Bush Pilot

OFO No:


What is a Bush Pilot?

A career as a Bush Pilot requires intricate flying skills and a sense of adventure! 

A Bush Pilot is a person who is able to fly small airplanes to and from areas usually inaccessible to larger aircraft or other means of transportation. 

Bush Pilots also need know how to fix the aircraft and survive in the bush.

Bush flying is carried out in remote and inhospitable regions of the world. It involves operations into rough terrain. Bush planes are therefore usually equipped with abnormally large tires, floats or skis.

This type of flying, combined with unpredictable weather and distance from help, means that Bush Pilots have to be very resourceful to be successful, just to stay alive. It can be dangerous.

Bush Pilots are often used to fly in supplies to remote lodges, hospitals or food aid to famine-starved communities. They may also fly passengers into lodges, take photographers on aerial shoots, help with wildlife darting and herd counting etc.

What does a Bush Pilot do?

  • maintain and service aircraft
  • pack aircraft with supplies
  • fly to remote destinations
  • unpack supplies
  • keep records

Are you … ?

  • adventurous?
  • a person who loves working in wide open spaces?
  • passionate about flying?
  • able to work on your own?
  • responsible?
  • safety conscious?

How do I become a Bush Pilot?

All training and licencing of pilots is the same in SA.

CLICK HERE to learn about the training. Look under the section: How do I become an Aeroplane Pilot?


OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Aircraft Maintenance Mechanic or Pilot

Is becoming a Bush Pilot the right career choice for me?