South Africa: Where is it cheapest to fly?

[Papa Lima Sierra]

Greetings everyone!

I am looking for a cheap place to fly and get some hours (about 100 or more) logged. It could be a Flight School, a Flying Club or any similar institution. Any small plane would do (c150/152, sling, pipers, DA, etc). A place where I can fly for less than 1000 Rands per hour is what I am looking for.

Ppruners, please help me out. This is kinda urgent. Any info will be much appreciated.

Thank you.

[cavortingcheetah]

Here's hoping you don't get messed around, falsely promised and ripped off.
Here's a genuine school with good instructors and a decent fleet operating from an excellent airfield.
Perhaps if you could commit to 100 hours, they might knock something off. Be warned also about establishing whether landing charges are an extra. In Britain, for example, many places charge a touch and go as a landing. If you bounce down the runway, each boing counts. That's just the way they are up north.
Pilot and Flight Crew Training School | Grand Central South Africa

[negus]

Try Flight Training College in George. Speak to the GM. Think they've got a few Jabirus available. Should be much less than R1000/hour. Also a very nice part of the world to fly.

[Papa Lima Sierra]

Thanks cavortingcheetah and negus. Appreciate your concern.
I am already a licensed pilot with my frozen ATPs. I need some extra hours for work permit issues. So, i don't really need training and great instructors. I just need to fly for cheap, and safely.
I emailed quite a few places. Waiting for replies. That includes FTC in George. So far, the best i can get is 1100 Rands/hour on the C150 and Sling 2 at Madiba in PE.
Negus, I will wait for a reply from FTC. Anything less than a 1000/h will work for me.

Any other suggestions from anyone?
Thanks.

Regards from Mauritius!

[congoman]

Greetings Papa Lima Sierra. Contact Mr Chris Badenhorst on email [email protected] regarding the Jabiru.

[Papa Lima Sierra]

Thanks congoman. I just sent an email. Hope he gets back soon. So far, the only option is still the Sling 2 and c150 at Madiba for R1100/h. I need to find a cheaper deal.

[CharlieVictorSierra]

What about AFOS at Rand Airport? They fly Tecnams and when I was training at Rand a few years back they were very reasonable. Good outfit as well.

AUAA at Mafikeng is also seriously reasonable. I did my initial twin there on a BE55 for an absolute steal and the instructors are top guys. You can also stay on the airfield and get fed 3 times a day, rather well I might add There you can do quick hours as they have a relatively big fleet at a quiet airport. I would hazard a guess that they would consider a good rate for you if you put 100 hours up. Weather is also great for flying up there, especially in winter (fast approaching)

PS: AUAA is an absolute 'jol' (good time) so be prepared for that, if you do go! Let me know if you do hear from them.

Good luck

[aviatron]

I second CharlieVictorSierra.

The Management at AUAA is very understanding, they will definitely try to help you out and as indicated by CVS its great fun flying at Mafikeng in winters. Do give them a shout.

[aintboeingaintgoing]

Have you tried border aviation in east London, I've flown a lot with them in the past and they have been great, usually have a ac that you can use for the full 100 hours!

[walla1]

Ayre Aviation Centre FAVG

Try Ayre Aviation Centre at Virginia airport , Durban.

they have a fleet of 4 brand new Sling2's at R990.00 per hour solo.

[booze]

Hiya,

Try Lowveld Aero Club and/or Unique Flight Academy in Nelspruit. Can't go wrong with either of them.

Also Nelspruit is a really decent place: virtually next to the Kruger and real close to Moz, if you wanna relax between flights for a day or two.

Cheers

[Wyatt Earp]

Hi PLS,
You can get a Cessna 172 for $85 /hr dry, put in your own fuel and pay your own landing fees, drop a mail to ([email protected]).
W E

[ct2003]

I recommend Stellenbosch Flying Club:
stelfly.co.za

The hire&fly rates are even cheaper if you become a member of the club. Did some hour bulding in 2009 there.