Why come to South Africa for flying training
Here are some things to consider when planning your training!!
Well let's just start with the cost. All the flight training for a Private Pilot Licence, including 5 weeks accommodation plus your flight to and from South Africa would come in not much over £5 000. Unbelievable! A Private Pilot licence alone could cost you three times this at schools near London. In South Africa an hour of flying lesson time with an instructor on a well equipped Cessna 152 two-seater trainer can cost R900 in S.A. currency and that includes landing fees and vat. At a rate of about R14 to £1, the savings are huge. Go to X-rates currency calculator and check the latest exchange rate.
What about the standard of training?
The South African Civil Aviation Authority sets standards fully in compliance with ICAO. In fact most South African Schools are recognised as setting standards that meet and exceed the best in the world. South African trained pilots are in demand by Airlines in all countries. Our reputation demands that we maintain that standard. At the Algoa Flight Centre in Port Elizabeth you will be trained by highly skilled instructors with combined experience amounting to 10's of thousands of hours. You will find that in some instances our training includes advanced concepts not normally included in a Private Licence as our pilots are prepared from the beginning to eventually meet the rigorous standards demanded of a professional pilot. For example we introduce to our Private Pilot students, concepts pertaining to Cockpit Resource Management (CRM) which has in the past been confined to airline training.
The Chief Flying Instructor at the Algoa Flight Centre has 40 years of experience in aviation with over 28 years experience in flight instruction. Not only will you get the benefit of the combined experience of several seasoned instructors, you will train in a commercial environment. The Algoa Flight Centre is located at Port Elizabeth Airport which is an international class airport with regular traffic from microlights to Boeings. This means that you will mix with the 'big boys', a very positive advantage in boosting your confidence and improving your radio skill when compared to a small airfield. So we have it both ways. Getting to experience the real world of air traffic and air traffic control while still having the freedom to enjoy flying lessons in the relatively uncluttered skies at this exquisite coastal resort. The experience of operating in controlled airspace and being welcomed into it at the same time.
Go to TopAnd the weather? What a question!!
Superb flying conditions most of the year, mean you can complete a Private Pilot Licence in as little as 5 weeks from the day you arrive. This allows for a little less pressure. That's allowing for some inclement weather during your stay. Yes! We do get those rainy days. We need the rain too you know. But consider how much flying you are going to get in during the next few weeks if you stayed at home. Then consider - could you get 45 hours worth?
In fact at Port Elizabeth we can boast a varied climate that is ideal for training pilots. From still air to gusty coastal breezes. From cool air at sea level to high 2500' hot and dry conditions at nearby inland air strips, our students experience and are taught how to handle it all. If that doesn't make good pilots there is nothing else that will. Algoa Flight Centre pilots will hold their own anywhere.
For those that know and can decipher Meteorology forecasts, you can get the latest Port Elizabeth TAF and METAR online. If you use this link, just use the back button on your browser to get back to this page.
Go to TopSo why should I choose the Algoa Flight Centre?
Well first and foremost the Algoa Flight Centre has been involved in the field of flying training for a great many years and has gained a reputation for a high standard, professional and friendly approach to the training of new pilots. Our experience in the field of flight training goes back to 1956 with roots that go back further. The Algoa Flight Centre is owned and operated by the Algoa Flying Club. This is a not-for-profit organization. No shareholders no highly paid directors. Our management committee runs the flight school to promote the interests of aviation on a voluntary basis. This is why we can also keep our rates even lower than elsewhere in South Africa while at the same time not cutting corners. In fact we take pride in our standard and will not pass out or continue to train any pilot who cannot meet the standards we set.
Our management comprises experienced pilots who also serve the National Aero Club body in South Africa. We are very safety conscious and offer a full professional service with official accreditation by the SA CAA to train pilots right up to Airline Pilot Licence, including instructor and twin ratings. What's more as a club owned and operated facility we do not require large sums in advance, as long as you keep your account with us, out of the red and that you can do by making regular payments as you fly. When you celebrate your first solo flight you will be proud to have your tie, as is our tradition, included in perpetuity on our club house wall.
Go to TopSounds great! Where exactly are you located?
Algoa Flight Centre is based in Port Elizabeth, a safe and friendly city, at the South Eastern tip of South Africa. We have approved comfortable accommodation close to the club. In fact your family will love both the accommodation and the nearby beaches should they wish to join you for all or part of your stay here. We have an active social side with regular club activities, ask someone who has been here. If you have heard of apres-ski then consider it apres-fly at our friendly club bar. We are located within 5 minutes drive of the city centre and all major amenities. The close proximity of our facility to the nearby residential areas and shopping malls will contribute further towards making your stay comfortable and secure. We have a large local membership all playing a part in this thriving and active facility. For more about the Algoa Flying Club visit the club site at flying.org.za
Go to TopWhat about accommodation?
You will be accommodated in a comfortable guest house within walking distance of the airport. The choice is yours. Luxury rooms with private bathroom or more modest but equally well appointed standard rooms at excellent rates especially negotiated for our students. Complete details will be supplied on request. The accommodation is also very close to restaurants and shopping areas. Port Elizabeth's famed beach front is only minutes drive away, along with all the amenities of this popular resort.
Go to TopWhat aircraft will I fly?
Our basic trainer is the ubiquitous Cessna 152, the most popular flying training aircraft in the world. We are fully supported by two independent maintenance organisations which operate to the stringent standards of the S A Civil Aviation Authority which sets standards of safety which are recognised as easily meeting the highest standards in the world. The safety of our operation cannot be compromised, here our 50 year record absolutely speaks for itself.
Our fleet of 8 Cessna's includes the 4 seater Cessna 172 which can be offered as a basic trainer and is also equipped for instrument training. Advanced training for Instrument and Professional licences is carried out on our Cessna 172RG. A 180hp retractable aircraft with variable pitch propeller. Instrument training is also carried out on our CAA approved Frasca 101 simulator, which is shown to the right.
Also available is a magnificently equipped Beechcraft Baron twin engine aircraft. Ideal for those who wish to progress to multi-engine aircraft or advanced instrument training.
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But you mentioned a vacation experience?
Port Elizabeth is situated on the Sunshine Coast and is a tourist mecca. Not only is Port Elizabeth known as the water sport capital of the world but we are a short, 45 minute drive from some of the best game viewing in the country. Shamwari, although probably the most renowned, is just one of several game reserves in the area. Day visits to Shamwari can be easily arranged during your stay. Let's also not forget the fantastic beaches and the Boardwalk casino and entertainment complex that draws visitors from all over the world.
Go to TopThe coastal area stretching to the West and known as the Garden Route is a tourist paradise as is also the East Coast or Wild Coast as it is known. For the qualified pilot building hours towards a commercial rating, what more idyllic way would there be than taking off on an adventure into all that South Africa has to offer?
Go to TopGreat! So I get a South African Private Licence. Now what?
You can hire and fly in the UK with a South African Licence. You would be required to take a check ride with the club or facility from which you wish to hire the aircraft, but this is standard practice whatever licence you hold, UK included. You can fly in the UK as long as your licence is valid. An initial South African Licence is valid for 12 months. After the first renewal it is valid for 24 months. If you are over 40 you require an annual medical. Before your licence comes due for renewal you have the option of renewing your South African Licence or converting to a UK licence. Remember that, if you wish to convert to JAA, your South African licence must be valid at the time of conversion. But why not stick with your South African Licence.
At Last! You can keep your South African licence current in the UK. Irv Lee of Higherplane Aviation Training at Popham has, through our centre, been granted, by the South African CAA, approval to do South African PPL renewals in the UK on G registered aircraft. There is, in addition, a doctor in the UK approved to do South African medicals, so all the requirements and the paperwork can be fulfilled in the UK without the expense of a trip back to South Africa. Great news as well is that Irv Lee also has approval to do type conversions onto a large variety of types for South African licence holders. So you are by no means restricted to those aircraft types on which you learned to fly.
Go to TopThere are some things you can do to ease your way into piloting in the UK. We recommend that your first step on arrival back in the UK is to contact Irv Lee, who will instruct, mentor and guide you through the process of becoming accustomed to flying in UK airspace. This will help you learn any special local procedures. You could share 2 or 3 cross country trips with a colleague to gain experience while building your confidence and better still you could go on a short post licence Master Class given by Irv Lee. These are excellent one day seminars, aimed at all qualified pilots and invaluable to anyone especially those trained outside the UK. We have been given the opportunity to assess this course and highly recommend it to any qualified pilot.
Go to TopA private licence is great but my real ambition is to progress to the flight deck of an airline in the UK. Why should I come to South Africa?
To progress rapidly towards that goal! That one word 'progress' sums it up. Besides the cost saving which is enormous, you need a 150 hours of pilot in command time before you can start the modular JAA Commercial Pilots Licence course at home. How long would that take you in the UK? Even if money were no object. In South Africa with our magnificent flying weather you could complete the pilot in command requirements in 3 or 4 months, and save a packet to boot. Think now about how much sooner you could reach your goal! Alternatively you could complete the requirements for a South African Commercial Licence.
Algoa Flight Centre also has available a Twin engine Beechcraft Baron, fully equipped for multi-engine conversions and advanced instrument training
So want to know more? Contact Us
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