If you're preparing to write an aviation subject for the first time, there's an important regulatory requirement you need to know about before you show up at an exam centre.

The Requirement

In terms of SA-CATS 61.01.10(4)(a)(iii), any candidate writing a subject for the first time must present the following when attending the examination:

Proof of having undergone the required knowledge instruction training, signed by the Chief Ground Instructor — or their designee — of a Part 141 Approved Training Organisation (ATO).

This is not optional. A candidate who cannot produce this documentation will not be permitted to write the examination and will forfeit the examination fee paid for that subject. This requirement is enforced at all accredited exam centres in South Africa, as confirmed by SACAA Notice of Compliance PEL-2026/003.

What This Means for Ground School Users

Ground School is not a registered Part 141 ATO, and as such, we are not authorised to issue or sign the proof of knowledge instruction training required under SA-CATS 61.01.10(4)(a)(iii).

This means that you will need to be formally enrolled with, and signed off by, a registered Part 141 ATO before you can sit your first writing of any subject.

If you are unsure which ATOs are registered, you can contact the SACAA directly or speak to your flight school, as most flight schools are — or are affiliated with — a registered Part 141 ATO.

Where Ground School Fits In

While we can't provide the sign-off, we can make a real difference in how prepared you are when you get there.

Think of your ATO as the institution that formally qualifies you to write — and Ground School as the tool that helps make sure you're ready to pass when you do.

Here's how Ground School supports your journey:

Study at Your Own Pace

Our content is available 24/7, so you can work through material whenever it suits you — whether that's early mornings before a lesson, or late at night after a long day. You're not locked into a classroom schedule.

Reinforce What You've Learned in Class

Ground School works best alongside your formal ATO training. As your instructor covers each topic, use Ground School to consolidate your understanding, revisit areas you found difficult, and build genuine confidence in the subject matter.

Practice with Exam-Style Questions

Our question banks are designed to reflect the style and depth of the actual SACAA exams. Practicing regularly with these questions is one of the most effective ways to prepare — it highlights gaps in your knowledge early, so you can focus your study where it counts.

Track Your Progress

Use Ground School's progress tracking to see how you're improving over time. Going into your ATO ground school sessions knowing where you're strong and where you need work means you can make the most of the time with your instructor.

The Bottom Line

Getting your ATO sign-off is a regulatory requirement that we cannot fulfil on your behalf — but that doesn't mean you have to go into your formal training cold. Ground School is designed to be the preparation layer that makes your ATO training more effective, your study more focused, and your exam performance stronger.

Use Ground School to prepare. Use your ATO to get signed off. Then go write with confidence.

Still Have Questions?

If you're unsure about the sign-off process, we recommend speaking directly with your flight school or ATO. For questions about your Ground School account or content, you can reach contact us here.