Flight Training in South Africa

[Egyptair]

Hi,

Want to be trained is south africa (time consuming and low cost)

My goal is to be hired as an First Officer in an middle east Airliner like EGYPTAIR thus mean that i need : PPL,CPL,WRITTEN ATPL (ICAO)

Does anyone know a good Flight school in South africa that can give me these licences in minimal time and cost (accomodation is also req. since i live in Egypt)????

my budget is 30000$

THANKS

[Hobgoblin]

Speak to the guys at Cape Flying Services. I had a good service from them and the flying down there (George) is stunning.

Also living in the crew house is good fun.:ok:

[petesevenseven]

EgyptAir,

You have made the right choice in chosing South Africa. The South Africans certainly take their flying very seriously, and Africa is a great place to fly to gain some Experience befor going off and applying to your national Airline Misr Tyran!!!!!

I would recommend 43 AirSchool in South Africa apparently they the more expensive school but from what alot of they guy's Ive spoken to have said they get the job done right first time!!!!

I did all my training in the US and now after a good 5 years of commercial flying I'm doing my ATPL in the UK!!! I can definately say that if I had my time again I would have definately gone to South Africa!!!!

You wont have much change out of 30,000US$ these days but try to make the most out of what you have!!!


Good Luck!!!!

[Egyptair]

Why is 30000 us$ not enough,i can see many schools in SA ranging the CPL\IR with multiengine rating bet.150000-180000R
which is totaly within my budget


Thanks for the replies keep em coming i really want your help

for petesevenseven: from where r u? u know misr eltayaran!!!

[Leezyjet]

Also try Algoa. They are a flying club that teaches rather than an out and out flying school like the other places mentioned.

They are based at Port Elizabeth Airport, so no paying for flight time to practice instrument approaches like you would have to with some of the other schools.

I did my PPL with them and it's a great place. Nice people and a good social scene too.

Here is their website :-

www.algoafc.co.za

:)

[markflyer6580]

Does anybody know of a good spot in S.Efrica to do some hour building based near johannesburg?
A freind of mine works there and lives about 30 min from the intl airport,I was going to florida,but free accom and cheapish flights are tempting,from what I hear there is some fantastic flying to be had too.

Any help/advice/experiences you could share would be helpful (I am aware of the crime/security situation!)

Also whats the score with licensing,will I require the same amount of hassle and paperwork as is required in the u.s or is it a case of a checkride and medical?

Thanks, Mark.:ok:

Edit to add I have just found this thread http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=174822 however any new info would be welcome!

[pilotezulu]

hey markflyer6580,

Some good places near joberg would be in pretoria/midrand. Not sure what you're lookin at flying. If it's just hour building on a basic single/twin ... there are lots of flying schools based in Pretoria (Wonderboom) & Grand Central.

I went to a school in pretoria to get my PPL & Night Rating. Was a good deal, and you can get plenty of flying done. Weather is probably getting better now...since the rains should be over soon. I might be going back there in March to do some hour building myself. Plenty of scenic places to visit near the area if you'd like that too.

Anyway, PM if you have need any more info. I could get you some info on flying at Wonderboom, know a bunch of people there.

[markflyer6580]

cheers -check pms:ok:

[jar-dk]

If something goes wrong up in the country near Jo'burg and u need another place to fly/ school these guys are the real mccoy and its on the coast with plenty of things to do.

http://www.flighttraining.co.za/

[birdlady]

Mark,

You wont regret chossing SA for flying. It's an absolutely wonderful country. Just a word from the wise..... never, under any circumstances, pay upfront.

You might find this site interesting www.avcom.co.za

:ok: :ok:

[Ultranomad]

Speaking of cheap hour building, another interesting choice seems to be Argentina.
http://www.patagonianskies.com.ar/ offered Piper Tomahawk and Cessna 150 at some 40 USD/hour (can't get their site to respond right now, hopefully they are still in operation)
http://www.malvinasargentinas.com.ar/aeroclub/ offers PA11 (tailwheel!) at 37 USD/hour.

[markflyer6580]

Thats some cheap flying :ok:

[strafer]

Malvinasargentinas.com:confused: :confused: :confused:
I shan't comment in case I get another post deleted.

[pilotezulu]

Speaking of cheap hour building, another interesting choice seems to be Argentina.
Cessna 150 at some 40 USD/hour
PA11 (tailwheel!) at 37 USD/hour.

wow... that is cheap flying Anton_K. Btw, did you do any flying there or is it just a suggestion? Are their planes reliable? :P

My best friend is from Bolivia, I'm sure going to Argentina won't be a problem if I can make the trip. I got friends in Santiago, Chile too. Gosh, South America here I come!

What is life in Argentina like anyway? (sorry, i may be drifting off topic)

[Ultranomad]

Pilotezulu, I'm in Europe and have not been to South America yet, but I am seriously considering this option for the end of this year. Right now I am just gathering information.

[learboys]

Hi there

Well just to let you know there are alot of flying schools in and around JHB, the prices have gone up due to fuel charges but you can still get aircraft cheap. www.airborneaviation.co.za do alot of hour building, Sam the owner takes special care with all students. For hour building he doesnt believe in base flying, its long flights, arranges accommodation and all, very helpful.

Other operators at Lanseria Airport
learn to fly
Wits flying club
Lanseria flight centre
N.A.C
Foster Aero

Be aware that you will have to do a validation, involves a medical, airlaw exam ppl and a flight test. Bonus aviation(Cranfield) do South African validations and medicals(SA) can be done near Gatwick. This will save you alot of hassel as well as time, as you might spend 3-4 days doing this down South. It is a little more expensive doing it in the UK.

Don't pay upfront, pay a deposit to secure an aircraft, you will have to pay the full amount before flying, and over and above on your return if extra hours flown. Parking landing fees are still cheap, average of about 6 pounds and overnight parking at international airports(VFR only). There are a large number of smaller airports that charge about 2 to 3 pounds a night for parking or landing fees.

Have fun there, its great weather, storms seldom last more that 3 hours, there is alot to see from the Kuger to Cape town, Gardern Route(its still the most scenic and beautiful flight with whales that I have ever flown) Natal, Mozimbique, Botswana and Namibia. Best of all the beer is cheap, 80 cents.

Its good value flying

If you folks would like more info you can gladly contact me [email protected]

[flying paddy]

Dont forget to check out Gaborone, Botswana. Cool place as well.

[avertec]

YOU CANT GO WRONG FLYING IN SA. tHE BEST OF EVERYTHING! Weather's great. Countries great! Chicks are great. flyings the best! Lots of entertainment!
EVEN THE SCHYSTERS LIKE GT AT CFS ARE ENTERTAINING - ALWAYS UP TO SOME TRICK. HOWS IT going THIS TIME G? How many guys are hauling your ass before da judge this year? Heard there were 66 names on a list, all wanting a piece of you! Whatcha gonna do when they come for you...bad boys bad boys:{ tell us how it happened? Was it racism? was it the legacy of apartheid?was it the evil competition?... or were you just schnying anyone you could? My bet is that it was someonelses fault -maybe that evil little CAA examiner for exposing you. But your fault!.... Oh nooo!!! you must be innocent as a new born lamb! yeh - right!!! Common tell us what really happened. The truth now - not the bull you dish out to your company faithful. we already now about that so you cant Bull$$$$tt us. Lets see if you've got the guts to tell it like it is and not hide behind your own pathetic forum.

[lionco]

So you had a bad experience in SA?????
By all means warn all who may follow but your rant is rather pointless, unless of course all you wanted, was to get it off your chest:hmm:

[B2N2]

By all means continue.....:rolleyes:

[porridge]

GT has long ago discovered that in Flight Training there is one born every second; and so he has, and will continue to, prosper.
Most individuals wouldn't know what a "Caveat Emptor" is if one came up to them and bit them in the face.
I too wish I had a nice mansion and a deep sea sport fishing vessel and all the the other trappings. Yes I am jealous, but I sleep well at night!

[Brandten]

Hi

Anyone have something to say about this school or any other flight training in South Africa ? Im moving down there 3 of July and gonna do my CPL training down there, so i guess its already to late to ask for opinions but hey... all info is good to have :)

How is the South African authority to "deal" with ?
Anything special i should think of down there ?

Oh, btw: How is the market for new pilots in ASIA/Pacific ?
Is it as hard as here in Northern Europe to get work ?

[Ross Nelson]

43 Air School is by far the best in South Africa. Do the training for South African Airways Cadets and have just started JAR for some Irish cadets.
Very good training and really nice area to fly in.
S.A CAA is fine. Probably easier to deal with than the UK and you can book to write whenever you want.
I have heard there is stuff going in North Africa areas on caravans etc, but you have to literally go up there and hang round the airfields bugging people. The larger airlines look for fulla tpl and loads of hours.
Always places to instruct as well if you want to go that way.
Which school you going to?

[Leezyjet]

Try Algoa in Port Elizabeth. They are pretty good. Not the full on regimented flight school like 43 AS, just a nice and relaxed flying club that happens to teach PPL/CPL/ME/IR too.

The atmosphere is very calm and relaxed so there is very little pressure on you, and there is pretty good a/c availability too even though it is a relatively small fleet compared to other flight schools. There is a maintanence facility right next door, so u/s a/c get fixed right away so down time is minimal. You will also be flying out of a "real" airport mixing it with the big boys and using "real" atc too.

Most of the CPL classes are in the evening, so you get plenty of time during the day to go fly, hit the beach, work, revise, etc.

They don't advertise anywhere except on their website - it's pretty much all done through word of mouth.

Look them up, and remember bigger is not always better.

:ok:

[Brandten]

Thanks for the words. Im starting at Fedair flightschool in Durban in August. Ive heard some nice things about 43, and ive talked to the school while i was investigating where to take my CPL.
Talked to about 100 different schools all over the world, Europe, South Africa, UK, USA, China, Thailand and Australia.... most of the was way to expensive if you look what to get for the money.

Then, i flew down to SA for some vacation (have a friend down there) and i got intouch with Fedair. A Swedish guy that handle the recruitment for the Europeans that wanna get down there and fly, and i also talked to all the Swedish students at the school. Got a really good impression, and... here i am. Plane tickets booked, appartement rented out and all setup to go :)

[flying paddy]

Hi

You know the biggest isn't always the best, have a look around the other countries in and around southern africa (eg Namibia, Botswana), You wont be put through the sausage grinder.

regards

Flying Paddy

[ZS-BAA]

FedAir at FAVG has pretty decent quality training, the only thing that I don't like about them, is that they don't have the largest fleet of planes availabe. As far as I know off-hand is that they have a C152 and they rent a P28R from Virginia Flight School, whom I have done all my training with. I have heard from a few people at FedAir that it is probably the best on the airfield.

Where in Durban are you going to be staying Brandten? Have you done any flight training or are you starting from scratch?

[Ronnie Frown]

Hi

Does anyone know anything about TH-aviation-connexions? I saw their web-site, but that's all. Actually, every school looks good on the net, so it is hard to make a decision where to go. I have no chance to visit a couple of them, so I write emails and make phone calls. I have the same question about LFC and Blue chip aviation. I'd like to go to South Africa around march and get the CPL from scratch. I flew 200 hours on gliders. Do you guys know if that matters anything regarding the time build up after the PPL?

Thanks in advance

[Jetstream_lover]

Just a Quick Note on Fedair, I know these guys very well and also have flown there. I have found them to not only be very professional and friendly, but also to treat you as a person and not as a number. The Chief Pilot is a great guy who has lots of expierence as a charter pilot/instructor (to this day he is still one of the best guys that I have flown with). The whole team at Fedair are Grade A guys and I would not hesitate to send anyone there.

I certainly have done alright since ive left them!

Also some good parties at that place!

[Ronnie Frown]

Do they have a website?

[Jetstream_lover]

Yes, Indeed they do have a website.

http://www.fedair.com/

Click on pilot training. Word of warning. Do not go to South Africa with the idea that you will do your training in SA, and then work in SA. That is near if not impossible, work permit situation in South Africa not so easy and lots of low hour'd ladies and gents looking for work.

Advantages of Training in SA are:

1.Get Licence and work for an South African 'Contract' Company, however you usually need hours on C208B, B200/1900, Twin Otter and have a few more hours than 200.

2. Get SA Licence and go to Botswana, Mozambique or Tanzania and look for 'Bush' work, great way to build hours. 206/210's

3. Get CPL/IR then convert the JAA (although this is lengthy and expensive)


Best of luck, give a company like Fedair a shout and speak to them. I know plenty of guys who have done the SA Licence, worked in Botswana/Tanzania for a few years, and back in the UK doing JAR conversion. Difference between them and newbies is they have a few thousand hours.

Cheers

[Ronnie Frown]

Thank you for the info Jetstream lover!
I'm trying to gather as much information about South African flight schools as I can. This school choosing process kills me though. I don't know anybody there and never been there.

Yes, I have read that foreigners have no chance to work there, but that doesn't bother me at the moment, and I'm not planning on that anyway. I'm more worried about living expenses during the training. I'm about to spend my life saving and wouldn't like to get broke before finishing school. Anyway, I have a couple of months to figure things out. This forum definitely helps.

[LostAndFound]

Hi, i have the follwoing questions:
Any info on babcock central flying school at midrand?
Any good flying schools in Jborg or capetown.
Thx

[Ronnie Frown]

I found LFC and Blue Chip Aviation in the Johannesburg area on the net. I'm sure there are more. I wrote them but never got an answer. I might have given a wrong email address, though.

[HUGS]

Look at this website under services. They seem to have a list of hundreds of flying schools there. http://www.aviationdirect.co.za/

My experience was not that good when it came to service from some of the major training facilities in the Johannesburg area. It seems safety has taken a dive. Most of there aircraft I was looking at hiring were old and in bad shape and I soon changed my mind. Be careful who you go to and pay as you go, Dont put money upfront!! Safety would be my main concern and there standard of maintenance. There has been an acccident in the last week with one of the main training facilities in SA.

The great thing is its an amazing place to fly and a lovely country to see from the air. Good luck in your training and have fun!!

[aerobatic sean]

I would not consider Cape Town for any flight training - for the single reason that Cape Town international airport is difficult and distracting for training purposes - single runway/taxi time/ long waits for airline traffic and worse of all being hurried by controllers and requirement often to land long etc.
It is a shame - I am a Capetonian who flies there sometimes and I hate to turn anyone away from Cape Town. The only way that training will become practical in Cape Town if is a small airfield Fisantekraal attracts a serious flying training organisation with a good instructors , good aircraft and a safety culture.
I have flown with Virginia Flight Service in Durban - good instructor and a lovely PA 28R. The airfield at Virginia and surround seems ideal for training - little commercial traffic , a TMA to grapple with etc I will return there for comm training or Fedair also at Virginia.

Would like to hear comments on Progress Flying School in Port Elisabeth

Would like information on any SA training school where I can fly tailwheel?
I know Babcock academy in Joburg used to have an aerobatic Citabria on line with a highly thought of specialised aerobatic/ tailwheel instructor - is he still there? Sorry no name I have left his card in SA

aerobatic sean - keep the blue side down

[Ronnie Frown]

Hey Sean, I just found this website. They have a Pitts Special for ya. The place is a bit far from Joburg or Cape Town, though.

http://www.flighttraining.co.za/1frames.htm

[captwannabe]

I am looking for information about Flight Training College George from people who have trained there recently, or are currently training there.

Regards,
Captwannabe

[jar-dk]

I trained there a bit over a year ago and found it good, cheap, nice relaxed atmosphere and a nice airport, relatively busy and full I equipped. Send me a PM and ill hook you up with someone who trained there this year! Yes it might be a bit far from What we know about SA - CT and JB but who cares, there is more to SA than those places. George is a provincial capital with around 100K people I have read somewhere, and 10min drive from the beach!:8

[birdlady]

If your looking for more information on training in SA you will definately find this website usefull. www.avcom.co.za

A word from the wise I would give two of the schools mentioned a wide berth. Im not going to name them here as Im not prepared to take the fallout :rolleyes: :rolleyes: but your more than welcome to pm me.:ok: :ok:

[Woof etc]

You might want to consider Algoa. Never flown there myself, no affiliation, but they more often than not get a good rap on the net. Also a nice location on the coast with variable weather and at an airport with approach facilities. If I did it again I think thats where I would go.

Personally, I think 43rd is too expensive, and you might not like the regimented style, especially if you are older. There is no doubting the quality of their training though - went there myself, but it was cheaper and smaller then.

Progress also offers quality training aimed at the commercial student but a bit more personal and smaller than 43. Theres also APTRAC at Port Elizabeth...dont know much about them though.

Dont ignore the smaller operators. Many of them offer quality training and a more personal approach. As always, choosing the right instructor is as important as the school, if not more so. Best would be to come out to SA and go and visit the schools yourself - have a great holiday at the same time.

[Ronnie Frown]

Hello everyone!

I'd like to go for a CPL, ME, IR from scratch and whatever else that fits in my budget. I have e-mailed several schools in SA in the past month, and I've got quotes that include accommodation. They sound good, however, these are cost breakdowns, and I'd like to come up with some kind of an estimate.

I'd like to get some info from people who have done their training in SA recently. What should I expect in total cost after a one year training with the above mentioned ratings? Did you spend as much as you had calculated before training? Do I need more money than the school says? How much more?
Let's assume that I'm an average guy, with average skills, and average beer consuming habits.

thanks

Ronnie

[Ballistic]

Hello people,

Just wanted to find out if anyone has any information about the following school based out in South Africa. The price is really good. They're quoting £19K for the full training including accommodation and meals. The license would have to be converted on returning to the UK but I'm guessing that it shouldn't cost more than another £5K.

[GgW]

Ballistic

When you say full training I assume that is from 0 hours to the SA CPL with a ME/IR. The £ 19 000.00 is a bit unrealistic. The pound is very strong against the South African Rand at the moment, but that is a artificial thing ( our politicians screwed up somewhere , again! ) and will be restored in the next few months.
To convert that to the Uk CPL ME/IR is going to cost you between £ 10500 to £13 000. Not including the MCC.

You will have to do your research again and do not forget CAA fees, groundschool and aircraft rental for the test.

Phone any school in the UK that do convertions and you will get to that prices.
Cheers
GgW

[Asrian]

Does anyone have experience with Nelair Flight Training or th-aviation-connexions? Is this the same company? They are located in Nelspruit.
Can You recommend them?

[Blaa78]

Some words on Nelair (Th-aviation connexions is the recruitment company for Nelair flight academy.)

I just got back from Nelair a couple of days ago. Did my PPL there and had the time of my life. It is definitly not regimented as i guess 43 is,rather laidback and personal. The joke on base was that it would make an excellent sitcom with all the different personalities(no names,you know who you are :p ).
Training is on C150`s & C172`s and they also have some Cessna twins for the commercial students.
The airfield is perfect for training as the runway is short,very narrow,downhill sloping,always warm,humid,bumpy conditions and it`s at 2900 ft elevation. It is also located inside the Kruger mpumalanga international airspace which gives you atc training once outside the circuit. The surrounding scenery of the Loweld area is spectacular as well. You have the Drakensberg to the west with enourmous plateau mountains and huge canyons,and the Kruger park to the east. All 30 minutes from the airfield. Perfect for x-country.
Nelair also has it`s own maintainance and charter on the airport and there are several other companies including the local police helicopters,fire-bombers etc. The charter business operates numerous different aircraft such as B200 & 1900`s, LET`s, Gulfstreams, Caravans, several piston twins and C206 etc. Planes are coming and going all the time, so there`s alot going on.

PPL training is primarly focused on the flying part so be prepared to do some studying on your own. There is PPL ground school,but it is of the "rush through the basics" type.
The commercial students are trained by a 70-something veteran who has over 300 typeratings & 18000 hours,this guy has flown everything from spitfires to jumbo`s and have unlimited knowledge and stories. The guy is living aviation history and the students seemed privileged to have him has instructor. :D

On the downside: Well,Nelspruit ain`t exactly the centre of the universe..On the social side the biggest happening is (fanfare) The MALL. This is where everybody in the greater Nelspruit area gathers. It`s the local francise of hell. As for nightlife there are two or three decent places,unless you like afrikaaner-folkmusic-trance-remixes & barfights :ugh: Then you`ll be in for a treat.
Spend your money on a rental car instead and travel around,there`s a lot to see. Also, beware of the chief of the kitchen on the school. If you don`t eat your food,she will give you hell. She also shouts at the VIP guests on the charter planes for not eating their inflight meal! As i said,it would make a great sitcom..:E

So it`s definitly a great place to do the PPL/vacation thing. Most do it in 5 weeks and it`s cheap. You also meet a lot of interesting people of all ages and all walks of life.

As for the CPL i guess it`s the place you would go to if bush flying on small props is in Africa is your thing. It`s not a bus-737 pilot-factory and the instructor teaches you things that`s not in the books:}

Ok,sorry guys for making this a bit too lenghty,but i had a hard time finding anything on Nelair/th-avaition before i went down there..Hopefully this will help somebody.

Do not hesitate to send me PM or email.

[Dreamairliner_340]

I am new to PPrune, and am on the verge of embarking on my dream.

On the verge well, am still working to earn enough to pay for my courses at 43 Air School in South Africa and expect to kick start only around August 2008. Don't want to wait but have to, financial constraints.

I would like to make all possible cost savings however.

I have requested for quotations from 43 at different periods, and have noticed that they seem to increase in amount each month. What increases is not course fees but accomodation.

I would like to get advice from anybody who lives around in Port Alfred/or has done his cpl at 43 to tell me if it is possible to arrange for alternative accomodation around in port alfred and roughly how much would that cost.

Right now accomodation is costing R5000/month according to 43 quotation.

Thanks and wish me luck!:cool:

I will definitely need all the luck to start at the age of 28 in 2008.:E

[kinnie]

5000R per month does seem expensive. i also thought the same as you. I have a few 2 bedroom properties in a sought after area of Cape Town that i rent out for about 1000R less than that.

43 quoted me 5000R per month 2 weeks ago.

i also do not intend to start until 2008, but am also considering UK to train as i am British.

[Fabbe_Far]

Try Federalair!!!!!
Lot of European pilots...

[technohouse]

Hi,

I'm going to be spending a few months in Port Elizabeth and I thought that I would do my 50 hours solo/cross country down there as I am working towards my JAA CPL.

I have contacted two training schools for information and prices.

Aptrac airline training and Progress flight academy.

If anybody has had any first hand experience or has any reliable knowledge of either school, I would be very grateful.

Thanks

T-H

[Heliport]

There's lots of information about training in South Africa >>> HERE (http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthread.php?t=174822)

I haven't looked to see if there's anything about the schools you mention but, if not, you could ask.

[south coast]

Go to Progress...

Highly recommend them, I did my training there.

[aka03271]

Egyptair
where did you complete your training?

[Jim-J]

Just as an idea as to the cost of training in S.A:
I completed my ComIF (SE) + instructors rating earlier this year and it set me back around R180000 for all the flying/instruction/exams etc. Or there about's - so S.A is def one of the cheapest around.....

:)

[yasha6469]

I'm looking for a serious flight school that offers building hours on a B737NG-300-900. I need to build my hours and fast. Any suggestions in SA?

[ITO]

BOY ! ya must having a lot's of puppies to build up hours on a Boeing :}:}:} Take me with ya for some rides :} But did you mean that you have a type rating on NG's, and that you want to find a company that could eventually take you up for a kinf of line training to get the 500H on type ?

Back to the training in SA, I did my PPL/NR at Lanseria with a school that wasn't that good in managing there business ! After, I was hiring Lanseria Flight centre aircrafts, nice one, good condition, but I do not know anything about there training. It is said that it's nice, but I do not like the attitude of there CFI. At the end of the day, arn't we with our money ?

Good luck Egyptair.