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]