Focus Air is a licensed Aviation Training Organisation (ATO Number SACAA/1174/ATO), certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) for Remote Pilot Certificate Training (RPC). This course will enable you to fly a Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) legally in South Africa. Our training assist and guides you through each of the required steps to obtain your license from the SACAA.
The relationship with your first instructor will shape and affect the way you fly for the rest of your career. All of our full-time instructors have been handpicked and trained at the school. We believe our instructor training courses to be amongst the very best on offer and have received commendations from the South African Civil aviation Authority (SA CAA) for these programmes. Student and Instructor ratios are kept low and you will be assigned an instructor who will train and mentor you through all of your flight training.
At Focus Air we have a range of aircraft to meet your needs through each and every phase of the training process from light two seat trainers to twin engine and aerobatic aircraft. All of the aircraft in our extensive fleet are maintained to the highest standards by professional and experienced Aircraft maintenance Organizations’ (AMO’s). The school has a zero tolerance when it comes to the serviceability of aircraft. We strongly believe in developing a culture of safety in all of the pilots that come through the school. Unlike many other schools we own our own aircraft and as such have a vested interest in their upkeep. See the link for more information on training aircraft.
The school has been operating in one form or another in the main terminal building at Virginia Airport for more than 30 years. Whilst we have seen local competitors come and go we have strived to maintain a high standard. We believe this is what keeps both local and customers from all over the world keep coming back to Focus Air
Our central briefing room and reception is positioned with a spectacular view of the threshold of runway 05 and the Indian Ocean beyond. We have three more fully equipped briefing rooms. Student workstations are fitted with personal computers making full use of Computer Based Training programmes. Instructors have their own offices helping them to prepare in the best possible way for lessons. The simulator is positioned in its own air-conditioned room allowing for uninterrupted Instrument Flying lessons. In addition we have our own hangar and a number of other offices in the main terminal.
We pride ourselves on the quality of our flight training syllabus and courses, which have been developed in house over a period of 20 years. The most experienced of instructors and examiners have contributed in their design. As mentioned we have received commendations from the CAA bearing testament to the high standard of our training manuals.
The history of Virginia airport begins a few decades ago, when the only airport in Durban was at Stamford Hill. All commercial and light aircraft landed there, but once South African Airways started flying DC-4s, it was time to move the main airport to where it is now, at Durban International, then called Louis Botha airport.
The light aircraft fraternity decided that Stamford Hill airport was too big for their needs and it was time to look for a new home. Mervyn Gild (then a Durban Councillor) owned a Cessna 182 and invited Mike Hartley (then chairman of the Durban wings club) to fly with him and look for a new site. Flying along the coast, just north of the Umgeni river mouth, was a prime site that looked ideal, as the wind direction was either down or up the coast.
The new airport was opened in 1959. Situated at the extremity of the suburb of Virginia, it naturally took the name; Virginia airport.
At that stage, there were no houses nearby, and Mike remembers that they could then have quite easily extended the runway another 500 metres, but as it could accommodate a Dakota DC-3, what more did they want?
Two hangars were moved from Stamford Hill to Virginia, and some smaller buildings were built. Those same hangars are still being used today. The airport was opened by Mayor Shaw in June 1959, and the grand opening was commemorated by an air race, which ended at Virginia airport.
At that stage, about 50 people worked at Virginia, including ground maintenance staff, which has since grown to about 250 people, working in all spheres of aviation: from airport management staff to aircraft maintenance.
Initially, Durban Wings Club had its own aircraft, used for training. The club trained many young pilots who are still flying today. As time went by, the emphasis changed from training, to a club for its members. Now some club members would like to see the club obtaining a small aircraft, such as a Piper Tri Pacer, that can be easily maintained and used by club members for training.
Today, Virginia airport, or as it is affectionately known in South Africa as HMS Virginia due to its short runway and closeness to the ocean is a busy training airport and a base of a number of charter companies. Due its closeness to the beach, landing and taking off from Virginia is always a thrill, and its closeness to Durban international makes Instrument and advanced training cost and time effective.