History of CTFTC
Back in 2003, there was already demand for a cost-effective but high quality flying training environment in the Cape Town area. This was the motivation for setting up Cape Town Flight Training Centre (CTFTC) at Cape Winelands Airport (formerly Fisantekraal Airfield).
From the first day of operation CTFTC has offered, and continues to offer, the most professional and cost-effective flight training in the Western Cape
From small beginnings the school has gone from strength to strength. We now boast a staff of 25 people including 11 full time instructors and a fleet of nine aircraft.
All aspects of private and professional flying training are catered for, and we look forward to the pending introduction of Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT).
Our safety record throughout the entire period of operation remains unblemished – a testament to the professionalism of the organisation and our staff.
Through the years a great many of our former pupils, having achieved their qualifications with CTFTC, have gone on successfully to take positions in the aviation industry as flight crew. We invite you to our former pupils page for more details.
About You
You may be paying your own way. You may be sponsored by parents. You may be lucky enough to be commercially sponsored. Although there is no minimum educational requirement to get started, you will already have a high standard of self-discipline, a strong sense of responsibility and be dedicated to your goals. Contact us if you want the very best in flying training.
Official Accreditation
Cape Town Flight Training Centre (CTFTC) is a licensed Aviation Training Organisation (ATO) of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). We are required to conform to international standards as set out by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and must pass formal audit by the SACAA on an annual basis. The SACAA is in turn audited by the FAA (USA) and EASA (European) authorities.
About Us
CTFTC is committed to providing the highest standard of flight training available for those wishing to work towards their private or commercial Licence.
We also offer a comprehensive range of services to qualified aviators who are interested in advancing their ability, or simply keeping their Licences current.
At CTFTC you will be personally guided through each stage of your training programme – from the first, introductory flight – all the way through to the day you receive your qualification.
Your training course will be customised according to your own time and financial constraints. Through the example set by our highly professional instructors, we wish to inspire each and every student to continually strive to improve his/her competency, either as a recreational or professional pilot.
We hope this website provides you with all you need know about us. However, we would love for you to come and visit us at Cape Winelands Airport (formerly Fisantekraal Airfield), discuss your objectives in person, and perhaps take an Introductory Flight to experience what flying is all about.
We look forward to meeting you!
CTFTC POPI Act
At CTFTC we respect your privacy and are dedicated to ensuring all legal standards are maintained. Click on the below link to see our Privacy Policy in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPI”).
The CTFTC Team
CTFTC employs a team of highly qualified and competent staff. Meet them below.
Findlay Smith
Principal
Findlay is the Principal of the Training School and functions as the CEO of CTFTC.
Andre Groenewald
Head of Training
As Head of Training, Andre ensures high standards for both students and Flight Instructors. He shapes and refines CTFTC’s Training Procedures and Standards of Performance, aligning them with industry best practices and fostering a culture of excellence in aviation training.
Mark Sheehan
Chief Flying Instructor
As Chief Flying Instructor, Mark leads student and instructor development, maintaining high standards of instruction and fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
Evan Lotriet
Radio Telephony Examiner
Evan joined CTFTC in 2015. He is currently working as a full-time Flight Instructor.
Thomas Bischoff
Grade III Instructor
Tom works as a full-time Flight Instructor and is responsible for training and mentoring new Flight Instructors, ensuring they develop the skills needed to succeed and maintain high standards in aviation instruction.
Alireza Keyvan
Grade II Instructor
Apart from his penchant for powerful semi-vintage cars and other fast transport, Alireza’s focus is on his Grade II Instructor work.
Keanu Tandt
Grade III Instructor
Keanu—a friendly chap—is a Grade 3 Instructor responsible for delivering high-quality flight training.
Miya-Belle Zinn
Grade III Instructor
Miya joined CTFTC as an ab-initio and is now a full-time Flight Instructor. With her friendly smile and passion for teaching, she creates a supportive and encouraging environment for all her students.
Steven van Zyl
Assistant Chief Flying Instructor
Steven brings a wealth of managerial experience from his background in hospitality and flight operations. After transitioning into aviation, he now applies his skills as a Flight Instructor and Assistant CFI, offering expert guidance and training to students.
Kieron Collins
Grade III Instructor
With a background as a corporate executive and entrepreneur, Kieron brings a unique perspective to his role as a Flight Instructor. His passion for aviation drives him to mentor students, helping them build confidence and achieve their flying goals.
Hilla van Zyl
Grade III Instructor
Hilla’s career journey took her from working as an offshore medic to becoming a Flight Instructor. Her experience in high-pressure environments has shaped her calm, focused teaching style. Passionate about aviation, Hilla is committed to helping students develop the skills and knowledge needed for their flying careers.
James Mcclarty-Miller
Grade III Instructor
James joined CTFTC as a student and now brings his energy and humour to the team as a full-time Flight Instructor. Always ready with a joke and a smile, he creates a fun and relaxed learning environment while ensuring his students stay sharp and focused in the sky.
Armand van Der Ryst
Grade III Instructor
Armand began his aviation journey at CTFTC and has grown into a dedicated full-time Flight Instructor. Known for his calm approach and attention to detail, he is committed to helping students build strong foundations and confidence in the cockpit.
Graham Hibbin
Flight Safety Manager
QAS Auditor
Frans Meyer
Flight Operations Manager
Responsible Person Aircraft
Frans is responsible for keeping our fleet airworthy and legal, in addition to his role as Operations Manager. In his previous life, he farmed wool sheep. Over the last 23 years, he has worked as a flight instructor, flown for DHL, the oil-and-gas industry, and the UN. Outside of work, Frans enjoys cooking, reading, and taking walks with his wife and their mini Schnauzer, Maddie.
Madeleine Feyt
Accounts Administrator
Madeleine joined CTFTC in 2009 as the Accounts Administrator.
Anthenette Lewis
Admissions Officer
Anthenette also functions as SACAA approved examinations invigilator.
Robyn Badenhorst
Training Advisor
Robyn is training for a PPL, but her Training Advisor and Safety Officer roles at CTFTC keep her busy in the week. When you send an initial enquiry to CTFTC, she will probably be your first contact with our team.
Dhandre van Loggerenberg
Operations Assistant
Dhandre is currently training for his CPL while working as an Operations Assistant. With a strong focus on aviation, he supports daily operations and is dedicated to achieving his goal of becoming a professional pilot.
Sakhile Dyonase
Grounds Keeper
Anele Siganagana
Aircraft Operative
Anele (‘Ace’) joined CTFTC in 2021 and he is proud of keeping our aircraft spotless and moving them around on the ground.
Findlay Smith
Principal
Findlay is the Principal of the Training School and functions as the CEO of CTFTC.
Andre Groenewald
Head of Training
As Head of Training, Andre ensures high standards for both students and Flight Instructors. He shapes and refines CTFTC’s Training Procedures and Standards of Performance, aligning them with industry best practices and fostering a culture of excellence in aviation training.
Mark Sheehan
Chief Flying Instructor
As Chief Flying Instructor, Mark leads student and instructor development, maintaining high standards of instruction and fostering a culture of excellence, safety, and continuous improvement.
Evan Lotriet
Radio Telephony Examiner
Evan joined CTFTC in 2015. In addition to working as a full-time Flight Instructor.
Thomas Bischoff
Grade III Instructor
Tom works as a full-time Flight Instructor and is responsible for training and mentoring new Flight Instructors, ensuring they develop the skills needed to succeed and maintain high standards in aviation instruction.
Alireza Keyvan
Grade II Instructor
Apart from his penchant for powerful semi-vintage cars and other fast transport, Alireza’s focus is on his Grade II Instructor work.
Keanu Tandt
Grade III Instructor
Keanu—a friendly chap—is a Grade 3 Instructor responsible for delivering high-quality flight training.
Miya-Belle Zinn
Grade III Instructor
Miya joined CTFTC as an ab-initio and is now a full-time Flight Instructor. With her friendly smile and passion for teaching, she creates a supportive and encouraging environment for all her students.
Steven van Zyl
Assistant Chief Flying Instructor
Steven brings a wealth of managerial experience from his background in hospitality and flight operations. After transitioning into aviation, he now applies his skills as a Flight Instructor and Assistant CFI, offering expert guidance and training to students.
Kieron Collins
Grade III Instructor
With a background as a corporate executive and entrepreneur, Kieron brings a unique perspective to his role as a Flight Instructor. His passion for aviation drives him to mentor students, helping them build confidence and achieve their flying goals.
Hilla van Zyl
Grade III Instructor
Hilla’s career journey took her from working as an offshore medic to becoming a Flight Instructor. Her experience in high-pressure environments has shaped her calm, focused teaching style. Passionate about aviation, Hilla is committed to helping students develop the skills and knowledge needed for their flying careers.
James Mcclarty-Miller
Grade III Instructor
James joined CTFTC as a student and now brings his energy and humour to the team as a full-time Flight Instructor. Always ready with a joke and a smile, he creates a fun and relaxed learning environment while ensuring his students stay sharp and focused in the sky.
Armand van Der Ryst
Grade III Instructor
Armand began his aviation journey at CTFTC and has grown into a dedicated full-time Flight Instructor. Known for his calm approach and attention to detail, he is committed to helping students build strong foundations and confidence in the cockpit.
Graham Hibbin
Flight Safety Manager
QAS Auditor
Graham brings decades of multi-industry Total Quality Management and SMS experience to the team to assure the maintenance of our best-in-class culture of Safety and Quality.
Frans Meyer
Flight Operations Manager
Responsible Person Aircraft
Frans is responsible for keeping our fleet airworthy and legal, in addition to his role as Operations Manager. In his previous life, he farmed wool sheep. Over the last 23 years, he has worked as a flight instructor, flown for DHL, the oil-and-gas industry, and the UN. Outside of work, Frans enjoys cooking, reading, and taking walks with his wife and their mini Schnauzer, Maddie.
Madeleine Feyt
Accounts Administrator
Madeleine joined CTFTC in 2009 as the Accounts Administrator.
Anthenette Lewis
Admissions Officer
Anthenette also functions as SACAA approved examinations invigilator.
Robyn Badenhorst
Training Advisor
Robyn is training for a PPL, but her Training Advisor and Safety Officer roles at CTFTC keep her busy in the week. When you send an initial enquiry to CTFTC, she will probably be your first contact with our team.
Dhandre van Loggerenberg
Operations Assistant
Dhandre is currently training for his CPL while working as an Operations Assistant. With a strong focus on aviation, he supports daily operations and is dedicated to achieving his goal of becoming a professional pilot.
Sakhile Dyonase
Grounds Keeper
Sakkie joined CTFTC in September 2011 and is responsible for maintenance of the Winelands campus.
Anele Siganagana
Aircraft Operative
Anele (‘Ace’) joined CTFTC in 2021 and he is proud of keeping our aircraft spotless and moving them around on the ground.
Our Fleet
CTFTC operates the most modern fleet of aircraft in South Africa. The fleet contains aircraft for every aspect of training for Private and Professional Pilot’s Licences.
Diamond
DA20-C1 Eclipse
Piper
PA-28 Warrior
Piper
PA28R-200 Arrow
Piper
PA34-200T Seneca II
ALSIM 250
FNPT II
SIMUFLIGHT
FNPT II
Diamond DA20-C1 Eclipse |
 |
| Application |
| PPL and Night Rating. |
| Description |
| Modern, high efficiency low-wing primary trainer, certified for spinning and night flying. 21st century design with excellent strength, handling and operational efficiency. |
| Number of Aircraft in Fleet | 4 |
| Capacity | Pilot + one passenger |
| Payload | 550lbs (250kg) |
| Max takeoff weight: | 1,760lbs (800kg) |
| Powerplant: | 125HP |
| Rate of Climb: | 920 feet per minute |
| Cruise speed: | 127 kts |
| Maximum Range: | 510 Nautical Miles |
| Service ceiling: | 15,500 ft |
Piper PA28 Warrior |
 |
| Application |
| PPL, Night Rating, Instrument Rating, Hour Building. |
| Description |
| Modern certified low-wing general trainer. Strong and stable with excellent range/endurance. |
| Number of Aircraft in Fleet | 3 |
| Capacity | Pilot + three passengers |
| Payload | 825Ibs (375kg) |
| Max takeoff weight: | 2,325lbs |
| Powerplant: | 160HP |
| Rate of Climb: | 720 feet per minute |
| Cruise speed: | 120 kts |
| Maximum Range: | 600 Nautical Miles |
| Service ceiling: | 14500 ft |
Piper PA28R-200 Arrow |
 |
| Application |
| CPL, Instrument Rating. |
| Description |
| Certified Complex Trainer. Excellent performance for procedural training. |
| Number of Aircraft in fleet | 1 |
| Capacity | Pilot + three passengers |
| Payload | 1,150Ibs (520kg) |
| Max takeoff weight: | 2,600lbs |
| Powerplant: | 200HP |
| Rate of Climb: | 910 feet per minute |
| Cruise speed: | 144 kts |
| Maximum Range: | 704 Nautical Miles |
| Service ceiling: | 15,000 ft |
Piper PA34-200R Seneca II |
 |
| Application |
| CPL, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, ATPL |
| Description |
| Certified Multi-Engine. Excellent performance for procedural training. |
| Number of Aircraft in Fleet | 1 |
| Capacity | Pilot + five passengers |
| Payload | 1,782 lbs (810kg) |
| Max takeoff weight: | 4570 lbs |
| Powerplant: | 2 × 200HP Turbo Charged |
| Rate of Climb: | 1340 feet per minute |
| Cruise speed: | 189 kts |
| Maximum Range: | 991 Nautical Miles |
| Service ceiling: | 25,000 ft |
| Single engine Service ceiling: | 13,400 ft |
ALSIM 250 FNPT II |
 |
| Description |
| FNPT II Simulator |
| Cerification |
| Certified to conduct aspects of the training for PPL, NR, CPL, Instrument Rating, Instructor Rating and Multi-Engine training. |
| Renewals |
| Approved for CPL/IR and Instructors Rating renewals. |
| Number in Fleet | 1 |
SIMUFLIGHT FNPT II |
 |
| Description |
| FNPT II Simulator |
| Cerification |
| Certified to conduct aspects of the training for PPL, NR, CPL, Instrument Rating, Instructor Rating and Multi-Engine training. |
| Renewals |
| Approved for CPL/IR, ATPL and Instructors Rating renewals. |
| Number in Fleet | 1 |
Diamond DA20-C1 Eclipse
|
| Application |
| PPL and Night Rating. |
| Description |
| Modern, high efficiency low-wing primary trainer, certified for spinning and night flying. 21st century design with excellent strength, handling and operational efficiency. |
| Number of Aircraft in Fleet | 4 |
| Capacity | Pilot + one passenger |
| Payload | 550lbs (250kg) |
| Max takeoff weight: | 1,760lbs (800kg) |
| Powerplant: | 125HP |
| Rate of Climb: | 920 feet per minute |
| Cruise speed: | 127 kts |
| Maximum Range: | 510 Nautical Miles |
| Service ceiling: | 15,500 ft |
Piper PA-28 Warrior
|
| Application |
| PPL, Night Rating, Instrument Rating, Hour Building. |
| Description |
| Modern certified low-wing general trainer. Strong and stable with excellent range/endurance. |
| Number of Aircraft in Fleet | 3 |
| Capacity | Pilot + three passengers |
| Payload | 825Ibs (375kg) |
| Max takeoff weight: | 2,325lbs |
| Powerplant: | 160HP |
| Rate of Climb: | 720 feet per minute |
| Cruise speed: | 120 kts |
| Maximum Range: | 600 Nautical Miles |
| Service ceiling: | 14500 ft |
Piper PA28R-200 Arrow
|
| Application |
| CPL, Instrument Rating. |
| Description |
| Certified Complex Trainer. Excellent performance for procedural training. |
| Number of Aircraft in fleet | 1 |
| Capacity | Pilot + three passengers |
| Payload | 1,150Ibs (520kg) |
| Max takeoff weight: | 2,600lbs |
| Powerplant: | 200HP |
| Rate of Climb: | 910 feet per minute |
| Cruise speed: | 144 kts |
| Maximum Range: | 704 Nautical Miles |
| Service ceiling: | 15,000 ft |
Piper PA34-200T Seneca II
|
| Application |
| CPL, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, ATPL |
| Description |
| Certified Multi-Engine. Excellent performance for procedural training. |
| Number of Aircraft in Fleet | 1 |
| Capacity | Pilot + five passengers |
| Payload | 1,782 lbs (810kg) |
| Max takeoff weight: | 4570 lbs |
| Powerplant: | 2 × 200HP Turbo Charged |
| Rate of Climb: | 1340 feet per minute |
| Cruise speed: | 189 kts |
| Maximum Range: | 991 Nautical Miles |
| Service ceiling: | 25,000 ft |
| Single engine Service ceiling: | 13,400 ft |
ALSIM FNPT II
|
| Description |
| FNPT II Simulator |
| Cerification |
| Certified to conduct aspects of the training for PPL, NR, CPL, Instrument Rating, Instructor Rating and Multi-Engine training. |
| Renewals |
| Approved for CPL/IR and Instructors Rating renewals. |
| Number in Fleet | 1 |
SIMUFLIGHT FNPT II
|
| Description |
| FNPT II Simulator |
| Cerification |
| Certified to conduct aspects of the training for PPL, NR, CPL, Instrument Rating, Instructor Rating and Multi-Engine training. |
| Renewals |
| Approved for CPL/IR, ATPL and Instructors Rating renewals. |
| Number in Fleet | 1 |
Former Pupils
The people featured here are a few of the many CTFTC Former Pupils who have gone to work in the aviation industry as Professional Pilots.
