Game capture, lifting (sling operations) Initial Turbine Rating Helicopter
Sling operations
This rating is a requirement for helicopter pilots who intend working in the technically difficult areas of firefighting, search and rescue and mining. Sling load operation requires a high level of concentration and technical competence.
This rating is a requirement for helicopter pilots who intend working in the technically difficult areas of firefighting, search and rescue and mining. Sling load operation requires a high level of concentration and technical competence. By completing our course, you will increase your flying ability and career prospects.
Your flying will commence with pre-flight and load inspections that are crucial to flying safely, then learn to fly with the door off whilst checking the load beneath you using peripheral vision for reference points. Your confidence and progress will increase with every flight until you are ready to carry a load.
The course will cover theory relating to load configurations, weights and balances and power management, ground crew briefing and specific load flying techniques.
Course Requirements
18 years of age
You must hold a valid Commercial Pilot Licence
Hold 250 flight hours as Pilot in Command (PIC) on helicopters
Initial Turbine Rating
Recommended minimum requirements for a turbine rating would be a HPPL with a minimum of 100 hours PIC, this may change depend on the relevant aircraft insurance minimums. For Initial Turbine Rating it is recommended minimum requirements for a turbine rating would be a HPPL with a minimum of 100 hours PIC, this may change depend on the relevant aircraft insurance minimums.
Single engine: The training starts with ground school covering all aspects of the relevant turbine helicopter. This will take between 2-5 hours depending on the candidates experience. After you have acquired the theory knowledge expect to spend at least and hour going through a preflight check and familiarizing yourself with the systems.
The flight training will be broken up into four phases:
Starting, ground emergencies and shutting down.
Upper air work
Ground maneuvers, hovering, lift of and touch down.
Emergencies
Once the above is complete the candidate will sit and exam and need to achieve a 75% pass mark.
Moving from a piston driven aircraft to a turbine driven aircraft is a great way to forward your flying experience, if done correctly it can be a great skill to achieve.
Twin Turbine Rating: Recommended minimum requirements for a twin turbine rating would be either a HCPL license or 200 hours as PIC, this too may change depend on the relevant aircraft insurance minimums. A Multi-Crew Co-Operation course is recommended when doing training on a multi pilot aircraft.
Ground school will take between 2-3 days as there are a lot more systems and procedures to go through. The ground orientation and preflight may take 2-4 hours. Knowing the systems before getting into the pilots seat will put you well ahead of the aircraft while doing the flight training.
The flight training will be broken up into four phases:
MCC course (Optional)
Starting, ground emergencies and shutting down.
Upper air work
Ground maneuvers, hovering, lift of and touch down.
Emergencies
Once the above is complete the candidate will sit and exam and need to achieve a 75% pass mark.
A coveted rating in global demand
In the dynamic world of wildlife management, helicopters have become indispensable tools for game capture and conservation efforts. Historically, horseback riders and motorcycles were employed to round up game animals, but these methods often proved inadequate, especially in challenging terrains, leading to risks for both the team and the animals.
The introduction of helicopters revolutionised game operations, enabling safer and more efficient capture methods. A specialised game capture rating empowers pilots to skillfully cull and tranquilise animals, mastering maneuvers near the performance limits of helicopters while prioritising safety and precision.
This coveted rating, particularly sought after in Africa's diverse landscapes, reflects a commitment to wildlife conservation and the mastery of techniques essential for these high-stakes operations. Our expert instructors are dedicated to equipping you with the skills, mindset, and knowledge to become a proficient and conscientious game-rated pilot, contributing to the protection and management of game animals while upholding the highest standards of safety and ethical responsibility
Helicopter Game and Cull Rating
Requirements
The South African minimum requirements for Game or Cull Rating
•18 years old
•Hold a valid PPL(H) or Higher
•A valid Class I or II Aviation Medical.
We will assist you with a list of Aviation doctors for your Aviation Medical appointment, if required.
Fluent in English (Speak, read, write, and understand) and pass the English Proficiency)
To obtain the Helicopter Game or Livestock Cull Rating, one must pass a skills test conducted by a DFE (Designated Flight Examiner) using a suitable helicopter. This test assesses the individual's competency in performing the required procedures and manoeuvres at a level appropriate to the privileges granted to the rating holder.
Ground School Subjects:
Minimum. 2 hours
Our partners have an approved training syllabus for a Game Capture rating.
Syllabus:
Airmanship
Understanding animals
Herding game/livestock
Emergency training
Our Preferred Helicopters for your Game or Cull Rating:
Game capture can be conducted by any helicopter, but the Robinson 44 (R44) helicopter is our preferred type. The game capture industry really took off with the introduction of the two-seater Robinson 22 (R22), and the upgraded Hughes 300 in the 80’s. The Robinson 44 (R44) remains a favourite because of its agility, manoeuvrability, and cost efficiency.
The Robinson 44 (R44) helicopter is a durable machine that is widely used nowadays in South Africa for game work and aerial spraying. This helicopter is easily maintained and readily available.
Pass Requirements for your Game or Cull Rating:
There are no specific examinations. An applicant for a Helicopter Game Capture or Livestock Cull Rating must have acquired the relevant experience that should at least include completion of not less than 250 hours of flight time as PIC of a helicopter of which not less than 5 hours of flight time of game capture or livestock cull operations must have been undertaken under the supervision of an appropriately rated Grade I or Grade II flight instructor who is the holder of a valid Helicopter Game or Livestock Cull Rating.
Flight Hours
A minimum of 5 hours
A skill test of 1 hour
Helicopter Pilot Training
Minimum requirements
An applicant for a night rating must be the holder of a valid pilot’s license
An applicant for a night rating must have undergone the following training at a CAA-approved flight training institution:
5 hours of theoretical knowledge briefings.
A minimum of 10 hours of instrument training, of which no more than 5 hours may be flown in an approved flight simulator.
Not less than 5 circuits and 5 take-offs and landings while under dual flight instruction.
A night rating is valid for as long as the pilot’s license is valid
finally, the pilot will be required to pass a written examination as well as a practical skills test.
Privileges of a night rating
The holder of a valid night rating may exercise all the privileges of his/her license at night
Minimum requirements
An applicant for a night rating must be the holder of a valid pilot’s license
An applicant for a night rating must have undergone the following training at a CAA-approved flight training institution:
5 hours of theoretical knowledge briefings.
A minimum of 10 hours of instrument training, of which no more than 5 hours may be flown in an approved flight simulator.
Not less than 5 circuits and 5 take-offs and landings while under dual flight instruction.
A night rating is valid for as long as the pilot’s license is valid finally, the pilot will be required to pass a written examination as well as a practical skills test.
Privileges of a night rating
The holder of a valid night rating may exercise all the privileges of his/her license at night
