About Us
Air Tractor Delivers
AG AVIATION FLIGHT ACADEMY DIRECTOR
With over 20 years in the aviation industry, specialising in finance and business management, Graham has forged a reputable career within this space.
Graham’s vision for the Ag Aviation Flight Academy is that it supports safety in the industry, develops new pilots, and is an aspirational school that will be seen as a global leader in the years to come.
Graham is the accountable manager for Ag Aviation Flight Academy. He is responsible for the strategic direction of the academy in conjunction with industry experts, overseeing all operations and business developments.
Graham Wells – Director
Chief Flight Instructor
Koos (H.J.) Kieck, a veteran aviator with a lifelong passion for flying, has spent over five decades dedicated to aviation. Married to Linda for 51 years, they are proud parents of two sons: Erich, and Carl.
Koos’s aviation journey began as a student pilot in the South African Air Force (SAAF) in 1968, where he earned his wings on December 5, 1969. Over the years, he piloted a variety of aircraft including Harvards, Impalas, and Mirage 3s, eventually becoming an Air Warfare Instructor (PAI) and an instructor in 1972. After a distinguished career in the SAAF, Koos retired in 2009.
Post-retirement, Koos joined Aerosud as chief instructor on Impalas at Hoedspruit, training Gabonese pilots for their Air Force. Following this tenure, he transitioned to WOF/FFA as a fire bomber pilot, operating Dromader and Thrush aircraft before spending the last five years of his firefighting career on the Air Tractor 802. Koos retired from fire fighting at the end of 2022, having contributed significantly to wildfire suppression efforts.
In his current phase of life, Koos dedicates his time to giving flying instruction wherever he can, motivated by his deep gratitude for the opportunities aviation has provided him. As Chief Flight Instructor at AAFA, he eagerly looks forward to meeting new aviators and continuing to share his wealth of knowledge and experience in the aerial application field of aviation.
– Koos (H.J.) Kieck
Grade III instructor
Born in 1961 in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), Mitch Spall attended St George’s College before beginning his career in the Air Force as an apprentice for aircraft engines and airframes. Mitch relocated to Pietermaritzburg, South Africa in 1982, where he handled proclamations and expropriations for a civil engineering consultancy.
In 1987, Mitch obtained his flying licence and began his first fire season with Orsmond Aviation in June 1988. This experience led him to join the Kwa-Zulu Natal Fire Protection Association in 1991, eventually serving as their Chief Pilot until 1999. During winters in KZN, Mitch engaged in crop spraying with Orsmond Aviation and later joined Rautenbach Aerial Spraying in 1994, balancing aerial spraying in the summer with firefighting in the winter.
In 1998, Mitch founded Natal Aerial Spray. Over the years, he grew the company substantially, eventually owning two Turbine Thrush and a Turbine Air-Tractor by 2008, alongside various piston aircraft. In 2007, Mitch acquired a farm in the KZN Midlands where he began breeding Dexter cattle. Mitch has two children from his first marriage. After divorcing in 1990, he married Lyn in 1994, with whom he has two children and remains happily married.
In 2023, Mitch decided to sell Natal Aerial Spray for financial reasons. The following year, he obtained his Grade III instructor’s rating and joined Ag Aviation Flight Academy, relocating to Somerset West. Here, Mitch is eager to tackle new challenges and contribute to an industry that has been integral to his life for over 35 years.
– Mitch Spall
WHO ARE WE?
OUR VISION
OUR MISSION
To be one of the best Air Tractor training facility for pilots and engineers around the world. Helping meet the demand for aerial applicators and technicians in Africa and abroad.
WHY AG AVIATION FLIGHT ACADEMY?
01- QUALITY OF EDUCATION
With a strong focus on safety, the quality of education we provide is highly prioritised. We are an approved part 141 flight school with comprehensive, ICAO approved training programs.
02- OWN FLEET
03- BEST INSTRUCTORS
WHY TRAIN WITH US?
THE FNPT II FLIGHT SIMULATOR TECHNOLOGY PROVIDES:
REDUCED INSURANCE PREMIUMS
Our simulator provides the opportunity to endorse Air Tractor approved/verified crew members. In turn, reducing often excessive insurance premiums.
REDUCEDTRAINING COSTS
ENHANCEDPILOT CAPABILITY
For the first time, African Ag-Pilots and Engineers will not need to make the laborious journey to Europe each year. With a local operator like AAFA, regular refresher training will be more practical, affordable and accessible.
OWNER PEACE OF MIND
The Air Tractor is a high technological marvel that requires the best possible training, line checks and endorsements of pilot capability that can only be checked in a flight simulator.
our team
Elsabe Carstens
Flight School Manager
Elsabé has been working in the aviation industry for over 16 years. Most of her experience has been founded in the training sector. Her passion towards the people and industry reflects in her work. Elsabé is our ‘go-to-person’ with regards to everything flight training related. Having joined the team in 2021 she is key support to the Sales Department while also working as the AAFA Flight School Manager. With her bubbly personality and good sense of humour, she makes customers feel right at home.
Henry
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Henry is another new addition to the team. With an extensive history working in the SAAF where he has spent 22 years building his career. Specialising as an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer and Flight Engineer on both fixed and rotary wing aircraft. With this wealth of knowledge, Henry has successfully completed his instructors rating to pass on some of his knowledge and expertise. Henry has been appointed as our Operations Maintenance Manager and will be attending to all customer needs, continue building relationships and assist in training aspiring engineers.
TESTIMONIAL
This simulator is going to make a huge difference to the safety and training standards for aerial applicators in Africa. The ability to drill Standard Operating Proceedures and in-flight emergencies is immense. This machine is highly capable.
One of the best simulator replicas I’ve seen. Every piece is an original Air Tractor part. With the 270 degree view and force feed-back in the controls, it’s hard to believe that this is not a full motion simulator. An extrodinary experience indeed!
The feel of the controls in combination with the projectors create a very accurate experience. At the very least, the cockpit familiarisation will provide sufficient prep for when you get into the real thing. The training centre itself is very professional with friendly staff. Equipment is new, clean and in great condition. Flying at AG Aviation Africa has truly been a great experience.