Aerospace Training Academy of South AfricaATASA

The Aerospace Training Academy of South Africa, known as ATASA, is a private aviation training academy founded in 2017 and based in Boksburg, Gauteng. It is an approved aviation training organisation of the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) and is approved by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) as a skills development provider. Its stated aim is to supply the aviation industry with qualified people, and its training is run through its School of Engineering.

Teaching happens in person at the academy's office park in Bardene, Boksburg, where classroom theory is combined with hands-on work in systems labs and with computer-based training. The site does not describe any distance or fully online study option. Learners on funded programmes also complete on-the-job training with aircraft maintenance organisations elsewhere in South Africa.

The focus is aircraft maintenance engineering. ATASA advertises a one-year certificate and a three-year diploma in aircraft maintenance engineering, presented as steps towards becoming a licensed aircraft engineer, along with QCTO trade qualifications for the aircraft radiotrician, avionician, electrical and instrument trades. Shorter options include SACAA-approved licensing courses on civil aviation regulations, gas turbine engines and avionics, plus professional development training for engineers, technicians and managers already working in the industry.

Applications are made through an online form or by WhatsApp and are accepted throughout the academic year rather than against a single closing date. Applicants need a National Senior Certificate with a pass that allows higher certificate, diploma or degree study, and English, Mathematics and Physical Science are required. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted in place of Mathematics. International applicants need a study visa issued in the academy's name.

A non-refundable application fee is charged, and programme fees are set out in a fee schedule and course brochures published by the academy. Students who cannot pay upfront can apply for study finance through the funding partners, once they hold an acceptance letter from ATASA. Some of its avionics training has also been run as a funded learnership backed by the National Skills Fund.