PPL training /SFH in South Africa
Carbonfibre-based lifeform
Join Date: Mar 2002
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See Irv Lee's site at www.higherplane.flyer.co.uk for the answers to your licence conversion questions.
If you scroll right down to the bottom of the first page you'll find links to the FAQ and UK SA Flyer Community.
If you scroll right down to the bottom of the first page you'll find links to the FAQ and UK SA Flyer Community.
Join Date: Feb 2002
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I think FTC is/was the JAA school. and as long as they still have approval, then you would get a JAA licence if/when you finished. If you go to other SA places, you would get a SA PPL.
Either licence (SA PPL or JAA PPL) would let you fly in the UK, and either would let you start the JAA modular CPL course when you had the experience and hours. There are reasons some pilots want to convert SA to JAA PPL level first, some do, some don't. For those wanting to convert at PPL level. you'll see from that reference above that builidng 100 hours before conversion means less JAA PPL ground exams to pass.
This following is NOT aimed specifically at FTC - you should ask certain questions of ANY UK approved JAA school outside JAA land where-ever it is:
Along with all the other tons of advice applying to any school for any licence, eg: not paying (much) in advance, it's worth asking definite questions about instructor/student ratios. Originally they could operate with local instructors who had had a very brief 'JAA-conversion' course.
However, since March 2002 they have had to have real JAA qualfied instructors although the previous local ones had 'grandfather rights' and could continue.
Obviously this causes problems from time to time as the older ones with grandfather rights leave to airlines and cannot be replaced quickly with locals, but only by proper JAA qualified ones. This has led to some problems at certain schools abroad with enough aircraft, plenty of students, plenty of instructors, but NOT the right sort of instructors!
It's also worth trying to find recent graduates from any school (anywhere) you are considering, to give you the latest low down. Try to get more than one opinion though.
Either licence (SA PPL or JAA PPL) would let you fly in the UK, and either would let you start the JAA modular CPL course when you had the experience and hours. There are reasons some pilots want to convert SA to JAA PPL level first, some do, some don't. For those wanting to convert at PPL level. you'll see from that reference above that builidng 100 hours before conversion means less JAA PPL ground exams to pass.
This following is NOT aimed specifically at FTC - you should ask certain questions of ANY UK approved JAA school outside JAA land where-ever it is:
Along with all the other tons of advice applying to any school for any licence, eg: not paying (much) in advance, it's worth asking definite questions about instructor/student ratios. Originally they could operate with local instructors who had had a very brief 'JAA-conversion' course.
However, since March 2002 they have had to have real JAA qualfied instructors although the previous local ones had 'grandfather rights' and could continue.
Obviously this causes problems from time to time as the older ones with grandfather rights leave to airlines and cannot be replaced quickly with locals, but only by proper JAA qualified ones. This has led to some problems at certain schools abroad with enough aircraft, plenty of students, plenty of instructors, but NOT the right sort of instructors!
It's also worth trying to find recent graduates from any school (anywhere) you are considering, to give you the latest low down. Try to get more than one opinion though.
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Again, not aimed at any school, but each of them, it's worth doing a forum search on this site and any forum you know for the school name you are interested in, just to see what pops up
Join Date: Jan 2002
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Thanks. I did a search and I think I will advoid them. I have hear nothing but good things about 43 air school, and I have been in touch with them, they are to say the least, very helpful. Looks like Ill have to book now though as already the Feb courses are booked up!!! (must be a good sign right 
)
Cheers
Richard
)Cheers
Richard
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FTC Grand Central Airport South Africa
Hi.
I'm thinking of doing a JARPPL there (initially), with the view to possible JAR ATPL at some later stage.
Does anyone have experience of FTC or information on gaining UK/JAR licences through the South African system?
Thanks.
I'm thinking of doing a JARPPL there (initially), with the view to possible JAR ATPL at some later stage.
Does anyone have experience of FTC or information on gaining UK/JAR licences through the South African system?
Thanks.
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Cape Town SA and Manchester UK
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Hi there
I can speak with some authority on flying in SA as that's what I have been doing the last few years.
Firstly SA is a great country for flying. It is a cliché but SA is as the tourist marketing people like to say "A world in one country". In flying terms this is also true as when you build your hours you can visit the mediterranean climate of the Cape and Garden route, the dry arid vastness of the Karoo, the temperate high-veld or the tropical Natal coast. Not only is there so much to see but from an aviation point of view there are many different circumstances you will encounter that will affect the performance of your aeroplane. The weather is also generally fine most of the year but it is still a very significant factor - depending on where you are there's lots of wind and storms that dwarf what we get in the UK.
Most of the procedures in SA are based on ICAO which is again a good thing. With particular regard to FTC is Jo'burg there is a lot written on the African forum and quite a bit of it negative, however they are now under new ownership and are approved to carry out most of the JAR modular course. The exemptions are the IR which needs to be done in a JAA state and the MCC course which they don't appear to offer.
The main advice which is often repeated is DONT PAY ALL THE MONEY UP FRONT. For the simple reason is if the school goes tits-up then you probably won't see your cash again. I personally don't know any one who has had that problem but if you read some of the posts on here a few people have.
I note that you are thinking of doing a JAR PPL - if you are intending to fly in the UK either to build hours or just for fun you can quite legally fly on a valid SA PPL. So you don't need the JAR PPL for that - this might save you a few quid as I know FTC quote for the PPL in sterling. If money is a factor you might want to consider doing your PPL with another school there's good flying schools in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and you'd probably get your PPL for less as you have no need to learn in a C172 or equivalent due to the performance issues you'd face in Jo'burg.
Whatever you decide good luck
GT
I can speak with some authority on flying in SA as that's what I have been doing the last few years.
Firstly SA is a great country for flying. It is a cliché but SA is as the tourist marketing people like to say "A world in one country". In flying terms this is also true as when you build your hours you can visit the mediterranean climate of the Cape and Garden route, the dry arid vastness of the Karoo, the temperate high-veld or the tropical Natal coast. Not only is there so much to see but from an aviation point of view there are many different circumstances you will encounter that will affect the performance of your aeroplane. The weather is also generally fine most of the year but it is still a very significant factor - depending on where you are there's lots of wind and storms that dwarf what we get in the UK.
Most of the procedures in SA are based on ICAO which is again a good thing. With particular regard to FTC is Jo'burg there is a lot written on the African forum and quite a bit of it negative, however they are now under new ownership and are approved to carry out most of the JAR modular course. The exemptions are the IR which needs to be done in a JAA state and the MCC course which they don't appear to offer.
The main advice which is often repeated is DONT PAY ALL THE MONEY UP FRONT. For the simple reason is if the school goes tits-up then you probably won't see your cash again. I personally don't know any one who has had that problem but if you read some of the posts on here a few people have.
I note that you are thinking of doing a JAR PPL - if you are intending to fly in the UK either to build hours or just for fun you can quite legally fly on a valid SA PPL. So you don't need the JAR PPL for that - this might save you a few quid as I know FTC quote for the PPL in sterling. If money is a factor you might want to consider doing your PPL with another school there's good flying schools in Cape Town and Port Elizabeth and you'd probably get your PPL for less as you have no need to learn in a C172 or equivalent due to the performance issues you'd face in Jo'burg.
Whatever you decide good luck
GT
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Cape Town SA and Manchester UK
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Cape Town Based Schools
At Cape Town International there is:
Good Hope Flying Club: www.ghfc.org.za tel +27 21 934 0257
Cape Aero Club: www.capeaeroclub.co.za
Delta 200 Flying Scgool: www.delta200.co.za (when I tried the link it didn't work for me)
There is also Stellenbosch flying club which is just outside Cape Town (30mins drive from the centre) and very beautiful scenary.
www.stelfly.co.za
Regards
GT
Good Hope Flying Club: www.ghfc.org.za tel +27 21 934 0257
Cape Aero Club: www.capeaeroclub.co.za
Delta 200 Flying Scgool: www.delta200.co.za (when I tried the link it didn't work for me)
There is also Stellenbosch flying club which is just outside Cape Town (30mins drive from the centre) and very beautiful scenary.
www.stelfly.co.za
Regards
GT
Why do it if it's not fun?
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It was mentioned on another thread, just a couple of weeks ago, that new owners are taking over, or have taken over, or are soon to take over at FTC (sorry, I don't know the details myself!) Do a search and read all of the old opinions on the school, but bear in mind that they may be out of date, and it will be a while before much information on the new management hits these forums.
FFF
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FFF
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I know someone there at the moment who went back to finish his PPL which he hadn't had time for before. The day before his test it was cancelled, no reason given other then the examiner who works for the school was busy that day. He was leaving the next day. This was last week.
They may get their act together but I wouldn't go for a while. The CFI is one of the old owners, I doubt much will change overnight.
Geprge makes some excellent points and, given my time again I would have got an SA PPL. It is a beautiful place, especially on the coast. I know that Algoa flying club are excellent. I would rather have gone to these places than to Mid rand which is a dump anyway.
SK
They may get their act together but I wouldn't go for a while. The CFI is one of the old owners, I doubt much will change overnight.
Geprge makes some excellent points and, given my time again I would have got an SA PPL. It is a beautiful place, especially on the coast. I know that Algoa flying club are excellent. I would rather have gone to these places than to Mid rand which is a dump anyway.
SK
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IMC and multi training in South Africa
I have a PPL and am looking to go abroad to do multi and IMC ratings in September. As far as I am aware there is only one other school outside the UK and US that is CAA approved called the 'Flight Training College of Africa' based in South Africa. Has anyone ever trained there before? or does anyone know anything about it?
Thanks
Thanks
Why do it if it's not fun?
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Not been there, but I thought about doing my CPL there, so I've researched it. Do a search for "FTC" - there is definitely no shortage of opinions about this school on these forums.
FFF
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FFF
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Cheers, the general feeling is to avoid FTC like the plague. 43airschool seems be quite popular though, could I do a CAA multi and IMC course there?
I am also having a little trouble using there website www.43airschool.com (i.e. none of the links down the side work), is this just a problem for me?
I am also having a little trouble using there website www.43airschool.com (i.e. none of the links down the side work), is this just a problem for me?
Join Date: Aug 2001
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Hi
Can't get the web page working either. Last I knew 43 weren't JAA approved, although they were trying to get approval. They are an excellent outfit, however I also heard that they are so busy they are booked up months in advance and only take people on full courses, not just for individual modules.
The FTC stuff is mostly true. They are a very unorganised, money grabbing lot with no real clue how to treat people. Also their multis are past it. IMHO by the time you get there it's not really that good value. Try bargaining for a deal here. And look around, you may be surprised.
SK
Can't get the web page working either. Last I knew 43 weren't JAA approved, although they were trying to get approval. They are an excellent outfit, however I also heard that they are so busy they are booked up months in advance and only take people on full courses, not just for individual modules.
The FTC stuff is mostly true. They are a very unorganised, money grabbing lot with no real clue how to treat people. Also their multis are past it. IMHO by the time you get there it's not really that good value. Try bargaining for a deal here. And look around, you may be surprised.
SK
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'LondonJ' i had similar problems with that site. It happens now and then, not all the time. Im planning on going to 43airschool after my alevels to start my training, cant wait! Just trying to put my head down in my final year of A-Levels.
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Forget South Africa for a JAA Licence (for now)
The only listed JAA school in South Africa (UK CAA latest list) is reported to have ceased trading allegedly owing students R2,000,000.
The School formerly known as FTC & now known as Global Flight Training (Pty) Limited was reportedly closed down by authorities but has moved to Rand airport near Joburg.
Info can be found on the African Forum:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hreadid=124307
and
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hreadid=123522
All I can ask is, CAA why allow this state of affairs to continue?
There are many more threads concerning FTC.
Beware all wannabes.
FB
The School formerly known as FTC & now known as Global Flight Training (Pty) Limited was reportedly closed down by authorities but has moved to Rand airport near Joburg.
Info can be found on the African Forum:
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hreadid=124307
and
http://www.pprune.org/forums/showthr...hreadid=123522
All I can ask is, CAA why allow this state of affairs to continue?
There are many more threads concerning FTC.
Beware all wannabes.
FB