Fleet - Progress Flight Academy

Progress Flight Academy Fleet

All of the training aircraft and simulators are owned, maintained and operated exclusively by the Academy. This ensures uninterrupted aeroplane availability for the benefit of our students.

Aeroplanes

Our fleet is modern, well-maintained, and aims to give trainee pilots the best operational flying capabilities in the business. Our fleet of small planes are specially chosen for their ease of handling, stability, speed and climb rate — perfect for training student pilots.

Piper Warrior III, PA28-161

The Piper Warrior III forms the backbone of our elementary flight training fleet. Our late-model, low-wing, four-seat Warriors are powered by reliable 160 hp Lycoming engines. Known for their stability and docile handling, these aircraft are easy to fly while offering strong climb performance and efficient cruise speeds.

With excellent fuel endurance and generous safety reserves for typical training routes, the Warrior III ensures both safety and reliability. Each aircraft is fitted with modern avionics and essential features such as a standby instrument air system and an emergency locator transmitter.

Its handling characteristics make it an ideal and safe platform for basic flight training. Additionally, Piper Warriors are commonly available for hire at most major aerodromes, providing private pilots with easy access to continued flying experience.

Vulcanair P68R

Aircraft Maintenance

Simulators

Progress Flight Academy is the only flight school in South Africa using FNPT IIs that precisely replicate the aeroplane used for instrument training.

Progress Flight Academy has commissioned the design and construction of two Flight and Navigation Procedures Trainers Level II (FNPT II) simulators, using actual forward fuselage sections to precisely replicate the Vulcanair P68R cockpit. Built to EASA FNPT II standards from genuine aircraft components, these simulators provide an exact replica of the aircraft’s flight deck and qualify for 40 hours of instrument flight training credit on an integrated course.

Equipped with Garmin G1000 avionics, the simulators support comprehensive instrument flight training, including GPS-based instrument approach procedures—now increasingly standard worldwide and recently introduced at Gqeberha–Port Elizabeth International Airport.

All procedural and operational instrument training is conducted in both multi-engine simulators and aircraft. This state-of-the-art facility allows us to maintain a superlative standard for our graduates, easing the transition to First Officer training for airline candidates. Students can practise instrument approach procedures tailored to their specific geographic area, ensuring highly relevant and practical training.