African Aviation Regional issues that affect the numerous pilots who work in this area of the world.

Port Elizabeth

Old 30th Apr 2007, 19:41
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Exclamation Port Elizabeth

Hello

Sorry if i cause offence by asking this question.

Im thinking of doing my PPL in Port Elizabeth, SA.

The thing im concerned about is the crime in PA, do you think i should be concerned with the crime or do you think its nothing to worry about?

Please be honest and give you own opinion, thanks
ComeBackAtX-Mas is offline  
Old 30th Apr 2007, 21:09
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Hi there

regarding the crime in SA. i have been here for just over 43 years and so far no violations. Then again i know of some people who have suffered from crime.
i have been to the UK and i think its a lovely country. i chose to stay away from the trouble hotspots. im street smart just like you for example in parts of Manchester, you will know where to go and to avoid.
PE is a nice part of the country. can be rather windy. maybe the wind should be more of a concern. i'm sure if you express concern for your safety there will be someone to assist you (your instructor for example)
with a little common sense, alertness and DF you should be fine.
i love it here, maybe we see you.
i hope this will assist you in making the right choice.

regards
mortivflow
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Old 30th Apr 2007, 22:36
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The crime thing worries me too. I have been looking up info about living in SA for about six months now, and I'm just getting more confused. Websites either say nothing about it, or drown you with horrible stories. I read articles that even compare SA to Iraq concerning violence noting that there is peace in SA. I just don't know what to believe anymore. I guess, I should just go there start flying and don't give a damn.
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Old 1st May 2007, 02:33
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Not sure about PE but I just spent a few days In Port Alfred, SA was a nice place! Except for No electricity all day Sunday!!!!
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Old 1st May 2007, 03:28
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Port Alfred?!

NW_Pilot, how long ago was that? I have spent numerous months in Port Alfred, as this is where my family lives and I can't remember ever having a power outage.
There is however a great flying school in Port Alfred (43rd Air Wing) that seems to do a great job training the pilots. They train on some pretty windy days and in my opinion there is nothing wrong with training in the wind. It creates good habits especially if in a tailwheel aircraft!

I have spent a little time in Port Elizabeth and it seems like a nice city, obviously you want to steer clear of some areas, like any city in the world and enjoy the flying. Very active airport, and of course windy.
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Old 1st May 2007, 04:51
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Contact Glynis at Algoa Flight Centre she will see you right.

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Old 1st May 2007, 07:12
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PE is safe

There is hardly a safer place in South Africa than Port Elizabeth. Violent crime is negligible and is no more prevalent than in any similiar city in the USA or the UK!! Petty crime is quite rampant but is mainly limited to theft of a non-violant nature.

If you are looking for good value training, then forget about 43 Air School and look at APTRAC or the Algoa Flying Club in PE. It is a fantastic city with lots to do when you are not busy with flight training. Great beaches, restaurants, night clubs, friendly people and fantastic recreatonal activities (game farms etc) within a couple of hours drive away.

The only major negative with training at any of the coastal schools is the wind and weather which will see you wasting at least a third or more of your time waiting it out.
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Old 1st May 2007, 07:33
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Progress flight academy

Its no secret that crime is a problem in SA, but as long as you are aware of it then it shouldnt be a problem. Try Progress Flight Academy, the training is fantastic.
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Old 1st May 2007, 08:51
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FYI per capita crime statistics in PE are now the highest in the country. Bearing in mind that it is not as populated as Gauteng.
13,000 Terror Related deaths in Iraq last year, according to CNBC. 21,000 murders in South Africa for the same period.
Still a good place to live but don't be misled about the stats...
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Old 1st May 2007, 09:11
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Hi
Thanks
Could you please give me a price for 43 Flight School to do a PPL? Including Accomodation?

Thanks
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Old 1st May 2007, 10:04
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Hey comeback, give them a call, they will tell you the price!
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Old 1st May 2007, 11:03
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And after that give Flight Training College in George a call. They have branches in George and Oudtshoorn so weather is seldom a problem. Of all the coastal venues crime is probabally the lowest there.

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Old 1st May 2007, 11:52
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Great infos here guys, thanks! Is anybody familiar with Nelair Flight Academy in Nelspruit?

ComebackatXmas, I have been emailing schools for a while now and they always very helpful and get back to you with everything you need to know usually within one day.

How much is a bottle of beer in SA? Do you have the half liter bottle or the 0.33 L one?
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Old 1st May 2007, 12:40
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Enough.

You aspirant PPL's have got enough to work on &, as you say, you normally get a quick response to your emails. Ask them how much a bottle of beer is.

Feel free to continue asking questions to the guys who've been helpful to you questions, by email or PM. Oh, and ask them how much a bottle of beer is.

4HP
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