler: He or she loads and unloads cargo and baggage, drives
baggage tractors, and operates conveyors, forklifts, and other air freight handling
equipment.
Aircraft Electroplater: This trade entails the plating of a thin protective layer on aircraft
parts by means of electrochemical processes. Various metals are plated e.g. chromium,
nickel, silver, lead-tin, copper, cadmium. These metals are used as protection against
corrosion and to reconstruct worn parts to their original standards and dimensions. They
also use special processes for aluminum and magnesium to treat against corrosion.
Training includes the following:
Laboratory analysis as all electroplating solutions are prepared and tested in our own
facilities.
Principles of electrochemistry and electricity.
Surface treatment of different metals.
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components. The Aircraft Electrician is furthermore responsible for the repair and
installation of all electrical components, as well as the wiring of the aircraft, to
ensure proper power supply to all systems.
Workshop Technicians in this trade must have a fine eye – hand coordination and
are trained to overhaul and calibrate mechanical, analogue, digital and electronic
instruments. Data Computers and various electronic units are also tested and
repaired.
In this trade the Technician in the workshop tests, repairs and overhauls
communication equipment, aircraft navigation equipment and electronic control
systems, as well as test instruments which are used in workshops.
Aircraft Mechanic: Workshop Technicians in this trade is responsible for the overhaul and
repair of various aircraft components such as fuel control units, pneumatic and hydraulic
components, landing gear, wheels, brakes, pumps etc.
Maintenance Technicians tasks includes the repair, removal and replacement of
components, testing and troubleshooting of systems such as engine, air conditioning,
landing gear, flight controls, etc.
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Aircraft Painter: Technicians in this trade is responsible for the protective and decorative
finishing of the aircraft, its engines and components. Highly sophisticated spray-painting
equipment as well as high technology paints and resins are used. Although spray-painting
covers the largest facet of trade, sign writing and silk screening printing forms an equally
part of his trade. Training includes:
Mixing of colors
Multi spray systems
Aircraft paint application
Stencils, transfers, pounces, etc.
Aircraft Structures Worker: The Aircraft Structures Worker is mainly responsible for the
maintenance, repair, overhaul, manufacturing and modification of the aircraft structure and
its components. This involves crimping and forming of metal sections, testing and
manufacturing of solid and flexible tubing, shot peening and treatment of corrosion.
Equipment such as guillotines, bending machines, crimping machines, drilling machines
etc. is some of the equipment used in this trade. Training includes riveting, bending,
manufacturing and repairing.
Aircraft Trimmer: The comfort of passengers is as important as their safety and for this
reason the aircraft interior must be of the highest standard. This trade is responsible for
the manufacturing, maintenance and repair of interior components such as fabric covered
panels, carpets, curtains and seat covers. Survival equipment such as slide rafts and life
vests used on aircraft are regularly serviced and repaired if necessary. Training includes
the following:
Aircraft Welder: This Technician is responsible for the repairing of aircraft components.
The following welding processes and advanced technologies are applied: oxy-acetylene
welding, arc welding, shielded metal-arc welding, gas metal-arc welding, gas tungsten-arc
welding, heat treatment of ferrous, non-ferrous and special aircraft alloys, plasma and
metal spraying processes.
During his training this Technician must obtain a certificate of competence, which will
allow him or her to weld on aircraft material. This certificate is issued by the Commissioner
for Civil Aviation (CAA). Training in this trade includes the welding of aluminum,
magnesium, stainless steel and titanium.
Aircraft Structures Worker: Aircraft Structures Workers are trained to mark off, develop,
manufacture and maintain airframes and engine components and parts. The formal
training course includes basic fitting and workshop practice; sheet metal works, including
the development, flex and repair of stressed skin; design and manufacture of components
and modifications as laid down from time to time. An interest in technical drawing as well
as metallurgy plays an important role.
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Aircraft Welder
Although the apprentice is initially trained under the auspices of the Aerospace Industry
Education & Training Board, the final touches to his training is provided by Denel Training
Academy in order that he or she may receive approval as an aircraft welder from the SA
Civil Aviation Authority.
Airline Station Manager: The station manager is in charge of all ground and flight
operations for his/her airline. These responsibilities could include aircraft handling,
passenger services, air cargo operations, ticket sales, making public announcements,
checking baggage, or operating computer terminals depending upon the size of the airline
or airport.
Airport Manager: Airports need to be efficiently run by trained staff. Depending on its
size, managing an airport can be a most demanding job, involving many disciplines. The
duties of an Airport Manager involve the management and co-ordination of the complete
Airport including, amongst others: Safety, Fire and Rescue, Maintenance and
Engineering, Customer Relations, Airside and Landside Management.
Air Traffic Controller: An air traffic controller’s job includes tower control, which handles
all aircraft movements, take-offs and landings, while approach control monitors
approaching and departing traffic, en route control and information and advisory services.
Aviation Law: This is a highly specialised aspect of the law, and is very much
internationally orientated. Very few people in South Africa have qualified in this field. It is
recommended that you contact universities for more information.
Aviation Medicine: This is a highly specialised field of medicine. A course in this field is
offered by the Institute for Aviation Medicine. Aviation physicians are employed mainly by
the SAAF and by some of the larger aviation companies. However, a number of general
practitioners also take the course, to be in a better position to deal with patients
transported by air, or to carry out the required medical examinations for the issue and
renewal of personnel licenses.
Aviation Safety Specialist: Safety is crucial to aviation, and this subject is part of all
aviation training, with emphasis on preventive measures, standardisation and strict
discipline. Aviation safety specialists report incidents and accidents and ensure that their
causes are made widely known to all that could benefit by the knowledge. Designs,
construction and practices are reviewed constantly, and new findings and techniques are
incorporated.
Aviation Turner and Machinist: The Technician in this trade is responsible for the
modifications, repair and manufacture of aircraft parts. The manufacture of special tools
and jigs is also part of this trade. Equipment such as center lathes, milling machines,
grinders, horizontal and vertical boring machines are generally used. A very high standard
of accuracy is required and maintained. Training in this trade includes:
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• Machining of screw heads
• Machining tapers
• Machining of gears on a milling machine
• Grinding of internal and external surfaces
Co-pilot: The co-pilot assists the pilot in the operation of the flight controls, watches the
instruments and weather, handles radio communications, and keeps logs.
Fitter and Turner: The fitter and turner is trained to manufacture parts and aircraft
components. His/her training consists of fitting and machine work such as grinding,
milling, turning and shaping. Another important part of his training is the cutting of “V” type
and square threads. To be able to manufacture parts and components to very small
tolerances a high standard must be obtained.
Flight Dispatcher: The flight dispatcher works the with the pilot planning flight
requirements (fuel consumption, altitudes, traffic flow, weather, winds aloft) authorizes
take-offs or cancels flights, and advises pilots in the air on weather or route changes. They
frequently work under pressure in a noisy, busy atmosphere surrounded by other airport
workers, teletype machines, telephones, and intercom systems. They use computers,
calculators, weather charts, and loading reports, sometimes also doing the job of a
meteorologist or schedule coordinator. Experience as a flight dispatcher could lead to
promotions to air traffic controller or airport manager. The job requires a college degree
with a major in air transportation or meteorology.
Flight Engineer: The flight engineer monitors the in-flight operation of the engines and
aircraft'
s mechanical and electrical systems.
Flight Instructor: This pilot teaches student pilots how to fly. They demonstrate and
explain, on the ground and in the air, basic principles of flight, aerial navigation, weather
factors, and civil aviation regulations.
Flight Simulator Instructor: This person trains pilots and checks their skills, using a flight
simulator.
Flight Line Mechanic: The airplane is prepared for test flight after final assembly by the
flight line mechanic
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Ground Handling and Emergency Services: When on the ground, aircraft need to be
moved around, refuelled, cleaned and so on. Also, emergency services such as airport
rescue and fire-fighting teams have to be available at all times to react to emergencies.
Paramedics and fire-fighters are employed by these services and further information about
them can be obtained from the Airports Company (ground handling), and the aviation
departments of the major oil companies (aircraft refuelling)
Helicopter Pilot: These pilots can make flights to otherwise inaccessible areas.
Meteorologist: He or she analyzes weather data and makes weather reports to the pilot
and dispatcher. He or she may also work with the flight dispatcher preparing flight plans.
Navigator: The navigator plots the course, reports positions, and estimates arrival time.
Operations Agent: The operations agent oversees the loading and unloading of the
aircraft and checks the distribution of the aircraft load and fuel.
Radartrician: Radar systems are used in aircraft as well as on the ground. The
radartrician is responsible for this equipment in the aircraft. Repair manuals serve as
guidelines for the construction of all basic systems on and in the aircraft, and further
responsibilities are the routine maintenance, fault diagnoses and repair of radar
equipment. The formal training course includes principles of electricity, electronics, digital
techniques, radar transmitters, receivers microwave techniques and aerials.
Reservations Clerk: This clerk handles telephone inquiries about flight schedules and
fares and makes flight reservations for airline passengers. They usually work in large
central offices with access to telephones and computer terminals.
Ticket Agent: The ticket agent sells tickets, weighs and tags baggage, and answers
questions on schedules and fares.
Travel Agent: The travel agent promotes airline travel, calls on customers, and arranges
charter flights.
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AIRPORTS COMPANY SOUTH AFRICA (ACSA)
ACSA was formed in 1993 to own and operate South Africa' s nine principal airports,
including the three international gateways, OR Tambo, Cape Town and Durban. In 1998,
ACSA added Pilanesberg International Airport to its network when it was awarded a 30
year concession to manage this tourism destination airport.
Responsibilities
• Handle the fully automated tower and attend to emergencies timeously
• Relay correct information to necessary departments
• Accurately keep record of all information and activities during emergencies
• Monitor the landing and take-off of all aircraft
• Driver or handler on fire tenders during emergencies
• Save lives and protect property
• Apply ICAO recommendations
Requirements
• A pass in Grade 12
• Literacy & Numeracy
• English proficiency
• Fire Fighter 2 qualification
Responsibilities
• Processing of passengers, permit holders, crew and hand luggage.
• Ensuring that all relevant regulations, policies and procedures are adhered to in the
processing of passengers.
• Participate in crime prevention and management strategy by actively combating all
criminally inclined acts in and around the security checkpoints at the airport.
• Ensuring that ICAO/ CAA/ACSA standards are complied with i.e. proper control of
dangerous items, weapons, firearms and ammunition, etc.
• Ensure the effective security of the airport infrastructure.
.
Requirements
• A pass in Grade 12
• Literacy & Numeracy
• English proficiency
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AIRPORT USER AGENT
Responsibilities
• Provide accurate flight information to clients
• Handle telephonic queries
• Handle customer queries at the information counter
• Make clear announcements over the PA system
Requirements
• A pass in Grade 12
• Literacy & Numeracy
• English proficiency
Responsibilities
• Capturing of flight information in operating systems
• Handling telephonic queries
• Capturing complaints and comment cards to the Infox movement database
• Providing job sheets to contractors
• Monitoring specific infrastructure systems
• Making announcements and ensuring correct flight displays in the terminal
• Emergency call out procedures
Requirements
• A pass in Grade 12
• Literacy & Numeracy
• English proficiency
CONTACT DETAILS
Website: www.airports.co.za
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AIR TRAFFIC AND NAVIGATION SERVICES (ATNS)
ATNS, the Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company of South Africa, provides an
advanced air traffic management service for users operating within the designated South
African airspace, implements and maintains a reliable navigation infrastructure; as well as
provides air traffic management and technical training to both local and international
delegates through our Aviation Training Academy.
The volume and complexity of today' s air traffic requires skillful control by highly trained
staff. This includes tower control, which handles all aircraft ground movements, take offs
and landings, while approach/radar control monitors approaching and departing traffic and
area control and information advisory services monitor the traffic that is en-route.
At the airport, control is largely visual, but in all most instances, radar and other electronic
equipment play a major role. The controller is in constant communication with pilots and
his job is of paramount importance in preventing collisions and ensuring an organised flow
of air traffic. He works under an enormous amount of pressure.
• a mathematical mind
• the ability to visualise a three-dimensional picture from two-dimensional information
• a strong sense of responsibility
• ability to work under constant pressure
• a manner that inspires confidence and calmness
• ability to stay alert
• good eyesight and hearing
Entry requirements
• Grade 12 with Mathematics and English at HG symbol D or SG symbol C ( level 4
for Maths and English)
• Preferably be older than 18
• Pass a medical examination and various aptitude assessments.
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Training
ATNS, which is responsible for all the Air Traffic Services (ATS) in South Africa, runs its
own training college at the Aviation Training Academy (ATA). The Company offers
Bursaries for students to complete training towards becoming Air Traffic Controllers
(ATC' s) and also Air Traffic Services Assistants (ATSA's).
As a Bursar, you will be given an intensive theoretical training at the ATA and then will
continue with training on the job. Should you be selected to train as an ATC, you will then,
after successful completion of the initial programs, return to the ATA for more courses in
aerodrome control course, after which, if successful, you will be required to validate at any
of the 21 stations around the country, as a tower controller and be issued with a Air Traffic
Controller's License.
An opportunity would later exist for successful aerodrome controllers to be trained further
in approach/radar or area control disciplines to become Principal ATC’s.
Other Careers:
ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS
Learners who successfully complete their learnership year, may be further offered the
opportunity to gain practical experience at the ATNS facility in Durban.
Learners wishing to apply must have attained their S4 qualification.
Interested candidates should forward their CV’s, together with a motivation letter, copy of
Grade 12 results and ID copy to:
Recruitment office
ATNS
Private Bag X 15
Kempton Park
1620.
Website : www.atns.com
Send a free SMS enquiry to 32188, JAAP as reference name and the enquiry.
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transport
Department:
Transport
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
CONTACT DETAILS
Forum Building
159 Cnr Struben and Bosman Streets
Pretoria
Website: www.transport.gov.za
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SOUTH AFRICAN AIR FORCE (SAAF)
Requirements
• Currently doing or successfully completed Grade 12 with English as a passed
subject
• Pure Mathematics HG symbol D or SG symbol C
• Physical Science HG symbol D or SG symbol C
• Candidates with N4 Mathematics and Physical Science must have passed with 60%
or higher
• Candidates with N5/6 or first year university of Technology must have passed with
50% or higher
ENGINEERING
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
Requirements
• Currently doing or successfully completed Grade 12 with English as a passed
subject
• Pure Mathematics HG symbol C or SG B
• Physical Science HG symbol C or SG B
• Candidates with N4 Mathematics and Physical Science must have passed with 60%
or higher
• Candidates with N5/6 or first year university of Technology must have passed with
50% or higher
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Further to the above requirements you must :
• be a South African citizen (Relinquish any other citizenship you may have)
• be between 18-24 years of age
• be single when applying and remain single for the duration of training
• not have a criminal record
• be willing to relocate and participate in deployment both in SA and abroad, if
required to do so
• comply with medical fitness requirements
• have 6/6 eye vision without correction (no spectacles, laser correction or contact
lenses)
• not have any hearing impairments (must not make use of hearing aids)
CONTACT DETAILS
Telephone: 012-3395392/5
012-3395825
Email: dpersacq@yahoo.com
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SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS (SAA)
Requirements
Applicants should
• be South African citizens with a passion for flying;
• be medically fit;
• be at least 1.6 metres tall;
• pass a security check;
• have good communication skills;
• have good hand-eye coordination;
• be preferably up to 25 years of age;
• be highly motivated;
• have the ability to work under pressure;
• have multi-tasking ability, confidence and assertiveness, good judgement and
decision making skills and
• have excellent problem solving ability
Previous flying experience is not a prerequisite. If you have flying experience, you should
not have more than 60 flying hours.
Academic requirements:
• Matric certificate/Grade 12/N3 or relevant qualifications (SAQA accredited)
• Compulsory Mathematics or Statistics 101 (D symbol on higher grade or C symbol
on standard grade)
• English (D symbol on higher grade or C symbol on standard grade) and
• Physical Science or Computer Science (D symbol on higher grade or C symbol on
standard grade).
Should you meet the aforementioned criteria, send your CV, together with certified copies
of:
• ID document matric results other tertiary qualification (if applicable)
• a high quality full-length photograph of yourself
• a one-page motivation in your own handwriting telling us why you want to become a
pilot (this must be an independent effort).
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Applicants will go through the following selection process:
• pre-screening on application
• psychometric testing flight grading (SAA Aircrew Selection System)
• medical examination
• assessment and clinical interview
• panel interview.
Key Requirements:
Applicants should
• be outgoing South African citizen;
• be medically fit;
• be at least 1.58 metres tall;
• pass a security check;
• have good communication skills;
• have good hand-eye coordination;
• be preferably up to 25 years of age;
• be highly motivated;
• have the ability to work under pressure;
CONTACT DETAILS
SAA TECHNICAL
1. Aircraft Mechanic
2. Aircraft Electrician
4. Aircraft Radiotrician
6. Aircraft Welder
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8. Aircraft Painter
9. Aircraft Trimmer
TECHNICAL TRAINING
Students are trained by qualified Senior Instructors, each a specialist in his / her field in
our training center based at OR Tambo International Airport. Training programmes are
based on the Competency Based Modular Training (CBMT) philosophy and SAT has
become one of the leaders to develop this methodology. For each course, a course map
indicating the objective and the numbers of modules is arranged in a logical sequential
order. Each module covers a specific area of the course and deals adequately with the
skills. Each module is concluded by successfully negotiating a criteria test.
Requirements
• Be a South African citizen
• Medically fit
• No criminal record
• Be at least 16 years of age
• Must have passed Grade 12 with Mathematics and Science with at least the
following symbols: HG – E symbol
SG – D symbol
Or
Selection Process
• Application form.
• Technical Aptitude Test
• Interview
• Medical examination
The training is free of charge for all the above listed careers but all cadets have to sign a
training bond. Training will take place over 2 years. Following this phase, there will be a 24
- 36 month period of internship at feeder airlines. On conclusion, all successful cadets:
apprentices/learners will be subjected to a selection board once again. Those found to be
suitable will be offered a position as first officers (co-pilots) :Technicians/cabin crew with
South African Airways. If a cadet; apprentice/learner is offered a position with South
African Airways and turns it down, he or she will have to pay back the training costs.
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Please note: Applications without the relevant information as requested will not be
considered. If you have previously applied and were unsuccessful on three occasions,
your application will not be considered. Applicants who are re-applying will not be eligible
for evaluation within a period of 12 months from their last assessment.
CONTACT DETAILS
SAA TECHNICAL
Website: www.flysaa.com
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SOUTH AFRICAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY (SACAA)
The roles and responsibilities of the CAA revolve around the following nine areas of
oversight:
Airport oversight involves the certification of airports and heli-ports and monitoring civil
and electrical engineering matters in relation to infrastructure on and around airports such
as, lighting, navigational aids, their repair and maintenance.
Airworthiness oversight is concerned with ensuring that all aircraft that fly in our airspace
are airworthy to conduct such flights (fit for flight).
Certification oversight deals with all certification activities in relation to aircraft products
and parts. This includes the granting permission for new aviation products to be imported
into the country.
Personnel oversight involves examining, licensing and training of aviation personnel. All
relevant organizations and services are monitored to ensure that personnel and standards
meet international standards.
Airspace oversight ensures the effective management and provision of air traffic services
through the allocation of airspace by the statutory consultative body, the National Airspace
Committee (NASCOM).
The Flight Inspection division does not fall under a specific area of oversight. The
function of this division is to calibrate the radio navigational aids used by aircrafts to
ensure accuracy and reliability. Many of these tests are performed on the ground, but to
ensure that the radio signals are interpreted accurately by aircraft receivers, it is also
necessary to perform airborne tests on the ground equipment.
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The Information Services division provides aeronautical information to the industry and
also meets the information needs of the organization.
• Airworthiness Inspector
• Flight Operations Inspector
• Aviation Personnel Standards i.e. Licensing, Examinations & Testing Standards
• Aircraft Accident Investigator
• Aviation Security Inspector
• Dangerous Goods Inspector
• Aviation Medicine Officer
• Manufacturing and Certification Engineering Inspector
• Aircraft Registry Library and Records Management
• Aerodrome and Infrastructure Inspector
• Air Traffic Services Inspector
• Aeronautical Information Services
• Aviation Safety and Security Promotions Officer
• Aviation Law
Requirements
The abovementioned careers require that you have experience in the aviation industry.
CONTACT DETAILS
Ikhaya Lokundiza
16 Treur Close, Waterfall Park
Bekker Street
Midrand
Website: www.caa.co.za
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SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICES AIR WING
The Constitution of the Republic of South African, 1996 (Act 108 of 1996) lays down that
the South African Police Service has a responsibility to -
PILOT
• Pilot (fixed-wing aircraft);
• Pilot (helicopter);
Requirements
Grade 12
Mathematics HG symbol C or SG symbol B
Science HG symbol C or SG symbol B
Age: 27years or younger
TECHNICAL
• Aircraft Avionician;
• Aircraft Radiotrician;
• Radartrician;
• Electronics Mechanic;
Requirements
Grade 12
Mathematics HG symbol E or SG symbol D
Science HG symbol E or SG symbol D
Age: 27years or younger
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GENERAL
Mechanical Support Clerk
Airborne Law Enforcement Officer (ALEO);
Aviation Safety;
Requirements
Grade 12
Mathematics HG symbol E or SG symbol D
Science HG symbol E or SG symbol D
Requirements
Age: 27years or younger
CONTACT DETAILS
Website: www.saps.gov.za
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USEFUL ADDRESSES
Should you require more information on a career in aviation, you may direct your request
or application for an apprenticeship to any of the following organisations:
BA/Comair
P O Box 7015, Bonaero Park, 1622.
Tel: 011 921 0111
Capital Sounds
P O Box 393,Welkom, 9460
Tel: 057 388 2351
E-mail: capital@icon.co.za
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Denel Training Academy
P O Box 8322, Centurion, 0046
Tel: 012 671 2700
www.denel.co.za
Department of Transport
Private Bag x193, Pretoria, 0001
Tel:
www.dot.gov.za
Department of Justice
Private Bag x81, Pretoria, 0001.
Tel: 012 315 1111
www.doj.gov.za
Government Printer
Private Bag x85, Pretoria, 0001.
Tel: 012 334 4500
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South African Express Airways
PO Box 101, OR Tambo International Airport, 1627.
Tel: 011 978 5577.
www.saexpress.co.za
Email: info@saexpress.co.za
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