View Full Version : Private flying in Saudi Arabia?
Echo Oscar
17th May 2001, 12:03
Anyone know if this is 'permitted' or indeed happening? I'm off there soon and hoping to keep current. Appreciate any info/hints/tips/contacts.
Thanks
EO
OLD_EGG_BOUND
17th May 2001, 12:44
Probably not allowed for infidels incase you see Mecca. Why they are so precious about their bingo halls is beyond me.
This is a bit of a long shot for you. But in January I was put in touch with a guy called Doug Aspinall, who is Saudi Airline's handling agent at LHR (020-8745-4393). this was specifically about getting landing permission in Saudi. I don't know how much he knows abobut GA there, but he is a really nice chap, and may be able to point you in the right direction.
At least there'll be no problem with the 8 hours bottle - throttle rule!
Good luck
newswatcher
17th May 2001, 17:55
Echo Oscar,
This guy might be a good contact:
http://www.wright-flyer.net/desertaviation/
Good luck!
Echo Oscar
17th May 2001, 20:51
Thanks to all so far!!!! I remain hopeful.
EO
Whirlybird
17th May 2001, 21:00
Echo Oscar,
If you happen to be female, forget it. Other than that I don't know.
------------------
Whirly
To fly is human, to hover, divine.
The very thought of flying in Saudi terrifies me! Mind you, the very thought of GOING there does, too.
Echo Oscar
17th May 2001, 23:16
Whirly - nope.
Keef - The very though of Gordon Brown getting his hands on ANY of my salary is fairly terrifying. I need it all to give to the Abbey National!
Surely no worse than flying in the Highlands?
EO
Bouncy Landing
20th May 2001, 19:09
But in the Highlands they (probably) dont chop your hands or head off if you accidently fly over somewhere like Mecca or Mdena!
Echo Oscar
21st May 2001, 11:21
Only if you fly too close to a distillery...
Wassat Noyze
21st May 2001, 12:51
Been there - been forbidden from doing it!
The only private flying in the Middle East is in Dubai - where there is a thriving club and school. Cross countries are a bit limited though!
Echo Oscar
23rd May 2001, 12:54
Wazzat,
Thanks for the good (?) news. Suppose I'll have to wait for trips home then to keep the hours going...
A good hint should have been that it's all run by the Ministry of Defence and Aviation. Never mind.
EO
EO,
What part of the magic kingdom are you going to?
In a nutshell, GA flying is presently not permitted, BUT there is a good chance that there will be a flying school opened north of Jeddah by the end of the year. Not sure of the full details except for the fact that one Prince is fighting for it and considering that he has already managed to get himself a ride on the space shuttle, I guess that he is used to getting his own way.
Apart from that, your options are limited, there are schools in DXB, but they are expensive. The Fujairah Aviation Center is a lot cheaper, or there is a wonderful little microlight club in Ras Al Khaimeh (SP?).
Life in Saudi depends on you! If you want to make the most of it and have a good time, the opportunties are endless. As for booze, there is probably more booze in that country that the UK!
Have Fun.
Mutt :)
PS, Skua, did you get the landing permission?
It turned out not to be necessary. The race organisers got it sorted. We landed at Hai'l, and the local prince had sorted out a fantastic reception.
Very interesting airfield - very well built HAS's off both ends of the runway,
6000' elevation, thermals, strong cross-wind = interesting approach.
But seriously hostile terrain, probably feel happier doing cross countries in Saudi in twin.
Echo Oscar
24th May 2001, 15:44
mutt,
Off to Riyadh initially with BAE Systems - then out and about doing ATC Engineering projects various with the RSAF. I expect to be spending quite some time up and down the west coast!
Whats the 'field name 'north of Jeddah', so as I can keep my ears open?
Also, how expensive is Fujirah or DXB? I'm only a poor PPL(A).
Any (relevant) thoughts/commemts welcome...
EO
DXB charges around Dhr500. FAC is around Dhr380 for a C172 once you get checked out. Microlights are Dhr300.
The airfield that i was talking about is Rabigh, its presently used by Saudia for its flight training school.
BTW, its around 50C in RUH at the moment, so bring plenty of sun screen :) :)
Enjoy,
Mutt :)
Echo Oscar
28th May 2001, 15:03
Thanks mutt,
I'm saving up for a bucket of 'tanning oil'.
My boys own bumper book of airfields only tells me of an NDB and VORTAC at Rabigh!! What's the airfield info and how is it for 'foreigners' to access??
Are you in Saudi now??
EO
I've yet to see any aircraft, but this is a start.....
RIYADH, 24 July — Prince Sultan ibn Salman, chairman
of the Supreme Commission for Tourism, announced
yesterday the launch of the Kingdom’s first flying
club that will encourage flying, hot air balloon rides
and paragliding as hobbies among Saudis and
expatriates.
Addressing a press conference here, Prince Sultan ibn
Salman, who has been named the chairman of the club,
said the project proposed some three years ago had the
approval of Prince Sultan, second deputy premier and
minister of defense and aviation. Prince Sultan will
be the chief patron of the club, which will operate
within regulations approved by the Ministry of Defense
and Aviation.
Besides promoting aviation as a hobby, the club will
run a school to teach flying. Prince Sultan ibn Salman
said the club was examining whether to set up its own
school or allow an overseas flying school to run it on
its behalf. The students graduating from the school
would receive a license recognized by the Federal
Aviation Authority of the US. Prince Sultan said the
club would hold seminars and attend air fairs, both
local and international, to keep abreast of
developments in the civil aviation field. It will also
make use of the Internet to develop contacts with
other aviation clubs around the world.
The club would support gifted students interested in
making aviation their career. To this end, an
awareness campaign will be launched in some major
Saudi and international schools. As for its finances,
contributions would come from the board members,
besides donations, income from royalties, investments
and sponsorship of events by commercial organizations.
The Supreme Commission for Tourism will manage the
funds until when the club can operate on its own.