where to go from here???????
 

Hello ALL

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just a few quick questions for those with more experience then myself. I have a JAA PPL which I completed a year ago here in SA at FTC. Unfortunately, as Im sure most of you are aware, they no longer exist. I decided to go back to Ireland, to earn some dosh and finish my licence over there. I lasted three months. I realised that it was just prohibitvely expensive, weather is sh!te, and the training is better here in SA. So after only three months, came back to SA. I never thought in a million years that I would decide to settle here in SA but its the place to be. I think once africa gets into the blood it never leaves. I know face the dilema of where to do my CPL. I would like to stay in Johannesburg cause, sad I know, my parents live here so I know I would at least have a roof over my head (wouldnt have to worry about the expense of rent and food). Where to go though in Jhb for CPL? Have considered Lanseria Flight Centre (not a chance as did some flying with them for my SA PPL and wasnt impressed), Wits Flying Club (Lanseria), Superior Pilot Services (FAGC), Central Flying Academy (CFA) and Avex. Avex's notes for the CPL look rather good but dont know much about their reputation. I have done some flying with Superior Pilot Services, and was very impressed only problem is they dont have any of their own aircraft at the moment so they are using Avex's. Wits flying club has very cheap aircraft rental but also dont know much about their reputation and dont know what their aircraft are like. If necessary, I would go somewhere other than JHB but would prefer to stay here. Any suggestions or comments on schools I have mentioned or not mentioned? I have heard mixed reports on 43 and Progress.

Once my CPL is out of the way, I would love to either to do my instructors rating or if possible try and find some charter work. I heard Maun in Bots is willing to hire low hour pilots with a type rating? As Im not South African what are my chances of actually getting a work permit or even permanent residency.Has anyone out there had experience with this? If I decide to do my instructors rating where is the best place to do it and where am I most likely to get a job?

So many questions ...... PLEASE HELP!!!!!!!

Thanks
BL :hmm: :hmm: :hmm:

Can't help with advice about schools in Africa but having read some very negative post here on Pprune I'm sure you can get some good advice on that....However...Africa is a place where you can fly on an FAA ticket...having got it you can have it validated for SA by a fairly simple process...by this route you would have the option of a much greater variety of US schools..(The ticket is just about worthless in Europe due to the much higher academic standards required so be sure of your ambitions)....Ideally you should try to support the country you want to live in ....go for the training in SA...but we don't live in an ideal world so take very great care over where you spend that cash...it's difficult to come by or replace....try never to put too much money down up front....if the schools worth going to they should be happy with you being $1000 dollars ahead of your training costs....if not ...treat them with suspicion...Good luck !

I did mine at Rand Flight Academy, Rand Airport
They have been around a while and are reliable.

Plenty folks were happy and accomodation is easy there.
Price is neg if you pay upfront. Talk to Tas.

They also use a few old instructors who have been around the houses a few times and who showed me a few good points. Their hire & fly is also affordable.

where to go from here
 

Hi again Birdlady.
I,m also from the UK and have just spent the last 3 years travelling back and forth to the UK as well as a stint in Gabon.I`m now flying a Caravan in Sudan so stay positive.
I`ve been to a flew flying schools in my time and i can recommend trying the guys at Phoebus Apollo at Rand.They are a great bunch and very professional.I done my instructor rating there last year.You may also get the chance to fly on their DC3 and DC4 aircraft.
As for getting an instructor job you will need to be very lucky without a work permit.I was very lucky and did 170hrs of instruction without one getting paid cash in hand.
However a Irish friend of mine has just landed a job and he sorted out his work permit on his own in the space of a week, so it can be done.
You could also look into gaining a Caravan type rating with some time on type.It will help in getting a job on contract.
I hope this has been of some help.

Good luck

As to the post above. Getting an FAA ticket is not that easy for non Americans anymore. Your buddies up North have seen to massive Immigration problems which is severly affecting the U.S. Flight Training.
Should you have the ability to get into the states there are tons of good reasonable schools that will take you through FAA ATP and/or JAA. If I can be of any help let me know by email, its on my Profile.

Edge 70. I hope you are friends with Anthony and Johan. Two great guys. Unfortunately they study so much they never have time to party.......ha ha

Hi Guys

Thanks for all the replies. Keep them coming!

Edge 70 - I've never heard of Phobus Apollo. Its not part of Rand Flight Academy is it? Have you got a contact number for them? The caravan rating is something I would definately look into - where did you do yours?

Has anyone had any experience with Wits flying club?

Thanks again
BL:ok: :ok:

Birdlady...

I can also recommend Phoebus Apollo - great bunch of instructors who fly more as a passion than a job - also, the instructors are (mostly) ALTP and have a great deal of experience on various machines.

That said, if area is a consideration, then my next bet would be Avex at Grand - also very highly qualified and experienced instructors, very good rates and no, um, hidden costs that seem to creep in at some places - your experience at FTC no doubt gave you some insight into this....

PM me if stuck..

Cheers

R

As to some recommendations. In this world if you pay upfront, you risk a big debt. Avoid that at all costs. There are better ways of you controlling your money.