Dirk

I am considering going to 43 Air School in Port Alfred for a full-time CPL/IR course. My eventual goal is to come back to Europe and fly for an airline here; however I would like to spend a year or two in Africa to build up my hours first.

I would like to hear from anybody who went to 43 Air School and wants to share their experience. Also any opinions, positive of negative, from other people would be much appreciated.

Does 43 Air School have the same problems as for example Oxford Air Training School in the UK ? I am referring to the recent criticism, directed at OATS, about the perceived difference in the treatment of airline-sponsored cadets versus self-sponsored students.



[This message has been edited by Dirk (edited 15 October 1999).]

Vuurpyl

Hallo Dirk,

If you will go to the following website, you get some info on all the schools in SA: http://www.aeropages.co.za

Good Luck en geniet die vlieg: Dis Moers!!

------------------
Regards

Save flying, Low & Slow and throttle back round the corners!!

Kabullet

I would appreciate any info on this school, My wife would like to do her PPL-CPL. Any info on Weather(jan-Oct), accomodation, and any other experiences would be helpful.

smallfry

They have a website at www.imaginet.co.za/43airschool/welcome.htm.
Your mate PUTCO is based there. Why don't you ask him?

[This message has been edited by smallfry (edited 13 August 2000).]

Kabullet

Thanks, I have checked the site. Was looking more for info from someone that has been there, and maybe even done one of the courses. Putco trained at another school.Thanks anyway.

smallfry

I was there in 93. I did my South African CPL ME/IR (before all the licence scandals!)
I had a great time, as everyone there was great, and the school was fun. I believe that they are much more serious now, as they do a lot of 'airline' training. I think that a PPL would still be fun there though.
The licence is based on the UK sylabus, and is of a similar standard. Port Alfred is a small backwater, but is a lot of fun if you try, and if you know somebody who owns one of the houses on the Marina, then even better. (water skiing at 3 am, jumping of the Cowie river bridge, and especially Barnacles, the nightclub!)

putco

I can go and get some info next time home Kabullet, but I don't think it's the kind you want.

Smallfry - sarcasm, I recognize that....

smallfry

Touchy or what? I merely read your details on your posting putco. Whats your problem?
You obviously know kabullet so whats so strange about suggesting that he asks you?

[This message has been edited by smallfry (edited 14 August 2000).]

Kabullet

Ok neutral corners lads. SF thanks, that gen is better. Will still look around though. Putco, turning a new forrest? Pharmesist maybe??

putco

Bwana - Forrest slowly changing and the Pharmacist always was!! Muddy is ready - sarcasm, didn't mention it wasn't the truest form of wit. Kinda like it. SF, post your e-mail, let's exchange some banter....?

Kabullet

Great Putty. The domestic seagull and I are looking at going down to PA in dec to check things out, what are your plans?

IRISHWINGS

HEARD A RUMOUR OVER HERE THAT 43 HAD BEEN SOLD TO NAC. ANY TRUTH IN THAT.

Hot Shots

Yes, NAC did buy 43 Air School. I think it is a good thing.

Skaz

Correct, the deal is done....methinks. Got the gen right from the instructor's mouth, NAC is also planning to move their helicopter training ops down there.

NAC has a reputation as a solid, safe company, 43's reputation and esteem can only be added to with this deal.

Heard 43 is giving ATP groundschool too nowadays, ecxellent groundschool instructor there. ex-saaf F1 fighter jock, good bloke, legendary stories

IRISHWINGS

SO WILL THERE BE A CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT DOWN THERE? SPENT A YEAR TRAINING IN 43, A LOT OF GOOD GUYS IN CHARGE THERE.

The Claw

Whats Jim Davis up to these day's? Is he still in the picture?

IRISHWINGS

I WAS THERE 99/00. BACK THEN HE HAD A HANDS OFF ROLE, MUST BE STILL A SHARE HOLDER. STEVE GOODRICK TOOK OVER AS CFI AND THE LAST I HEARD THERE WAS TALKS ABOUT A NEW CFI AT 43.

Rebekah

Hi,

It sounds like you all have good things to say about 43 Air School.
I am very eager to learn to fly in SA, however I am currently training in the UK but wow is it expensive.
I have looked into FTC of SA in connection with Federal Air, but anybody that could give me some helpful advice would be very much appreciated.
Regards,
Rebekah
[email protected]

The Claw

Thanks Irishwings , I did my PPL with him when he still had Cape Flying Services in George. Top bloke and I have some good memories.....

IRISHWINGS

REBEKAH,

DEPENING ON WHAT STAGE OF TRAINING YOU ARE AT, YOU HAVE A FEW OPTIONS.

HAVE YOU COMPLETED YOUR ATPL SUBJECTS YET. IF SO AND YOU ARE WORKING TOWARDS YOUR CPL/IR, I WOULD CONSIDER GOING TO THE STATES TO SAVE. CHECK OUT I.F.T.A IN STUART FLORIDA. YOU CAN GET YOUR CPL THERE FOR A GOOD PRICE WITH EXCELLENT INSTRUCTION, YOUR IR FLIGHT TEST MUST BE DONE IN JAA AIRSPACE WHICH MEENS RETURNING TO BRISTOL TO FINISH THE IR TRAINING, YOU WILL CARRY OUT 50 OF THE 55HRS IN THE STATES.

THIS CAN ALSO BE DONE IN FTC SOUTH AFRICA, BUT I THICK THEY ARE FAR TO EXPENSIVE FOR A SOUTH AFRICAN BASED SCHOOL, THEY EVEN CHARGE YOU IN STERLING, NOT ON WHEN YOU SEE THE RATES CHARGED BY THE LOCAL SCHOOLS.
WHEN I WAS IN 43 AIR SCHOOL IN 2000 I WAS PAYING 998RANDS AN HOUR FOR MULTI IR TRAINING , THATS ABOUT 95EUROS AN HOUR, COMPARE THAT TO THE UK NOW, BIG DIFFERENCE. OF COURSE43 ARE NOT YET JAA APPROVED.