Cessna 152 II
Still one of the most popular training aircraft in the world, the Cessna 152 as an upgrade on the Cessan 150, of which over 23 000 had been produced.
The Cessna 152 was fitted with a Lycoming 110hp engine as opposed to the 100hp Continental fitted to the C150. The gross weight was increased by 70lbs.
The light and effective control response and the forgiving nature of the aircraft in all phases of flight, including full spins, make it the perfect basic trainer and the ideal aircraft from which to progress to larger and more sophisticated types. The Algoa Flight Centre uses 3 C152′s in it’s training program.
| Engine | Lycoming 0-235-L2C 110hp |
| Fuel Capacity | 26 us gallons total |
| Cruise Speed 75% power | 107kts |
| Range @ 75% power | 320nm’s |
| Endurance @ 75% power | 3.8 hrs including reserve |
| Rate of Climb | 715ft/min @ Sea Level |
| Useful load | 540lbs |
| Take Off Performance at SL | Ground Roll 725ft |
| Landing Performance @ SL | Ground Roll 475ft |
Cessna 172P Skyhawk
The C172 is a four place high wing aircraft. First produced in 1957 it is still in current production in 2006 and like the C152 is extensively used as a trainer the world over. More than 35 000 have been built.
With a respectable cruise speed of 120kts and the ability to seat 4 people it is a perfect general purpose aircraft and is used by club members for cross country flying. We have 172′s KSF and MBP both fitted with 160hp engines.
KSF has long range tanks and has an endurance of 6 hours. MBP has a 4 hour endurance but is also equipped with a full instrument flying panel and is therefore used very succesfully in our instrument training program.
| Engine | Lycoming 0-320-D2J 160hp |
| Fuel Capacity-Standard | 43 us gallons total |
| Fuel Capacity-Long Range | 54 us gallons total |
| Cruise Speed 75% power | 120kts @ 8000′ |
| Range @ 75% power | 440nm’s -Standard 585nm’s – long Range |
| Endurance @ 75% power | 4.0 hrs including reserve – Standard |
| Endurance @ 75% power | 5.7 hrs including reserve – Long Range |
| Rate of Climb | 700ft/min @ Sea Level |
| Useful load | 950lbs 172P 850lbs 172N |
| Take Off Performance at SL | Ground Roll 725ft |
| Landing Performance @ SL | Ground Roll 540ft |
Cessna 172RG Cutlass
This is a retractable-gear version of the 172 named the Cutlass 172RG. The 172RG additionally has a variable pitch, constant speed propeller and more powerful 180hp engine. A comfortable 4 seater it is used for advanced training as well as hour building and hire and fly.
The instrument panel includes all avionics required for instrument training making it the ideal platform for students aiming for a Commercial Licence with Instrument Rating.
| Engine | Lycoming 0-360-F1A6 |
| Fuel Capacity | 66 us gallons total |
| Cruise Speed 75% power | 140kts |
| Range @ 75% power | 720nm’s |
| Endurance @ 75% power | 6hrs including reserve |
| Rate of Climb | 800ft/min @ Sea Level |
| Useful load | 965lbs |
| Take Off Performance at SL | Ground Roll 1060ft |
| Landing Performance @ SL | Ground Roll 625ft |
Beechcraft BE58 Baron
Beechcraft are renowned for there quality aircraft and the twin engined Baron 58 is no exception. A 6 seater aircraft and fully equipped for commercial operations, the Algoa Flight Centre has two to choose from when providing multi-engine conversion training as well as advanced instrument training.
The aircraft are provided with dual controls for training purposes. The widespread use of the B58 for charter makes this an ideal aircraft to have on ones licence as a newly qualified commercial pilot.
Specifications – Please note that figures given are approximate and should not be relied on for flight planning.
| Engines | 2 * Continental I0-520-C 285hp |
| Fuel Capacity | 166 us gallons usable |
| Fuel Capacity-Long Range | 54 us gallons total |
| Cruise Speed 75% power | 185kts @ 10000′ |
| Rate of Climb | 1500ft/min @ Sea Level |
| Useful load | 1600lbs |
| Take Off Performance @ SL | Ground Roll approx 1300ft |
| Landing Performance @ SL | Ground Roll approx 1500ft |
Elite S812 – State of the art FNPT II Flight Simulator
One of South Africa’s long established flight schools, the Algoa Flight Centre, has recently taken delivery of an Elite Evolution, S812 FNPT II flight simulator. The Algoa Flying Club, which operates the flight centre was established in 1956 and takes pride in setting a high standard of flight training from PPL to Professional Pilot with Instrument Rating.
AFC has always strived to be ahead in terms of training requirements and to this end, has spent more than a year researching the market for the ideal flight simulator to meet today’s high certification standards. The South African Civil Aviation Authority is in the process of raising the benchmark for simulator qualification to be fully in line with JAA standard.
The Elite S812 is unique in that it is modular and thus may be configured as either single or twin as required. This is not just a software change but the complete panel and all controls are changed accordingly.
The Elite S812 fully complies with all the standards for JAA FNPT II qualification and thus is one of the very few simulators in South Africa that will totally comply with the new SA CAA requirements. This S812 was configured to meet Algoa’s needs for the simulation of both a complex single, in this case a C172 RG, as well as a multi-engine, Beechcraft Baron 58. Both these aircraft form part of the actual fleet that Algoa use for training and the choice thus ensures an excellent transfer of learning from the simulated platform to the real aircraft.
The incorporation of a sophisticated dynamic control load system also ensures a control response and feel that is as close to the real thing as possible. This simulator will also allow up to half of the conversion time to a Multi-engine Instrument Rating, with more efficiency and greater attention to training in emergencies than can ever be possible in the real aircraft.
The simulator is installed in a bespoke simulator room and includes a 3 channel visual system with outstanding 3D visuals of the schools home airport in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The flight instructor is able to provide a highly realistic flight experience to the student both through providing infinitely variable weather conditions as well as the ability to carry out approaches at a multitude of South African airports.
A sophisticated visual system provides an environment in which even visual flight manoeuvres may be practised. In addition the flight simulator will allow the Algoa Flight Centre to offer Instrument as well as ATP re validations and will enable pilots to meet recency requirements.
Algoa Flight Centre now joins the ranks of only a handful of training organisations on the continent that have a state of the art simulator that meets every pilot and prospective pilot’s needs, from PPL and CPL training, through Instrument ratings, to currency requirements and ATPL re validations.