Aircraft rental in Thailand/Vietnam?

[averdung]

Hello all!
I'm looking into taking a vacation in Asia, specifically Thailand or Vietnam, and I was checking the rules regarding flying for fun there... Vietnam is easy as pie to convert from FAA (no exams required), but apparently renting an airplane is something that has not yet been adopted there... Does anybody have info/experience flying in those countries as a PPL?

[Mike Flynn]

Thailand’s aviation authority insists you obtain a Thai licence. This takes some time and restricts you to flying from a specific flying club.The paperwork can be very slow.

I spend several months over the winter in those parts and unless you are thinking about a very long holiday I would forget it.

However if you have some winter months and a lot of patience the flying can be spectacular.



I am not aware of any flying clubs in Vietnam that offer western style self fly.

[India Four Two]

I lived in Vietnam for many years. There are no civil “flying clubs” in Vietnam. The government does not like people doing things that are not controllable by officialdom. I remember reading about some powered flex-wings on floats, but that’s about it.

I’ve always felt that the Vietnamese Air Force has been missing out on a tourist opportunity. I would have cheerfully handed over a wad of dollars for a flight in a Mig-21!

[Jan Olieslagers]

I was in touch with an instructor in scuba-diving or such who also flies ultralights, on floats. I think he's on one of the Thai islands. I still have his mail address but it's been seven years, I have no idea of his current situation. PM if interested. I dio remember he told me PPL flying is a limited thing in Thailand - as related above, too.

[Mike Flynn]

Originally Posted by Jan Olieslagers

I was in touch with an instructor in scuba-diving or such who also flies ultralights, on floats. I think he's on one of the Thai islands. I still have his mail address but it's been seven years, I have no idea of his current situation. PM if interested. I dio remember he told me PPL flying is a limited thing in Thailand - as related above, too.

I have spent a considerable time in Thailand over two decades Jan and never come across anyone flying private float planes.There was a brief period where a Cessna Caravan on floats was based in Phuket years ago but nothing came of it. I have managed to enjoy some flying in Thailand over the years but for someone on vacation the only opportunity is as a passenger at the few clubs in the south.

[Jan Olieslagers]

Perhaps he managed to keep such a low profile that he evaded even YOUR vigilance?
But again, it's been a long time; and again, he was flying microlights; I'm not going to argue.

[Curlytips]

Maybe try Bangphra?

About 10 years ago I managed to find a school there, not far from Bangkok. Couldn't self-hire but got an instructor to sit with me in a C150. Very interesting field as wires at one end and a mountain at the other. At first attempt to take-off the brakes wouldn't release. After a bit of shoving and rocking they freed and we went again. Downwind leg was interesting as the mountain was coming towards you quite quickly. You definitely never extend! (HS-ATD C150 Captain Piya - from my logbook).

[subsonicsubic]

Originally Posted by Curlytips

About 10 years ago I managed to find a school there, not far from Bangkok. Couldn't self-hire but got an instructor to sit with me in a C150. Very interesting field as wires at one end and a mountain at the other. At first attempt to take-off the brakes wouldn't release. After a bit of shoving and rocking they freed and we went again. Downwind leg was interesting as the mountain was coming towards you quite quickly. You definitely never extend! (HS-ATD C150 Captain Piya - from my logbook).

Ha. I flew from the same field in a red and white 150. That mountain gets quite close on the base / final leg for sure.

Perhaps the OP should consider trying the Philippines. Again you will struggle to fly solo, however, there are plenty of expats and locals who will take you flying. I have a little Socata of my own down there, but spend ages getting the paperwork sorted out to make that happen.

Also Google "Angeles City Flying Club". Lots of good people there and plenty of flying to be had.

Best,

SSS

[Mike Flynn]

The airfield refered to in the posts above is the Royal Thai Flying Club at Bang Phra.

It has recently recruited instructors after a period of no training.

It is possible to validate a foreign licence but it is a long drawn out procedure that takes several months. Once validated the licence only allows flying from the club cited in the paperwork. Flying from any other location requires a new permit.
With a military junta having ruled for several years things are unlikely to change in the near future.

Details here.

HOW TO VALIDATE YOUR FOREIGN LICENSE TO FLY IN THAILAND -- www.thaiflyingclub.com

[Ultranomad]

I flew a Beech A23 HS-ATB at Bang Phra without validation but with an instructor in the right seat. It was the only option available on a short notice. The instructor was a retired Thai Air Force major who used to fly Grumman F8F.

[Mike Flynn]

Originally Posted by Ultranomad

I flew a Beech A23 HS-ATB at Bang Phra without validation but with an instructor in the right seat. It was the only option available on a short notice. The instructor was a retired Thai Air Force major who used to fly Grumman F8F.

That is the only way you can get airborne in Thailand and indeed many other parts of the world without the paperwork in place.