Info. on South African flight schools

[smokechaser]

Hey just wondering if anybody would beable to give me some info. on flight schools in South Africa, which ones are good and which ones to stay away from. Preferably in the Durban area. I m thinking of going there from Canada to get my PPL. Is it a big process to convert their license to a canadian license. Thanks for your help and any extra info would be greatly appreciated.

[Leftpedal]

Hi Smokechaser

You fixed wing or helicopter?

[birdlady]

I suggest you try: www.avcom.co.za :ok: :ok:

[Exhaust Manifold]

For Durban try www.fedair.com.
Other good schools www.aptrac.com in Port Elizabeth.
www.loutzavia.co.za in Pretoria :ok:

[tomahawk10]

Go see the guys at Starlight, Virginia. Very good atmosphere, instructors and very professional. Good luck.

[Solid Rust Twotter]

Try Blue Chip Aviation at Wonderboom, Pretoria.

Think it's www.bluechip-avia.co.za IIRC.

[porridge]

And of course there's 43 Air School - probably the the leader of the pack!

[SebasW]

I have to agree with Porridge.

Over the last few years 43 has unfortunately become a bit commercialised and expensive but they still provide the highest standard of training in SA.

I personally think their the only air school in SA that I've come across that can actually compete with international standards.

If you've got a few extra bucks, I would say go for 43. They also have a cadet program if you're willing to spend 3 to 4 years in good old Port Alfred...

[Spetsnaz]

If you get the right instructor and don't mind paying through the nose for sometimes rough and ready accommodation and murderered food, the training is good.

You are a bit isolated in that town too with lifts offered in their taxi with fully township- standard driver!

"International standard" ... well ...that's stretching the imagination a bit --- best in Africa yebo. They do claim to be ISO9100 rated ... but ... You won't forget your time there I'm certain.

[Exhaust Manifold]

Hate to stir the pot, but 43 doesn't seem to be at the standard they were a couple of years ago. Too many students, they all become numbers.

Try go into the Port Alfred GFA and you'll come out as white as a ghost, most guys don't even report where they are. I've flown with people from 43 and the standard definately isn't as high as some of the other schools i've seen.

[birdlady]

43 - the only school in SA that has an international standard..... what a load of togwash.........:* :* :* I've done both a JAA PPL and an SA PPL and have to say the SA training was better by far. 43 is a good school dont get me wrong but Im with exhaust on this one..... standards are definately slipping.

[raytheon_aircraft]

same here, i'm definately with exhaust manifold on this one. no questions asked. 43 air school is getting a sausage factory reputation rather than a individual hands on reputation.

:ok: