Private flying in Saudi Arabia?
Guest
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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
At least there'll be no problem with the 8 hours bottle - throttle rule!
Good luck
Guest
Posts: n/a
Echo Oscar,
This guy might be a good contact:
http://www.wright-flyer.net/desertaviation/
Good luck!
This guy might be a good contact:
http://www.wright-flyer.net/desertaviation/
Good luck!
Guest
Posts: n/a
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?
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?
Guest
Posts: n/a
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.
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.
Guest
Posts: n/a
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
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
Guest
Posts: n/a
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
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
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.
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.