Training in Africa
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Training in Africa
Does anyone have any current knowledge of training in South Africa? Some say the training is very similar to CAA so conversion is easier, but there also seem to be some problems with fake licences which could cause problems.
Any views?
Any opinions on the schools there?
Any views?
Any opinions on the schools there?
Guest
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Hi there
There are some very good schools in SA. The standards of training are excellent and so is the environment in which you fly.
I did my commercial training at 43 Air School in Port Alfred and finished in Nov 2000. I am now flying for the UN in Africa.
The SA training syllabus is very similar to the British one. However the JAA have made it very difficult to convert any foreign license... have a look around on this forum to see what exactly is required.
43 Air School have a structured hour-building program for people who are doing Oxford's modular ATPL course, so they might also be able to advise you.
Best of luck
regards
Dirk
There are some very good schools in SA. The standards of training are excellent and so is the environment in which you fly.
I did my commercial training at 43 Air School in Port Alfred and finished in Nov 2000. I am now flying for the UN in Africa.
The SA training syllabus is very similar to the British one. However the JAA have made it very difficult to convert any foreign license... have a look around on this forum to see what exactly is required.
43 Air School have a structured hour-building program for people who are doing Oxford's modular ATPL course, so they might also be able to advise you.
Best of luck
regards
Dirk
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Heard a rumour, not sure whether it was on this board or not, that the SA CAA are seeking entry to the JAA. Some serious price competition for FTO's in Euro land. Although, I'm sure if they do get JAA approval, they'll bang up their prices in line with other JAA member states.
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Howdy flying Dirk! Shouldn't you be flying your King Air around or something instead of playing around on the internet!
Back to the original question: I have trained at both Flight Training College of South Africa and 43rd Airschool and both come highly reccomended. For a PPL I think I would reccommend 43rd since they have a very structured course that starts monthly whereas the FTC training is more self paced (unless you are one of their cadets).
I very much doubt that SA will join the JAA in the near future - the JAR authorities are acting like an old boys club with a hidden agenda of protecting the uncompetitive training organisations in Europe.
That aside, the training syllabus out here is virtually identical to that over there. FTC do offer JAR approved training in association with Atlantic Airlines in Conventry.
Back to the original question: I have trained at both Flight Training College of South Africa and 43rd Airschool and both come highly reccomended. For a PPL I think I would reccommend 43rd since they have a very structured course that starts monthly whereas the FTC training is more self paced (unless you are one of their cadets).
I very much doubt that SA will join the JAA in the near future - the JAR authorities are acting like an old boys club with a hidden agenda of protecting the uncompetitive training organisations in Europe.
That aside, the training syllabus out here is virtually identical to that over there. FTC do offer JAR approved training in association with Atlantic Airlines in Conventry.
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Wheels-up
I've been looking at FTC's JAA course in Midrand. It certainly seems very good value for money. Have you been out to have a look at them or do you have any experience training with them? What were your impressions of the place, aircraft, instructors etc....?
I've been looking at FTC's JAA course in Midrand. It certainly seems very good value for money. Have you been out to have a look at them or do you have any experience training with them? What were your impressions of the place, aircraft, instructors etc....?
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Thats all a thing of the past now Dirk. Am fully qualified to have people attempt to kill me on a daily basis whilst earning enough to eat thin porridge and live in a shoebox!
Sprawler, to your question: Did the instructors rating at FTC. Initially I was hesitant about training there due to some negative comments I had seen on this forum. Nevertheless, since the school was conveniently located I decided to do the training there anyway and I was pleasantly suprised. A lot of the students there are Atlantic students and one would be for given for thinking one was back in the UK! The facilites are excellent (modern, excellent simulators etc.)
I found the instructors there to a really pleasant, friendly and enthusiastic bunch.
The accomodation block (I didn't stay there but know someone who did) is very modern and clean.
The notes that I used were excellent. Grand Central is under the Johannesburg TMA and you can the see the JHB International rwys from the circuit at Grand Central. It can get very busy under the TMA and you need to keep your eyes and ears open. This is all good practice though. Grand Central doesn't have an ILS although there is one at Lanseria which is a ten minute flight away. Grand Central has as NDB approach procedure and there are a couple of VORs close by.
The aircraft: FTC has a fleet of something like 22 aircraft. Mostly C172s and Cherokees as well as a new Piper Archer. The aircraft range from excellent to average although I didn't have any problems with any of the a/c that I flew.
The students are divided into two streams - those on the cadet programme with Atlantic and the local students. Unfortunately the locals get to suck the hind teat as far as aircraft go, with only 3 of the aircraft allocated to us - the rest were reserved for the cadets. The cadets also seemed to get the most experienced instructors although I was more than happy with the instructors I flew with.
FTC has just binned 24 million rand on a complete new Piper fleet which will be arriving at a rate of a couple a month. The new fleet will be mostly Piper Archers, Senecas and I heard talk of a King Air as well.
Overall, I was quite happy with the training there. I will send you my e-mail if you need more info - check your e.mail. I also suggest you try and get hold of some of the Atlantic Students that are training there and ask for their opinions.
Sprawler, to your question: Did the instructors rating at FTC. Initially I was hesitant about training there due to some negative comments I had seen on this forum. Nevertheless, since the school was conveniently located I decided to do the training there anyway and I was pleasantly suprised. A lot of the students there are Atlantic students and one would be for given for thinking one was back in the UK! The facilites are excellent (modern, excellent simulators etc.)
I found the instructors there to a really pleasant, friendly and enthusiastic bunch.
The accomodation block (I didn't stay there but know someone who did) is very modern and clean.
The notes that I used were excellent. Grand Central is under the Johannesburg TMA and you can the see the JHB International rwys from the circuit at Grand Central. It can get very busy under the TMA and you need to keep your eyes and ears open. This is all good practice though. Grand Central doesn't have an ILS although there is one at Lanseria which is a ten minute flight away. Grand Central has as NDB approach procedure and there are a couple of VORs close by.
The aircraft: FTC has a fleet of something like 22 aircraft. Mostly C172s and Cherokees as well as a new Piper Archer. The aircraft range from excellent to average although I didn't have any problems with any of the a/c that I flew.
The students are divided into two streams - those on the cadet programme with Atlantic and the local students. Unfortunately the locals get to suck the hind teat as far as aircraft go, with only 3 of the aircraft allocated to us - the rest were reserved for the cadets. The cadets also seemed to get the most experienced instructors although I was more than happy with the instructors I flew with.
FTC has just binned 24 million rand on a complete new Piper fleet which will be arriving at a rate of a couple a month. The new fleet will be mostly Piper Archers, Senecas and I heard talk of a King Air as well.
Overall, I was quite happy with the training there. I will send you my e-mail if you need more info - check your e.mail. I also suggest you try and get hold of some of the Atlantic Students that are training there and ask for their opinions.
Guest
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Thanks for the comments. Any info about converting a South African license to JAA? No point in doing the CPL etc if the CAA tell you to bugger off. It seems like a good value place to fly though.
I see Cape Flying are also offering a 300 hour turbine course for 7 grand - what does this give you???
I see Cape Flying are also offering a 300 hour turbine course for 7 grand - what does this give you???
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Hi, i finished ATPL theoretical examinations in The Netherlands and i'm looking for a school which will supply ab-initio flying courses and prepare me for the practical CPL exam in holland, preferably allowing me to make as much as possible ME TT. Hence my question, do you think the above mentionned schools in SA are worth a try and if so, any chance on getting their coordinates?
Many thanks in advance!
OBS
Many thanks in advance!
OBS
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Old Belgian Student
Like I mentioned above... 43 Air School do a structured flying training program for people who are doing the modular ATPL course at Oxford.
They do their groundschool and exams in the UK but most of their flying training in SA.
Speak to Frik Schoombee at 43, he will be able to tell you the details.
www.43airschool.com
PS I don't work for the school but I had a good year there doing my Comm training !
Regards
Dirk
Like I mentioned above... 43 Air School do a structured flying training program for people who are doing the modular ATPL course at Oxford.
They do their groundschool and exams in the UK but most of their flying training in SA.
Speak to Frik Schoombee at 43, he will be able to tell you the details.
www.43airschool.com
PS I don't work for the school but I had a good year there doing my Comm training !
Regards
Dirk
