SAAF Recruitment 2023-2024 For Reserve Squadrons

South African Air Force, SAAF Reserve Squadrons 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 Reserve Squadrons Recruitment

These squadrons (previously Air Force Reserve Squadrons, Volunteer Air Squadrons, or Commando Squadrons), fulfill an increasingly important role as the SAAF’s capabilities are mainly being restricted by a lack of pilots and other technical personnel (Ad Astra, vol 17, no 8). These squadrons supplement the role of the light transport squadrons of the SAAF, thus allowing the SAAF to use additional pilots and aircraft at a reduced cost.

Members of these squadrons come from all walks of life, performing a diverse range of tasks. Some of these taks are performed over weekends, while most of their training is done over weekends as well. Each squadron is unique because the members have particular knowledge of the area of responsibility in which they operate. This local knowledge is very important when operating with the police in crime-prevention operations. Smaller and slower aircraft are generally used for reconnaissance, border patrol and police work, while higher performance aircraft undertake VIP transport roles.

Requirements

The aircrew qualifications for joining the Air Force Reserve Squadrons is a minimum of a private pilots licence (PPL) with an instrument (IF) rating and in excess of 500 hours. However, it was decided in 2003 that the 500 hours of flying time be reduced to 200 hours, after which a recruit had to be co-piloted for a further 300 hours to make up the 500 hours. An additional requirement is that every member must either own their own aircraft or have access to one.

Volunteers who meet the criteria may be required to undertake some form of basic military training if they have no military background. All prospective pilots have to undergo a wings test with a Category A-1 SAAF instructor in order to determine a minimum level of flying proficiency.

Those pilots who pass this test are awarded their wings at the same wings parade as regular SAAF trainees at the CFS.

Locations

Of the nine squadrons spread around the country, three are coastal squadrons, two central and the remaining four are spread around Gauteng and the Northern Province.

101 Squadron	The main area of responsibility is Mpumalanga Province, mainly involved in crime prevention.	AFB Hoedspruit
102 Squadron	Area of responsibility is from north of Polokwane (Pietersburg) to the Limpopo River. The squadron has been extensively utilised for recce flights on the border between the RSA, Zimbabwe and Botswana.	AFB Makhado
104 Squadron	This squadron is utilised as a VIP/IP transport squadron, as well as doing recce flights in the Gauteng area.	AFB Waterkloof
105 Squadron	Main operations include coastal recce flights, command and control and telstar in crime prevention operations in co-operation with the police and Army.	AFS Durban
106 Squadron	Members of this squadron are spread over a wide area and assist the police in operations in the Free State.	AFB Bloemspruit
107 Squadron	Members of this squadron are spread over a wide area and assist the police in operations in the Northern Cape.	Kimberley (Under control of AFB Bloemspruit)
108 Squadron	Main operations include coastal recce flights, command and control and telstar in crime prevention operations in co-operation with the police and Army.	AFB Port Elizabeth
110 Squadron	Main operations include VIP transport, coastal recce flights, command and control and telstar in crime prevention operations in co-operation with the police and Army.	AFB Ysterplaat
111 Squadron	This squadron is utilised as a VIP/IP transport squadron, as well as doing recce flights in the Gauteng area.	AFB Waterkloof

Contact details

Staff Officer Air Force Reserve Squadrons (SO AFRS)
Air Command
Telephone: (012) 312 2507
Fax: (012) 312 2020

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: