SACAA to EASA PPL Conversion

[Thesk]

Hi all,

I am hoping to gain a much needed, simplified explanation on how to convert a SACAA PPL to an EASA PPL. I ask because I am a UK citizen with family in SA and have my heart set on getting a PPL at flight training centre, George, South Africa. So far I have been bashing my head on walls searching PPRUNE, AV and the very confusing CAA website. I have picked up snippets of information here and there but no explanation that has clarified the process.

so:

1) Will I be able to fly in the UK with JUST the SACAA PPL?
2) What is the process for converting a SACAA to EASA PPL?
3) How long does the process take?
4) How much will the conversion cost once I return to the UK? (the PPL will already be in the region of £5K)

If it helps here is the link to the course I want to do:
Private Pilots Licence | Flight Training South Africa Pilot Training Garden Route (http://www.flighttraining.co.za/index.php?comp=content&id=19)

Hoping the experts of PPRUNE will have some experience with this, any info you could provide would be hugely appreciated! :D

[Prop swinger]

1) Will I be able to fly in the UK with JUST the SACAA PPL?Yes & no. 8th April 2016 is the current cut off date, on & after which you will need an EASA licence to fly an EASA CofA aircraft. After that date your SA licence could only be used in non-EASA aircraft.

2) What is the process for converting a SACAA to EASA PPL? Here's the regulation:1. A PPL/BPL/SPL, a CPL or ATPL licence issued in compliance with the requirements of Annex 1 to the Chicago Convention by a third country may be converted into a Part-FCL PPL/BPL/SPL with a single-pilot class or type rating by the competent authority of a Member State. The pilot shall apply to the competent authority of the Member State where he/she resides or is established.

2. The holder of the licence shall comply with the following minimum requirements, for the relevant aircraft category:


(a) pass a written examination in Air Law and Human Performance;
(b) pass the PPL, BPL or SPL skill test, as relevant, in accordance with Part-FCL;
(c) fulfil the requirements for the issue of the relevant class or type rating, in accordance with Subpart H;
(d) hold at least a Class 2 medical certificate, issued in accordance with Part-Medical;
(e) demonstrate that he/she has acquired language proficiency in accordance with FCL.055;
(f) have completed at least 100 hours of flight time as a pilot

If the 100 hours is a problem there is an alternative route SA PPL --> NPPL SSEA --> EASA LAPL(A).

3) How long does the process take?
4) How much will the conversion cost once I return to the UK? (the PPL will already be in the region of £5K)Minimal extra training + the skill test, so a few hours & a few hundred quid.

[ifitaintboeing]

If the 100 hours is a problem there is an alternative route SA PPL --> NPPL SSEA --> EASA LAPL(A).

...until 08th April 2018.

ifitaint...

[Helicopterdriverguy]

Anybody know how to do it the other way around?
EASA PPL to SA PPL?

[Thesk]

Thanks Prop Swinger that's great information!

I imagine for me the 100 hours would be a problem,

If the 100 hours is a problem there is an alternative route SA PPL --> NPPL SSEA --> EASA LAPL(A).

Is the process the same for this route? eg minimal extra training and the skill cost?

Many thanks!

[ifitaintboeing]

See paragraph 2.3 of the NPPL document:

http://nationalprivatepilotslicence.co.uk/NPPL%20XC%20REV%2011.pdf

A NPPL adviser will assess your experience and provide you with an individual assessment. You must complete the training and examinations stipulated in order to obtain a UK NPPL. You can then apply to the UK CAA as a paperwork process only to convert the NPPL to a EASA LAPL(A) in accordance with CAP 804, Section 4, Part P, page 11.

ifitaint...

[kingbing]

Does anyone know if SA PPL hours can count towards a EASA PPL? If, for example, I started a PPL in South Africa and did 45 hours, then came back to the UK to finish off with last few hours, then the skills tests (and relevant exam tests), would the 45 hours count?

With the Rand so weak at present, starting PPL at least in SA looks v tempting, and the weather's better for sure...

Thanks