Flying in South Africa and a JAA CPL(A)

[Craviec]

I am planning to go to South Africa to get some hours before my CPL(A) training. I need to know if the experience gained in SA is going to be respected by JAA and counted for flight time required to start a CPL(A) training in Europe. Does anyone know if SACAA is 'JAA friendly'?

[Burger81]

Craviec,

Yes the hours in SA count towards JAA. I did my PPL and hour building (100hrs PIC) in South Africa then the CPL and ME/IR back in the UK with no problems.

B81

[Telani Lithgow]

Hi Craviec,

Yes, your hours in South Africa will count.

In order to fly in South Africa on a JAA (or other "Foreign" license), you need to do a foreign license validation or conversion. It is easier to do a validation than a conversion (only one written exam- airlaw), two lectures, (one on density altitude and flight planning, and one on our airspaces) and a PPL flight test, including a cross country flight. This validation is valid for 5 years, provided your original license and medical remain valid. The foreign license validation has to be done through a Part 141 flight school.

You can complete most of the process before you set foot in South Africa, so you can maximize your flying time in the country. Perhaps we will even see you in Richards Bay :)



All the best

[Craviec]

Thank you both for your answers.

Does it mean that all flight schools in South Africa are respected by JAA? Or maybe I should check if the particular one in which I am going to fly is respected by JAA? What would you suggest?

[Telani Lithgow]

All part 141 flight training schools will be respected by JAA. They are all accredited by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). They are audited annually to check that they are compliant and have one or more ad hoc inspections through the year. So they are all well monitored.

Each flight school that is accredited has to display it's accredation on the premises and has a number, eg CAA/0016 . (always CAA/ followed by a 4 digit number)

You can see a list of accredited flight schools on South African Flying Schools (http://www.ppl-flight-training.com/flying-schools.html) and scroll down.

Hope it helps.

[jetsetsimon757]

Hey I also did my hours over in SA around 2002 ended up staying for a few years a great country to learn I did mine from Durban the best place by far Virginia airport it awsome its right next to the beach has 2 pubs and a swimming pool so I would say go to Durban Aviation..

[Mikehotel152]

As above, hours will count. 'Hours is hours'! I think it's more about the aircraft than the licence or location.

But is sounds like the validation process is still a joke, just as it was for me in 2008 when I did it. Flying in SA is not much different from flying elsewhere. Certainly, you can take a JAR PPL to the USA fly similar conditions with far less hassle.

A quick lecture on flying in hot and high conditions (if you're planning on flying around Jo'burg), and an explanation of differences with airspace and procedures in SA, followed by a check-ride should be sufficient.

5 year validity? I did the full Air Law exam, multiple skill test flights etc etc in 2008 and mine was only valid for 1 year! But it is a lovely place to fly around. :)