Hi GJP737
Firstly, I would like to say that Lanseria Flight Centre (LFC) has merged with another very good flying school at Lanseria called Skyhawk Aviation - the new joint venture is currently called LFC Skyhawk (not very original, but a name had to be come up with). Some background on Skyhawk; it is a relatively young flying school, so as expected it isn't as well known as the other schools in South Africa, such as LFC. However, Skyhawk is owned & run by a South African Airways (SAA) first officer (soon to have his command) who is very heavily involved in the training at SAA & at his own school. As a result of the high training standards at Skyhawk the school has been making a
VERY GOOD name for itself in all aspects of aviation training in South Africa (from PPL to ATP). These will obviously be merged into the new company.
So now to answer you;
1) As a result of the merge there are plenty of instructors available for your training. When you sign up with LFC Skyhawk, managment will select the instructor most suited for your training needs. One thing I can guarantee, there is definately no shortage of experience in the new company. The SAA pilot refereed to above is the CFI of LFC Skyhawk, Josh (referred to by gwizzaviator is the 'second in command' CFI.
2) There are atleast 7 C172 available, along with a C182. As a result of the merge, there as also two Cherokee's; a 160 & 180 (from the Skyhawk side). So there won't be an issue with the aircraft.
3) Unfortunately, Lanseria Intl is becomming very busy. The flying schools are still very much accepted as a part of the airport industry. However, due to the recent closure (permanent) of 06R/24L - the shorter runway which was always used for the circuit trainers there is some difficulty (more so at certain times of the day, when alot of the IFR schedules arrive) with being granted circuit slots at the airport. With all the other types of flights that you would do for your PPL training; GF work & nav exercises, the ATC at Lanseria are very good about getting your aircraft away with the minimal amount of delay. If you chose to fly at Lanseria, as opposed to one of the quiter airports, such as; Grand Central or Rand, you would definately be a much for confident pilot at the end of your PPL. One might have to pay an extra R100 or so for the odd flight due to ATC delays, but the experience & confidence that you will get flying in a busy environment will definately put you in a good position for flying into any busy airport.
If you choose LFC Skyhawk, you will not be dissapointed - I've been through the system there! !
Anyway, thats my advice. PM me if you need any more advice/ help.
Mark
