Cost of instruction

[Rachet]

I want to learn to fly and thought I would go the cheaper route of buying my own aircraft like a Bushbaby or Cheetah etc so that I don't have to pay the cost of plane hire while training but was a bit shocked at the rate for instructors. I have had figures ranging from 300 - 450 rand per hr yet a friend of mine who is doing his ppl on his own plane is paying only R225 per hr. Why would instruction for NPL be so much more or is it just greed ( or my friend is bull sh#*!ng me ). Would be glad if someone can point me in the right direction.

[JvTonder]

I did mine on my own Bushbaby and paid R450 ph but that includes the school and instructor fees. So the question is what is your friend paying for just the instructor, school or both, if both sounds to cheap and I would be cautious.

[KFA]

We charge R350 for the Instructor and R100 for the school. You will get your moneys worth.

[KFA]

Just to comment on the R225 for PPL. I think that a lot of PPL schools are using com pilots that are only looking at building hours and instruction is just a way to get hours so they fly for peanuts. Well you know what they say about peanuts. With the LSA you get mostly a highly skilled high hour instructor who makes a living out of instruction and maintenance. Remember also that for that same hour that the AP/Instructor is teaching you to fly he could have worked for R450/hr doing maintenance or other work paying more money.

[Bundy]

Hi Rachet, and welcome to the forum.

I know bugger all about LSA instruction as I fly a samoosa but regardless of what you fly, the following does apply I believe.

1: Your instructor/instructors will lay the foundation for the pilot you will become. They will have a massive influence on both your basic airmanship and especially your attitude. Choose wisely and believe me, some instructors are worth double the rate they charge. I would steer clear of those who just do it to accumulate hours....you have to ask yourself if their hearts are really in it? Ask around and talk to the experienced pilots...good instructors have good reputations. "Goedkoop is duurkoop" sometimes

2: Buying a plane is a big investment and for most of us it is a long term commitment. Are you sure that the aerie you;ve chosen is the one you really want to fly? I would be careful buying a plane before you do your licence as you may change your mind later on? My advice is to get the training done and then go shopping....try out a few types before you choose.

But hey...you da boss boet, just really great to see you're gonna take the plunge like the rest of us.

Good Luck to you Sir

[PieterKotze]

Rachet,

I used to be hangared at Springs. Probably the finest Cheetah instructor available is Paul Kingsley. Contact him on oh ait tree too tree nein ate nein won fore, he will sort you at a reasonable cost

Pieter

[Rachet]

Guys thanks for your input I can now make and informed decision on the route to take.

[planecrazy]

Hi
Yes all the above is correct in their individual way. Sorry to kick the bucket with bee`s. just to give you a wider perspective on the cost of instruction. Many people who are new to aviation does not have the correct perspective on it. And it is not their fault either. If you new to something no one will know until such a time that you are informed correctly with the correct facts.

So to explain the cost: 1. R450/hour of training is about the norm of what you will pay at any school to do training on your own aircraft. 2. what do you get for the R450/hour.....?
with regards to that, all the training has to be facilitated by a approved ATO. If it is a Part 62 school or Part 61, it does not make a difference. The fact is that the school must be approved by the CAA. this of course come at a cost. Also the school have to be up to standard to receive the required accreditation. Also to keep the standard up comes at a cost. Then there are the premises of the school which has to be covered, at a cost. All school has got these expenses, unless they are the owners of the field and its not a living but purely a hobby.
And with the aviation market as down as what it currently is, they have to survive somehow. Remember that all training that is done must be recorded and a record of such training done must be kept. This all requires time and money and therefore you pay about R450/hour of training. Remember they are training you to fly a aircraft, which require skill. not like driving a car.
There you have some explanation. I hope this makes more sense and help you choose where you want to do the training.Also keep the environment in mind.
If you want to buy a Bushbayby the man to speak to is Stefan at Petit. If you want to buy something different go speak to the guys at Pro-Wings also at Petit.
Hope this helps
Hope it helps.

[KFA]

Hi There, the school and factory is now at the Petit airfield. We are semi operational but will be fully so from the 1st week of April again. You are welcome to come around and I will take you for a flip in a Safari. Regards Stefan. 082 six zero one 8970

[powerfly]

HI Ratchet, the reason for the R450 per hour on ones own plane is because the school takes half a fee (R225) to keep the cost of the school running be it a computer, printing paper, ink cartridges, maps for students to borrow, fuel for the car to get petrol for the aeroplanes, coffee and tea and milk for students, the book keeper to do all the admin and many more things i can add to the list...the other R225 goes to the instructor for his petrol driving to the airfield and his time spent with the student teaching him/her to fly...and for the danger pay flying a student in their own plane that could be dodgy...i personally think it is a low price to pay for training...