SAAF Recruitment 2023-2024 For Aircrew – Other

South African Air Force, SAAF Aircrew Recruitment 2023-2024… General entry requirements, when to apply, how to apply, application form pdf, application deadline, and selection process 2023.

Applications complying with the minimum requirements will be subjected to further screening. Candidates identified will then be invited to partake in a selection process.

The content of this section is for general information purposes only. This website does not actively recruit on behalf of the SAAF / SANDF and all applicants are encouraged to contact the relevant Recruitment office directly.

The South African Air Force (SAAF) offers a number of varied and exciting careers, both in the air and on the ground. What would you like to do?

• Aircrew – Pilot or Navigator – CLICK HERE for application details
• Aircrew – Other – CLICK HERE for application details
• Command and Control – CLICK HERE for application details
• Aviation Maintenance – CLICK HERE for application details
• Engineering / Apprenticeship  – CLICK HERE for application details
• General Maintenance – CLICK HERE for application details
• Support  – CLICK HERE for application details
• Reserve Squadrons – CLICK HERE for application details

So, you’ve decided that you’d like to join the SAAF?

Personnel is the most important resource that the SAAF whose success is largely dependent on the extent to which its members are developed and utilized. The airforce considers it essential to recruit young volunteers who are prepared to serve in the air force for a limited period of time or to remain in a lifelong appointment.

SAAF Aircrew – Other Recruitment

There is no direct recruitment of aircrew members for the SAAF. Instead, they are selected from members already qualified in a related ground mustering.

The following positions are available:

• Flight Engineer
• Loadmaster (Air)
• Flight Attendant
• Air Photographer

Flight Engineer

Flight engineers are selected from qualified artisans. On larger aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules and Boeing 707, their duties include the management of fuel, electrical and air conditioning systems. They are also responsible for inspections on the aircraft when operating away from base.

Loadmaster (Air)

Loadmasters are responsible for safe on-loading and off-loading of freight on board aircraft. Their duties include the supervision of aircraft handling loading to ensure that cargo is tied down with the correct restraint to withstand the ‘g’ force which might be encountered during flight or in an emergency. They are also responsible to ensure that the mass of the cargo is correctly distributed so that the aircraft centre of gravity remains within the acceptable range for flight.

Grade 12 mathematics NSC level 3 or Mathematics Literacy NSC level 4 is essential, with English as a passed subject. Candidates must be medically fit and not have a hearing impairment.

Flight Attendant

Flight attendants are selected from airspace control operators and are responsible for the well being of passengers during flight. More importantly, they are responsible to assist passengers to evacuate from the aircraft in an emergency situation on the ground.

Air Photographer

Air photographers are selected from qualified photographers and accompany flights which undertake aerial survey.

How to Apply

Click on each of the links to download the application form pdf.

• Pilot / Navigator – Information brochure (PDF 143kb)
• Pilot – Application form (PDF 105kb)
• Navigator – Application form (PDF 105kb)
• Other Careers -Information brochure (PDF 176kb)
• Engineer Careers -Application form (PDF 123kb)
• Technical Careers -Application form (PDF 123kb)
• Other Careers -Application form (PDF 123kb)
• Download the free Adobe
• Acrobat Reader

SAAF Selection Process

The selection process entails the following:

Psychometric evaluation:
The aim is to assess the candidate’s aptitude and potential to develop in the position that was applied for. The nature of these tests will depend on the position applied for.

Selection Board (formal interview):
A Selection Board will be conducted in order to assess the applicants interest in the position applied for, as well as his or her interest in the Defence Force in general. The interview will also focus on self- confidence, leadership potential and communication skills.

Medical Evaluation:
A comprehensive medical evaluation will be conducted by appointed military medical practitioners in order to assess the applicants medical history and current medical status. All applicants must be declared fit for military training before commencement.

Criminal Records:
Fingerprints of applicants will be sent to the Criminal Record Bureau for verification. Records of convictions will be evaluated based on the severity thereof and how recently the offence(s) occurred.

Offer of Employment
Successful applicants will receive an offer of employment. Candidates who are not successful will be informed by correspondence. It is unfortunate that not all applicants who are recommended for training will receive an offer of employment due to the large amount of applications received.

SAAF Contact Details

For more information, please contact the SAAF Recruitment Office: