Flying in SA on a US PPL

[ahw01]

If I want to fly in SA on a US PPL...

I am told I have to validate/convert my license. Validation is mainly paperwork i believe, however...If I owned a ZS- registered aircraft would I need to do that? I can understand that for renting an aircraft with insurance issues etc... Also, what exactly does validation entail, and is it cheaper to reregister the aircraft as N- registered, should <and hopefully i shouldnt - after all we all fly the same> I have to do it?

Hope you can help

Cheers

Alex

[clipboard]

If you have a FAA PPL and own a "N" registered airplane, you can fly around SA, no problem.

If you have a FAA PPL and own or fly a "ZS" registered airplane, you need to get a SA PPL validation.

Go the SACAA website, www.caa.co.za and download a form numbered CA61-122. This is an Application for Validation of an Air Crew Licence. Fill it out and include certified copies of all your airmen certificates, and mail it to the Licencing Dept at the CAA, Private Bag X08 Waterkloof 0145. Include R171.00 for fees.

In most cases they would require you to go to a flying school and write the SA PPL Air Law exam and take a PPL Checkride with the club instructor.

Good luck and happy flying.

[B Sousa]

A couple of questions come to mind as an outsider. Are you a citzen of SA?? If so, it does sound like your trying to circumvent the purpose of having a license in your own country.
If your a US citizen just visiting or living there seasonally, the best way to go IS to get your license validated to allow you to fly ZS aircraft within the country. As I have been told writing the Air Law exam will help get that done if you want the validation for over 90 days.
If your not an SA citizen and residing there permanently you will find that your best bet for continued flying without hassle will be to get an SA license.
Second thought is dont trust the mail with any Original Documents......They have a tendancy to get lost...... You can get copies notarized BTDT
One business that deals with those needing validation on FAA license is www.hanksaero.com
Im sure if you gave them a call they could also help or at least give you some information.
Good Luck, its a most beautiful place to fly.

[ahw01]

Im from the UK. Wouldnt mind living permanently in SA though given i worked there - why go through all this validation etc, we all fly the same so to speak, anyways hopefully I'll get it done next week when I'm out there. Reregistering the aircraft sounds cheaper in the long run, might be the answer, rather than validating every year.

Cheers

Alex

[ahw01]

Registering / Reregistering an N-reg Aircraft in SA

What are the benefits of N- registration compared to ZS-Registration?

What would have to be done to reregister a ZS- registered aircraft to be N- registered, and operated in SA?

I might buy a new Aircraft, and have it N- registered - would there be any problems in flying it in SA?

I'm imagining that if a ZS- registered aircraft was reregistered, it might have to be awarded a new AC from the FAA and approved, but after that as long as it is maintained to FAA standards it should be ok.

One advantage is not having to renew the AC (=CofA) but I can't remember if SA is similar to the UK on that

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

Regards

Alex Walker

[B Sousa]

Aslo if your in Sommerset West, your a stones throw away from having a Beer with Gunns. IF YOU BUY, he will tell you anything you need to know.......including more information than you need.