SAAF Recruitment 2023-2024 For Aviation Maintenance

South African Air Force, SAAF Aviation Maintenance 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 Aviation Maintenance Recruitment

Artisans who work on aircraft and related equipment all serve a three year apprecticeship. Most of an air force artisan’s qualification will be recognised by the civil aviation industry.

Maintenance of an aircraft is done in accordance with exact standards with workmanship continually double-checked. Aircraft and components are serviced at regular intervals, based on proven safe lifetime or usage of components.

Artisans are responsible for both the scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, working at Aircraft Servicing Units or squadrons. Their work also covers rebuilding of damaged aircraft, and the overhaul and rebuilding of major components.

• Aircraft Composite Strucures Worker
• Aircraft Electician
• Aircraft Electroplater
• Aircraft Instrument Mechanic
• Aircraft Mechanic
• Aircraft Painter
• Aircraft Radartrician
• Aircraft Radiotrician
• Aircraft Reconnaissance Electro-Mechanician
• Aircraft Structures Worker
• Aircraft Survival Equipment Fitter
• Aircraft Weapons Electro-Mechanician
• Aircraft Welder

Aircraft Composite Strucures Worker
Manufacture of plastic and fibreglass components such as flight controls, radomes and composite aircraft structural components.

Aircraft Electician
The modern aircraft is very dependant on inticate electrical circuits and units. Work done in the workshops entails stripping, cleaning, testing, repairing and overhauling all electrical aircraft equipment, such as alternators, generators, water raising apparatus, cabin temperature control and air conditioning units. On the aircraft itself, work such as testing, repairing or replacing components and rewiring is done. an interest in mathematics and physical science is needed.

Aircraft Electroplater
Protection of aircraft components against corrosion and building up of worn components.

Aircraft Instrument Mechanic
Fault finding, repair and calibration of aircraft instruments. This mustering is especially suited for someone with a liking for delicate work, neatness and accuracy.

Aircraft Mechanic
Fault finding, rectification and maintenace of aircraft structures and related components and the embodiment of modifications. Includes airframes, flying controls, undercarriage, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, pressurisation and propellers. Mechanics also work on aircraft engines, in the workshops this includes stripping, inspection, balancing and assembly of the engine and components, followed by test running the engine.

Aircraft Painter
Application of protective and decorative paint and resin finishes on the aircraft, its engines and components.

Aircraft Radartrician
Radar systems are used in aircraft and on the ground. The radartrician is responsible for this equipment in the aircraft. Routine maintenance, fault diagnosis and repair.

Aircraft Radiotrician
Fault finding, reapir, overhaul and calibration of radio communication equipment, electronic instruments and control systems.

Aircraft Reconnaissance Electro-Mechanician
Preventative and corrective maintenance of air and ground photographic equipment.

Aircraft Structures Worker
Maintenance, repair, overhaul, manufacturing and modification of the aircraft structure and components.

Aircraft Survival Equipment Fitter
Maintenance, repair and testing of both aircraft and personal safety and survival equipment, whihc includes parachutes and survival clothing.

Aircraft Weapons Electro-Mechanician
More commonly referred to as an armourer, who is responsible for loading weapons onto the aircraft, the servicing and testing of aircraft machine guns and cannons. Inspection and maintenance of ejection seats are also covered.

Aircraft Welder
The aviation welder is responsible for the repairing of aircraft engine and aircraft components. The following welding processes and advanced technologies are applied: oxy-acetylene welding, shielded arc welding, plasma arc welding, resistance welding, metallurgy and heat treatment of ferrous and special aircraft alloys, plasma and metal spraying processes.

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: